Source of Happiness

What is the source of happiness in this life?
Of which all the people of the world should strive

Is it alcohol? The drink to which people claim;
Makes them feel elated and free of shame
If it is that good then surely the more we’d drink;
The happier we’ll be, or so you’d think.

If alcohol really could make people happy
Why do we find alcoholics among the lowest of the community?
How can it be that something so ‘fine’ and ‘good’
Brings about so much destruction in people’s livelihood

Another object of desire is beauty
To be attractive, handsome; or even a cutey
This desire that is fueled but never satisfied
To think happiness is attained by having a beautiful wife

How can this be a reason for being happy
Something so transitory, that fades so easily?
As beauty is so limited, it cannot be the source
To which all people should strive towards

It is often heard that our children are the apple of our eye
I can tell you first-hand; they bring bliss I can’t lie;
But there is also an un-admitted truth
That they also bring with them, the greatest pain too

Feelings which are unimaginable before parenthood
When your child is sick; you feel the utmost hurt
So how then can children be the source of happiness in this world?
When parents’ emotions are a roller-coaster ride, with high’s and lows?

How about marriage? Having a husband or wife;
Surely they’d bring comfort and joy to your life
But there will be times when you’d feel distanced and heartless
In which you should continue to do good by your spouse for Allah’s sake, regardless

Because only with Allah you will find true tranquility
When you obey Him in times of happiness as well as misery
Because only with obedience to Allah will you attain inner happiness
And acknowledge the pleasures and riches of this world are worthless

Whoever does right, whether male or female, and is a believer, We will make him live a good life, and We will award them their reward for the best of what they used to do. (Quran, 16:97)