Imaan – The Recipe to Happiness and Joy – Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (حفظه الله)

Imaan – The Recipe to Happiness and Joy

by Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (حفظه الله)
(Principal of Madrasah Ta’leemuddeen, South Africa)

All acts of Ibaadat are branches of Imaan. Without Imaan, there is no reward for any act irrespective of the quantity. Amongst these Ibaadaat are those whose rewards are recurring. For example, the growing of a beard. For as long as a person has a beard, his reward will be recurring at every moment of his life. Similar is the case of nikaah. Thus, when this is the situation with some of the branches, then greater would be the case with Imaan. Its rewards are recurring for as long as a person has faith and Imaan.

If we only reflect over the details of Imaan then there would be no reason for any person to grieve and be sorrowful. With Imaan we believe that Allah Ta’ala is the Absolute Controller of all affairs. Hence, when we realise this then this is the recipe to happiness. We have the tendency to look at things negatively and only think of the misfortunes and difficulties that overcome us. Instead, forget the hardships and think of the many bounties and favours we enjoy.
For perfecting Imaan, there are certain requisites. These are outlined in the Qur’aan where Allah Ta’ala explains three requisites:

(1) Nabi’s (صلى الله عليه وسلم) decision is final in all matters.
(2) There should not be even the slightest reservation within one’s heart and mind regarding the decision.
(3) One should wholeheartedly accept the decision irrespective of the circumstance and situation.

Therefore, for the preservation of our Imaan, one simple method would be to make the following du’aa after every Salaah: “Tawaffanee muslimaw-wa alhiqnee bis saaliheen” (O Allah! Make me die as a Muslim and join me in the ranks of the pious.)