Spirit of Islam, Sept-Oct 2025

H appiness is one of humanity’s most sought-after treasures, yet it is often misunderstood. Many people think of happiness as an emotion that can be instantly triggered by external stimuli—like music, entertainment, or possessions. A report published in the Journal of Positive Psychology (December 19, 2012) explored this very idea. In an experiment, participants were made to listen to “happy music,” and those who actively tried to feel happier subsequently reported the highest levels of positive mood. On the surface, this might seem like a breakthrough: simply play the right kind of music and you will feel better. But a deeper look reveals a flaw— such happiness is artificial and temporary. Life is full of problems. The world around us constantly throws challenges our way, and our minds naturally respond to them. No matter how upbeat the music, you cannot silence your mind forever. Therefore, this type of happiness is unrelated to reality—it is like wearing a mask of joy while your heart remains burdened. Anything less than genuine happiness will fail to bring long-term satisfaction. In truth, such methods are closer to self-deception than real joy. If researchers followed participants over months or years, they would likely find that this artificially induced happiness fades, leaving them mentally dull. Why? Because escaping reality requires suppressing the thinking process. And when thought is suppressed for long periods, intellectual growth suffers. True happiness demands the opposite: an active, engaged mind that learns to navigate life’s difficulties. HOW TO BE HAPPY Mastering Life’s Challenges No matter how upbeat the music, you cannot silence your mind forever. This is like wearing a mask of joy while your heart remains burdened.