I’ve been feeling a bit lifeless recentely, a little sort of sad. I’m not really caring about anything to much. My response now is “I don’t mind, you can do that, I’m fine”. I have no intention of commiting suicide or anything like that and I have no worries or stresses in my life. How can I feel more happy? Why I am feeling like this? It’s random, ussualy I’m quite a happy person but for a few days I’vel ost eiuthasm and intrest.
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
Brother-in-Islam,
On the outset, it is important for us to first understand our true purpose in life and why we have been sent to this world. A feeling of emptiness and indifference towards life is a result of not preoccupying oneself with certain morals and ideals that shape and form the way we live out our lives. Once you are able to do so, you will be able to take the next step by molding your life in accordance to these predefined goals and let them become the means of achieving true happiness.
As Muslims, our aim in life is to seek the pleasure of Allah Ta’ālā by worshipping him and obeying His commands and the commands of His messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). He the Almighty says in the Holy Quran:
وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنْسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ، مَا أُرِيدُ مِنْهُمْ مِنْ رِزْقٍ وَمَا أُرِيدُ أَنْ يُطْعِمُونِ، إِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الرَّزَّاقُ ذُو الْقُوَّةِ الْمَتِينُ
And I did not create the Jinns and the human beings except that they should worship Me. I do not want any sustenance from them, nor do I want them to feed Me. In fact, Allah is the All-Sustainer, Possessor of power, the Strong. [Al-Quran, 51:56-58]
As such, you should make an effort to bring Islam in every part of your life and let your mind remain busy in furthering this goal. Allah Ta’ālā says in the Holy Quran:
مَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا مِنْ ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنْثَى وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَنُحْيِيَنَّهُ حَيَاةً طَيِّبَةً وَلَنَجْزِيَنَّهُمْ أَجْرَهُمْ بِأَحْسَنِ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ
Whoever, male or female, has done righteous deed while a believer, We shall certainly make him live a good life and shall give such people their reward for the good they used to do. [Al-Quran, 16:97]
In order to help you relieve yourself of these feelings of emptiness, we advise you to do the following:
(1) Make a schedule for the day and single out certain times for nawafil salah (extra prayer), dhikr (remembrance of Allah Ta’ālā), recitation of the Quran, and du’ā.
(2) Read books about the life of the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and his companions (radiyallahu ‘anhu)
(3) Download and listen to lectures about Islam.
(4) Find Islamic activities offered by your local masjid so you may join them and further your Islamic agenda.
(5) Seek the company of the pious Ulama and make an effort to learn more from them about Islam.
Once you are able to bring Islam into every part of your life, your carelessness will automatically dissipate and you will be able to taste the true sweetness of Iman.
You may also recite the following du’a:
اللَّهُمَّ أَعِنِّي عَلَى ذِكْرِكَ، وَشُكْرِكَ، وَحُسْنِ عِبَادَتِكَ
Translation: O Allah, help me in remembering You, in giving You thanks, and worshipping You well.
Transliteration: Allahumma A’innee ‘alaa dhikrika wa shukrika wa husni ‘ibaadatik
May Allah Ta’ālā grant you happiness in this life and the hereafter. Ameen.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Bilal Mohammad
Student Darul Iftaa
New Jersey, USA
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.