The Pursuit of Prophetic Happiness

There are 3 things that we can focus on through a prophetic lens.

1. How you spend your money is half of your livelihood.

The importance of mindful spending is paramount to our pursuit of happiness.

When we spend our money, it’s critical to prioritize our responsibilities, particularly those whom Allah has entrusted to our care. Spending our earnings to fulfill familial responsibilities (without fearing poverty) rewards us with spiritual grace or “Sadaqa.” Indeed, contributing to our family’s well-being and meeting their needs is an obligation second only to our religious duties.

Charitable giving is the second aspect of mindful spending. The Prophet (pbuh) told us that wealth does not decrease because of charity. Even the smallest of contributions, made consistently, could still allow us to be counted among the givers. Remember, it’s not about the quantity; instead, it’s about the quality and continuity of giving.

The third way we should spend our money is to enjoy the blessings Allah has bestowed upon us. Dress well, eat well, pray well, and always celebrate Allah’s blessings with gratitude. Only after fulfilling our responsibilities giving charity, should we then try to save some, ensuring our future well-being and the capacity to continue giving. But remember, save responsibly without depriving yourself of enjoying the blessings in your life.

Being beloved by people is half of your intelligence.

This counters the alarming trend of burning bridges and tarnishing relationships. Disagreement should not equate to discord. We must cultivate communities where disagreements are addressed respectfully, preserving the relationship’s sanctity. After all, we are all integral to the collective mission of the Muslim community.

Asking a good question is half of your knowledge.

The pursuit of knowledge can be traced back to the Prophet’s time, and asking questions is an integral part of that learning journey. Asking questions is not a sign of weakness, nor is not knowing.

Let’s take these categorical indicators from the Prophet’s tradition to heart on our quest for prophetic happiness.

And as we make decisions, use money, forge relationships, and ask questions, may we do it all in a way that aligns with the tranquility of prophetic wisdom.

Thank you Shaykh Ubaydullah for this reflection.