The general perception of a Muslim’s life is that “It has to be difficult”. In other words, it means endurance, suffering, pain, and massive sorrow. We are indeed sent on earth to be tested by Allah (SWT), as mentioned in the Qur’an, but at the same time. It does not mean that, as Muslims, we cannot have a happy life of ease.
Allah (SWT) explicitly told us in this Qur’anic verse, that;
“Whoever acts righteously, whether a man or a woman, and embraces belief, We will surely grant him a good life, and we will surely grant such persons their reward according to the best of their deeds”.
Surah 16. An-Nahl, Ayat 97
According to this verse, there is a condition to having a good life, which is “To do good deeds”. As long as you have good intentions and do good deeds purely for the sake of Allah, He will bless you with good in both worlds.
All we need to do is “good deeds”, and no matter what we are going through, we will have a happy life, just as Allah has told us. Good means well and righteousness. And if we do well and right in life, it ultimately means we will get pleasure from it.
A Muslim’s thoughts about life should be optimistic. From the hadith of our beloved Prophet Muhammad, we learn that we should ask Allah for a good life and a good hereafter.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) visited a Muslim man who became very weak and sick, like a small bird. He (SAW) said to him, “Were you asking or supplicating to Allah (SWT) about something”?
The Prophet (SAW) said:
“All praise is due to Allah (SWT), for you cannot bear or set a standard, you should have said, Oh, our Lord, give us in this world that which is good, and in the hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the fire”.
The man began reciting this dua, and he was cured.
Allah (SWT) Himself said in Qur’an he likes those who pray:
“Rabbana Atina Fid Dunya Hasanah Wa Fil Aakhirati Hasanatan Waqina Azab An-nar (2: 102)
The Prophet (SAW) has taught us this beautiful Dua that we are to make every single day in order that we can have a pleasing life and also good results in the Aakhirah. The significance of this dua is so high that it has been recommended to be recited during the Hajj and Umrah, Subhan Allah.
As this dua is comprehensive, the word “Hasanah” in Arabic translates to “all that is good”. This covers everything in life, and it has a vast meaning, e.g.
• A Good Wife or Husband
• Pious Children
• Success in Business, career, or Job
• Personal and Family Health
• Doing well in all walks of life
• Having strong Morals and character
• Having Beneficial Knowledge
• Having Integrity, strength, and courage
• Practising Islam
