Islam and Happiness
The current psychological climate limits the understanding of happiness to be only within the temporal and secular. This modern conception marshals virtue, the self, and ikhtiyār to instead serve the tragic spirit.
In two of his seminal monographs (Islam: The Conception of Religion and the Foundation of Ethics and Morality & Meaning and Experience of Happiness in Islam), Prof. Al-Attas strives to remedy this corruption by rerooting the notion of happiness as sa'adah within the true standard of submission, which is Islam.
This lecture series, delivered by Dr. Roslan Jelani, shall combine these works in expounding the notion and how it ties to man's ultimate destiny.
01 Islam and Happiness
02 Islam and Happiness
03 Islam and Happiness
04 Islam and Happiness
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SESSION 01
(5th January 2024)
This lecture emphasises the unique and universal nature of Islām, arguing that it should not be simply translated as "submission" or equated with other religions, as this dilutes its comprehensive scope and distinct worldview. Dr. Roslan highlights that Islām is a complete and pre-existent religion in God's knowledge, revealed through Prophet Muhammad for all mankind, and encompassing all aspects of life, including both outward actions and inner states of belief and intention. True adherence to Islām involves continuous engagement with its principles, following the guidance of the Prophet, and understanding its profound intellectual and metaphysical dimensions, which are superior to Western thought and its focus on particularity and historical evolution.
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SESSION 02
(2nd February 2024)
This lecture emphasises the critical importance of correct understanding and proper conceptualisation within Islam, especially concerning fundamental ideas like reality, existence, and the nature of God. Dr. Roslan argues that contemporary Muslims often overlook essential metaphysical questions and rely on secularised or improperly translated terms, leading to a shallow comprehension of their faith. A central theme is the necessity of adhering to a pure Islamic worldview, rooted in Qur'anic semantic vocabulary and the intellectual tradition of past scholars, to avoid misinterpretations of core concepts such as 'ilm (knowledge) and submission. This session ultimately calls for a re-evaluation of Islamic education and discourse, urging a move away from trivial legal debates and Western-influenced secular thought, towards a profound, intellectually rigorous engagement with Islamic principles that acknowledges divine authority and avoids diluting the religion's unique truths.
SESSION 03
(1st March 2024)
This lecture emphasises that Islam is not a philosophical game, sociology, or mathematics, but rather a divine revelation that provides a complete worldview of reality and truth. The core argument highlights the critical importance of a "basic Qur'anic vocabulary", comprising key terms like īmān and taqwā, which historically fostered intellectual and spiritual unity among Muslims worldwide. However, Dr. Roslan posits that this unity is now fractured due to the "de-Islamisation of language," where these fundamental terms have been restricted, altered, or misunderstood, leading to widespread confusion and a deviation towards secular worldviews. The lecture concludes by underscoring the necessity of re-Islamising language and thought through a reintroduction of authentic Islamic concepts and a return to certainty (yaqīn) as the foundation for true understanding and lasting happiness, contrasting this with the West's inherent uncertainty and momentary view of joy.
SESSION 04
(17th May 2024)
This lecture emphasises a distinct Islamic worldview that sharply contrasts with Western thought, particularly regarding concepts of tragedy, happiness, and knowledge. Dr. Roslan argues that while Western culture is steeped in a sense of tragedy, Islam offers an escape through faith (īmān) and submission to God, rooted in the Qur'anic concept of khusr (loss) which can be avoided by being among believers. A central theme is the importance of metaphysics in Islam, especially the nature of God's manifestation (tanazzul, tajallīyat, ta‘ayyunat) and the reality of existence (wujūd), which for Muslims is a gift from God (wājib al-wujūd), leading to a state of indebtedness and humility. True happiness (al-sa‘ādah) in Islam stems from certainty in God's existence and commands, unlike the Western pursuit of happiness which is hampered by a lack of metaphysical understanding and constant doubt. The lecture strongly advocates for knowledge-based belief and the study of authentic Islamic sources, criticising the adoption of Western concepts and the superficial understanding of Islam prevalent among many Muslims today.
