Dont worry, be happy

☀ 10 STEPS TO BEING HAPPY

1. Seek the pleasure of Allah – nothing can make us happier than seeking the pleasure of Allah. Whether we are out, at work, in our homes or on holiday, never forget to make time to connect to Allah.

2. Be grateful – The more grateful we are to have the things we have, the more Allah will shower us with His bounties. Appreciation of what Allah has blessed us with is vital.

*“If you express gratitude, I shall certainly give you more, and if you are ungrateful, then My punishment is severe.”[Ibrahim: V7]*

3. Satisfy your soul and not your physical body – Work on activities that result in happiness that bring a smile to the heart and not merely a smile to the face. Do meaningful work. Strive to partake in feeding the homeless, assisting the distressed and helping others, over time spent in worthless worldly activity.

*“True enrichment does not come through possessing a lot of wealth, but true enrichment is the enrichment of the soul.”[Bukhari]*

4. Avoid comparisons – do not look towards celebrities, rich or affluent people above you in worldly matters. The lives of such individuals are not ‘ideal’ in the eyes of Allah. Rather look towards the lives of the Messenger sallallahu alayhi wasallam, his family and his companions radhiallahu anhum, who are our guiding stars in life.

5. Have no expectations from anyone – place all reliance and expectation in Allah alone. Any favor that we do, and any good character that we display is not for us to be met with the same in return. All that we do is hope in Allah's promise of reward for the good we do.

6. Serve others and cultivate good relations – We should have a kind and friendly nature, always ready to share our warmth and support to others. The Messenger sallallahu alayhi wasallam strongly advised us to maintain family ties, and keep amicable bonds with other Muslims.

7. Live Simply - The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wasallam chose a simple life over an affluent one, and he was always content with Allah's decree. Why complicate life with excess when a simple life brings much happiness and peace.

8. Eat good halal pure food. Eating well maintains our physical well-being, this too keeps us happy.

9. Keep Fit – Even moderate exercise is beneficial and makes us feel happy.

10. Keep up with daily worship - Truly in the rememrance of Allah do hearts find rest. Salaat, Zikrullah, daily Quran reading, appreciating nature and Allah's bounties, learning and following the Sunnah; all these contribute to a happy & content life.