The structure of joy and sorrow silently permeates and controls human existence, moulding the quality and condition of one’s life. They act as a measuring tool for our lives. The ultimate goal that all individuals strive for is happiness. However, in this pursuit, one may amass great wealth, believing it to be crucial for happiness, only to realize that it is not the determining factor. It lies elsewhere. Despite possessing luxurious possessions and all the comforts of life, one may still feel a void in his heart and an emptiness in his mind, causing distress. This leads to the realization that these material things have not brought true happiness but instead have taken over our lives. We are no longer the owners; they possess us and shape us into who we are throughout our lifetime.
In his book “The Alchemy of Happiness,” Imam Gazali deeply explores the subject of happiness and presents the timeless principles of achieving happiness. He emphasizes that true happiness starts within oneself but is ultimately fulfilled through a connection with God. Through self-discovery, we embark on a journey that unravels the mysteries of the universe and leads us to God as the centre of our lives, bringing us lasting joy and peace.
Understanding ourselves also means recognizing our dual nature of both joy and sorrow, which are inherently connected. As Khalil Gibran explains, they stem from the same source. Therefore, we should not become arrogant in moments of happiness, as it can quickly turn into distress. Similarly, Hazrat Ali advises against showing off our joy in front of those who are suffering. This self-awareness allows us to understand the temporary nature of existence and not be consumed by either fleeting joy or worldly possessions.
Hazrat Ali beautifully states that we should possess things rather than being possessed by them. By delving deep into ourselves and realizing that we enter and leave this world with nothing, we can find peace and tranquillity in life. This is exemplified by Alexander the Great’s final wishes for his burial arrangements, where he humbly requests for his coffin to be carried by the best doctors to remind people that no doctor can save us from death, and for his path to be adorned with precious gems to show that material possessions are left behind and his hands left hanging out of the shroud to teach people that one departs empty handed. Imam Gazali’s book teaches us that true happiness lies within ourselves and is ultimately achieved through a connection with God. Quran proclaims that one finds tranquillity in the remembrance of God. By understanding our own nature and our impermanent existence in this world, we can find contentment and liberation from worldly desires and will find more time for remembering God and praying to him punctually and dedicatedly.
Imam Gazali’s second principle of happiness is centred around understanding God. This involves not only knowing oneself, but also comprehending the intentions of the creator behind the creation of human beings. The Quran makes it clear that the purpose of human existence is to worship God. For Gazali, understanding God helps to comprehend the balance between joy and distress, allowing one to be unaffected by the ups and downs of life. Distress should not be seen as a disturbance, but rather as a way to learn important lessons and appreciate joy even more. As Hazrat Ali wisely stated, distress can teach us more than joy. It can bring us closer to God and lead us to prostrate ourselves before Him. This perspective is reflected in a hadith that states a faithful person wears a smile on their face but carries distress in his heart. This world may seem like an imprisonment for a faithful person, but understanding God and accepting the joys and pains of life can lead to a balanced existence. Once we realize that God can change our hearts from joy to distress and vice versa, we will stop labelling one as positive and the other as negative. Albert Camus suggests that accepting and embracing anguish of life is the key to resolving existential anguish.
The third key to happiness is comprehending the inner workings of the universe, its transient nature, and its vulnerabilities such as illnesses and death, as well as catastrophic events like earthquakes, tsunamis, fires, wars, and many others. Recognizing that this world is not an ideal place for lasting contentment and serenity can mitigate the distress that arises from our desires. Hazrat Ali would refers to this world as unworthy because it is filled with people, possessions, wealth, and other distractions that distance us from God. Our first expression upon entering this world is crying, which symbolizes the pain of this existence. This crying represents our separation from the divine nourishment of the womb. By understanding the mechanisms of this world and accepting that true joy cannot be found here, we can find peace and not feel distressed by lacking material possessions. Life becomes simpler when we acknowledge the impermanence of this world. In his renowned book “The Incoherence of Philosophers,” Gazali criticizes Greek philosophers for their belief in an eternal world and emphasizes that this world will eventually come to an end. He urges us to focus more on the afterlife – a permanent realm unaffected by the rules of this transitory world.
Imam Gazali emphasizes the importance of the afterlife as the fourth pillar of happiness and encourages individuals to strive towards it as it is the true world for them to reside in. By focusing on the afterlife and working towards it, one can endure the hardships of this temporary world and recognize its impermanence. This realization will lead people to make sacrifices and patiently await their ultimate fate, aspiring to enter a new world of everlasting peace and happiness. However, in order to attain this eternal bliss, one must engage in good deeds.

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