SESSION 05
(7th June 2024)
This lecture emphasises that true Islamic understanding extends far beyond superficial interpretations, demanding sufficient knowledge to distinguish right from wrong and justice from injustice. It critiques the prevailing mentality among some Muslims who criticise scholars and oversimplify complex concepts like taqwā, reducing it to mere emotion rather than a reverential fear rooted in knowledge and consciousness of God's presence. The discussion highlights the importance of wasaţun (the middle way), avoiding extremes and practicing self-examination (hisāb) to suppress the "animalistic" self and prevent self-deception, such as the pursuit of extreme wealth or technology. Dr. Roslan strongly asserts that true intelligence and problem-solving do not rely on advanced technology but on profound knowledge derived from proper sources and scholarly traditions. Furthermore, it stresses that Islām is not merely intellectual acceptance but coherent action (taşdīq), necessitating the purification of the soul (akhlāq) to embark on a spiritual journey towards tranquility and its true destiny. The lecture concludes by underscoring that Islām is a profound and intellectual heritage, not to be simplified, and that understanding its revealed truths—like wahdāniyah (God's Oneness) and the debt of existence—is paramount for avoiding tragedy and living a purposeful life, guided by revelation rather than purely human reason or materialism.
SESSION 06
(2nd August 2024)
This lecture explores the profound concept of true happiness (al-sa‘ādah) within the framework of Islam, contrasting it sharply with Western and modern understandings. The core argument emphasises that genuine, permanent happiness is not fleeting or dependent on external circumstances, but rather is intricately linked to knowledge and experience of God (ma‘rifatullāh), a stable soul (al-nafs al-muţma’innah), and the purification of the self (tazkiyah al-nafs). Dr. Roslan critically examines the limitations of empirical psychology and secular ethics, which focus on transient emotions and desires (the "animal soul"), arguing that these approaches lead to a superficial, temporary "happiness" that lacks true meaning or lasting fulfillment. Ultimately, the lecture posits that genuine submission (Islām) and faith (īmān), unified in both practice and belief, are essential for achieving the highest state of happiness, which culminates in the vision of God (ru’yatullāh).
SESSION 07
(23rd August 2024)
This lecture explores the profound concept of human existence as a divine gift and a debt owed to Allah. It emphasises that true understanding of self and God stems from acknowledging our continuous state of indebtedness, contrasting our impermanent existence (fanā’) with God's eternal existence (baqā’). The core argument centers on the importance of the rūħ (soul) as the bearer of identity and the foundation for character, akhlāq, which requires spiritual knowledge beyond mere physical or intellectual comprehension. The lecture highlights the significance of the mīthāq (covenant) and the two forms of shahādah (witnessing)—Rabbaniyah (acknowledging God as Creator) and Ilāhiyah (acknowledging God as the sole object of worship and submission)—to affirm our belief and guide our actions. Ultimately, genuine happiness in Islam arises from a willing and conscious submission to God, informed by true knowledge and lived out in accordance with Prophet Muhammad's teachings, rather than through coercion or blind adherence.
SESSION 08
(4th October 2024)
This session emphasises that a Muslim's inherent happiness stems from a true understanding of God, self, and Islam, leading to inner peace and security. Unlike others, a Muslim's true fear is not of worldly terrors, but of Allah's displeasure, underscoring the importance of consciousness of purpose and the covenant made on the Day of Alastu. The lecture highlights the concept of self as a trust (amanah), necessitating deep knowledge of oneself and a continuous, conscious submission to Allah as a form of gratitude for existence. Furthermore, it advocates for developing an "excellent mind" and discernment (tamyiz) to rightly understand divine law (Shariah) and the worldview of Islam, stressing the need to learn from past scholars rather than solely relying on direct interpretations of foundational texts. Finally, the lecture distinguishes Islam as a divinely revealed religion that does not require "development" but instead calls for the development of Muslims through adherence to its unchangeable principles and a vigilant avoidance of compromise or distortion of its established meanings.
SESSION 09
(6th December 2024)
This discourse critically examines the contemporary state of the Muslim community, arguing that many have deviated from foundational Islamic principles by adopting a worldview heavily influenced by Western humanism, materialism, and secular thought. This deviation manifests as an overemphasis on the "common people" as authorities of knowledge, a reduction of reality to the physical and empirical, and a constant search for new interpretations of established truths, leading to confusion and spiritual disequilibrium. Dr. Roslan asserts that true happiness, knowledge, and purpose for Muslims lie in returning to the comprehensive and permanent wisdom of Islam, which provides a wholistic understanding of reality, integrates the physical and metaphysical, and emphasises constant striving for spiritual perfection and adherence to divine guidance, rather than endlessly seeking external solutions or redefining established concepts. Ultimately, the discourse underscores Islam as a complete body of knowledge that offers a definitive, unchanging path to inner tranquility and a flourishing civilisation.
