LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST!

One of the self inflicted stereotypes in some Islamic cultures is that depression and sadness equate to piety. You see practising people always tinted blue, never smiling, as though they shoulder the burdens of the whole world. But, who said happiness ciolates ALLAH's commands?

"Say (O Muhammad): Who has forbidden the beautiful gifts of ALLAH which He has produced for His servants, and the things, clean and pure which He has provided for sustenance? Say: They are, in the life of this world for those who have faith, and solely for them on the Day of Judgement. Thus do We explain the signs in detail for the benefit of those who like to know?" 7:32

Asceticism often means the negation of art and beauty, it has no necessary sanctity attached to it. The beautiful and good things of life are really meant for, and should be the privilage of those with faith in ALLAH. If they do not always have them in this life....let us remember that this is a test from The Creator. In the life to come the joys will be purely for the faithful.

Islam recognizes the importance of celebrations and happiness in people's lives. While expecting the ultimate reward in the Hereafter, a believer is not required to deny himself/herself the opportunity of enjoying in this life. Islam does not expect people to deprive themselves of the lawful pleasures of life. A Muslim should know how to strike a balance between devotional acts of worship and worldly pleasures.

Feeling joy and showing happiness and delight are essential elements of Eid. That is why scholars stated that showing happiness in Eid is a religious ritual. The Prophet (PBUH) encouraged the Muslim community to manifest happiness on this day. Beyond Eid, the Prophet (PBUH) was known to practise humor with His companions, and oftern wrestle with them. He would socialise with his wives for joy, and play with children (mostly His daughter Fatima and grandsons, Hasan and Husain). What makes one wonder is the act of those who overlook this Prophetic guidance and try to destroy this joy and spoil Eid’s cheerful spirit. In fact, some ascetics and worshipers did so in the past out of good intention.

This gloomy spirit is echoed today by some sincere people who are used to turning Eids into occasions of lamenting the Ummah’s shortcomings and tragedies, and mourning over the lost glories. Sadness and gloominess will never be the remedy for our tragedies. The remedy needs more than that. It needs reflection and wise thinking, as well as courageous self-criticism and assessment. Rejecting the manifestations of joy, extinguishing every smile and succumbing to sadness and grief have nothing to do with liberating even and-span of land, satisfying a hungry person, or answering any call for help.

The best guidance is that of the Prophet (PBUH), who used to seek refuge in ALLAH from worry and sorrow. He was always an optimistic, smiling man. We need to infuse the Ummah with this hopeful spirit. Eid is a ray that dispels the darks engulfing our souls and the despair strangling our hearts. So let hope find its way into our souls. The life-span of Islam is far longer than ours; its horizons are far wider than our countries; the calamities afflicting us are not unchangeable fate. We should not be hasty and impatient. ALLAH’s laws in running the universe cannot be altered according to the humans’ whims or wishes.

However, we must not shrug our responsibilities towards our selves, families and community off our shoulders. The key is to strike the balance: while keeping the concerns of the world at heart, our spirit must remain hopeful, cheereful and optimistic. Again, gloom and despair never changed reality! When struck by calamity or depression, let’s look at the bright side and appreciate the favours ALLAH has bestowed on us. A desperate soul overwhelmed by fears and blinded by a gloomy view can never be helpful in rectifying our situation. After all, we should remember that ALLAH is always awaiting our calls to answer; and that He Almighty is the Greatest.May ALLAH fill our lives with happiness, and all mankind! Ameen.