FOUR SOURCES OF HAPPINESS AND MISERY

 FAJR REMINDER: FOUR SOURCES OF HAPPINESS AND MISERY 

By: Umm Affān

Dhū al-Ḥijjah 29, 1447 (15-June-2026)

Alḥamdulillāh for the blessing of Islām—a complete way of life that guides us toward everything beneficial and warns us against everything harmful.

Sa’d Ibn Abī Waqqās reported: The Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) said, “Four things are part of happiness: a righteous spouse, a spacious dwelling, a righteous neighbor, and a comfortable mount. Four things are part of misery: a bad neighbor, a bad spouse, a restrictive dwelling, and a bad mount.” [Ṣaḥīḥ Ibn Ḥibbān 4032] In another narration, Nāfi’ Ibn ‘Abdul Ḥārith reported: The Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) said, “It is part of a man’s happiness to have a righteous neighbor, a comfortable mount, and a spacious dwelling.” [Musnad Aḥmad 15372] 

A Righteous Spouse vs. A Bad Spouse: A righteous spouse is among the greatest blessings Allāh can grant a servant. Such a spouse assists in obedience to Allāh, protects the family’s dignity, and fills the home with tranquillity, love, and mercy. In times of difficulty, they offer patience, emotional support, and wise counsel. In contrast, a bad spouse may become a source of distraction from remembering Allāh, disobedience, emotional distress, and ongoing conflict. For this reason, choosing a spouse based on Eeman and noble character is one of the most important life decisions for a believer.

A Spacious House vs. A Restrictive House: A spacious home is a source of comfort and psychological ease. It allows room for worship, privacy, family bonding, and the proper upbringing of children. Such an environment reduces stress and makes daily living more peaceful and organized. However, a cramped and restrictive dwelling often leads to discomfort, tension, and frequent disagreements. Limited space can affect privacy, concentration, and overall family harmony. A suitable home is therefore one of the worldly blessings that contribute greatly to stability and well-being.

A Righteous Neighbor vs. A Bad Neighbor: A righteous neighbor is a priceless blessing. Such a person respects rights, avoids harm, assists when needed, and contributes positively to the surrounding environment. Good neighbors strengthen community bonds and provide support in times of difficulty. However, a bad neighbor can be a source of constant hardship. Through harm, disturbance, gossip, or disregard for others’ rights, such a neighbor may disturb one’s peace even within the home. Indeed, the trial of an evil neighbor is one of the most difficult social challenges a person may face.

A Comfortable Mount vs. A Bad Mount: In contemporary terms, this refers to reliable means of transportation that make life easier and more efficient. A good car helps a person fulfill responsibilities, seek knowledge, earn a livelihood, and attend to necessary affairs with ease. Conversely, unreliable or uncomfortable transportation can become a source of stress, delay, financial burden, and frustration, disrupting daily life and productivity.

While true happiness lies in obedience to Allāh and preparation for the Hereafter, these worldly blessings play a significant role in bringing ease, stability, and peace in one’s life. Their absence or the opposite can bring difficulty and hardship. Therefore, a believer should strive to attain them through lawful means, remain grateful to Allāh when blessed with them, and always ask Him for goodness in both this world and the next.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymīn (Raḥimahullāh) said: “There is nothing wrong with asking for some worldly things, such as saying: ‘O Allāh, give me a spacious house.’ ‘O Allāh, give me a beautiful wife.’ ‘O Allāh, bless me with abundant wealth.’ ‘O Allāh, give me a comfortable car.’ That is because Du’ā’ in itself is an act of worship, even if it is asking for worldly things, and a person has no one to turn to but Allāh.” [Sharḥ al-Mumti’ v. 3, p. 284]

I beseech Allāh (ﷻ) to bless us with righteous spouses who will help us attain Jannah, spacious and blessed homes filled with Eemān, righteous neighbors who bring peace and harmony to our communities, and reliable means of transport that assist us in fulfilling our responsibilities. I also seek His Protection from the harms and trials associated with the opposites. Aameen