SESSION 10
(3rd January 2025)
This discourse emphasises that the primary concern for Muslims should be their behavior and relationship with Allah, leading to true happiness through certainty of truth and firm belief, alongside a constant awareness of God's presence. It argues for the necessity of acquiring proper knowledge to understand oneself, the divine, and the universe, highlighting that Islam is a "body of knowledge" requiring continuous learning. Dr. Roslan contrasts this with Western thought, stressing the importance of changing one's personality and character rather than tradition, and defining "limit of truth" not as restriction but as sufficient knowledge. Crucially, the discourse introduces the concept of "real jihad" as the struggle against internal satanic elements that hinder the pursuit of truth and knowledge, emphasising the role of genuine people of knowledge as authorities in understanding Islam and confronting issues like extremism and the misinterpretation of modern science.
SESSION 11
(7th February 2025)
This lecture explores the profound connection between Islam and true happiness, emphasising that authentic religious experience must first occur within the self. It posits that human existence begins in a state of "indebtedness" to Allah, necessitating submission to repay this debt through adherence to Islamic principles. Dr. Roslan draws parallels between this spiritual contract and the dynamics of a civilised society, highlighting concepts like justice, governance, trade, and the fulfillment of agreements. Ultimately, achieving happiness involves diligently striving to return the self to its original, pure state by adhering to the teachings of the Qur'an and the Prophet, constantly battling lower desires, and nurturing the intellect to attain certainty in truth and divine knowledge.
SESSION 12
(2nd May 2025)
This lecture emphasises the fundamental differences between the Islamic and Western secular worldviews, highlighting that a true Muslim must comprehend these distinctions. A core idea is that Muslims operate from a "closure of certainty," contrasted with the Western "closure of doubt." To be a good Muslim, one must understand the worldview of Islam, which encompasses key elements like the nature of God, creation, and knowledge, and properly interpret the Qur'an with divine guidance and moral integrity. Dr. Roslan asserts that Western culture is inherently "evil" and leads to suffering due to its embrace of repulsiveness and ugliness, cautioning against imitation and urging Muslims to maintain a robust belief in metaphysical and eschatological realities, recognising God as the sole sustainer and authority.
SESSION 13
(4th July 2025)
This lecture explores the Islamic concept of happiness, contrasting it with Western secular views. Dr. Roslan emphasises that true happiness stems from a proper understanding and governance of the self, which involves cultivating right attributes and actions aligned with a comprehensive worldview that encompasses both physical and metaphysical realities. Key themes include the importance of excellence in belief and morality, broadening one's horizon of thought through proper knowledge, and developing moral sensitivity and courage. Ultimately, genuine happiness in Islam is presented as a permanent condition rooted in the certainty of ultimate truth and one's rightful place in creation, rather than fleeting desires or worldly pleasures, leading to a state of peace, security, and tranquility of the heart.
SESSION 14
(1st August 2025)
This lecture delves into the Islamic conception of happiness, emphasizing that it transcends mere worldly pleasure or material well-being. True happiness, requires controlling one's inner faculties and placing them in their proper context, aligning human desires with divine purpose. It is inextricably linked with true knowledge of God, virtuous conduct, and unwavering certainty (yakin), leading to a permanent, inner state of being rather than fleeting satisfaction. The lecture contrasts this comprehensive Islamic understanding with what it perceives as the West's naturalistic, fact-based, and often materialistic view of happiness, which is seen as inherently limited and incapable of achieving ultimate, metaphysical fulfilment. Ultimately, genuine happiness in Islam involves a constant state of submission (Islam) to God's will and living in accordance with prophetic guidance, fostering an authentic self that is both internally stable and deeply connected to the divine.
SESSION 15
(3rd October 2025)
This lecture asserts that fundamental concepts like happiness, knowledge, good, and bad possess an established reality within the Qur'an and Hadith, meaning they do not require new human conceptualisation or judgement. Dr. Roslan argues that terms lacking this abstract existence are already declared by Divine sources, making further attempts at definition futile and confusing, in contrast to secondary concepts like leadership which need to be conceptualised based on established Islamic principles. True happiness, referred to as al-sa'adah, is presented as an eternal state of pleasure without pain, and joy without sorrow, which is attained through the pleasure of the soul derived from specific knowledge leading to the knowing of God. Furthermore, this pursuit of happiness requires nurturing the cognitive aspect of the intellect with specific knowledge that purifies the soul and directs all of one's being toward serving God, emphasising that this fulfilment must include satisfying the needs of the physical self within the necessary limits defined by Sharia.