Happiness

February 6, 2019Science & Faith

Let us examine the results of one American study regarding reasons for happiness and how our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) told us about them fourteen centuries ago.….

CAUSES THAT BRING HAPPINESS TO HUMANKIND

After many years of wondering about the causes of human pleasure, a new study revealed three reasons that solve this complex problem and show the sources of humanities cheerfulness.

In their study, Jonathon Height and Jenifer Silvers found that communication and interaction between people increases the release of the hormone oxytocin and increases the effects of the vagus nerve; both appear to enhance happiness. The results were partially publicized on the Oprah program, where a video showed how a mother’s actions reflected on her happiness. On the program, Height explained that human happiness appears to come from the process of the human body interacting with its’ surroundings. Height then clarified three reasons that better serve the human psyche: communicating and interacting with others, volunteering to help others, and thinking about the universe.

COMMUNICATING AND INTERACTING WITH OTHERS

Interacting with others, feeling with them and their successes is a significant cause for happiness. Conversely, a person should always aim to reach an intended goal, to aid in progressing while living.

VOLUNTEERING TO HELP OTHERS

The researchers found that the process of volunteering to help others helps raise peoples’ self esteem. It can aid in feeling self-confident when difficulties arise.

THINKING ABOUT THE UNIVERSE

A final source of happiness is to track the mysteries of the universe and the world. This can bring joyfulness to the heart.

THE HORMONE OF LOVE

Other studies have also found that happiness is linked to the hormone oxytocin. The hormone has become known as the “hormone of love” since it’s released during intercourse and when meeting with loved ones. It has also been linked to feeling confident and sincere.

THE VAGUS NERVE

Other investigators have found that happiness is also linked to the vagus nerve, which is the only nerve that originates in the brain and ends in the digestive system. It links the muscles of the face to both the heart and lungs. Researchers have clarified that the vagus nerve carries messages between the central nervous system and the main organs of the body. It also helps maintain the heart beat at a low level and calms the immune system.

DID THE PROPHET (PEACE BE UP ON HIM) TALK ABOUT THESE RESULTS BEFORE WESTERN SCIENTISTS?

After long experiments, the scientists appear to have verified the commands of the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him). The Prophet commanded us to pray in congregation, to gather with a group to remember Allah (swt), and to publicize the truth about Islam and Allah (swt) almighty. A believer should not be away from others, rather they should spend time with their fellow muslims. Taking care of kin is one of the most important worships, and severing the bond of kinship is one of the worst deeds. That’s why Islam commands us to communicate and interact with others; for our and their own benefit, just as the study found.

The study found that happiness is linked to helping others; Islam commands us to help others and lend a hand to our brothers. Islam commands us to be good to our parents and to serve them, to provide for the poor and needy people among us, to forgive those who have treated us unjustly, to exonerate those who have mistreated us, and not to harm others. We should remember the Prophets’ saying “Whoever removes a worldly grief from a believer, ALLAH will remove from him one of the grieves of the Day of Resurrection“, Narrated by Muslim.

The study points out the importance of thinking about the mysteries of the universe and the creation, but as a Muslim, I have a great book to help me comprehend these mysteries, the Quran. The Quran is full of universal miracles that invite the believer to have more humbleness, faith, and happiness. Thinking about the universe is one of the most significant forms of worship. In the Quran, Allah (swt) almighty says “And think deeply about the creation of the heavens and the earth” (Al-Imran:191).

As to the importance of the “hormone of love” and its link to happiness, we remember that Islam commanded us to get married and enjoy marriage within the ruling of Islam. Moreover, our religion commands us to gather with believers and remember Allah (swt). Let us remember that most of the commendations and inhibitions from Allah (swt) that are directed toward the believers com in the plural form of “oh you who believe”, which is a proof about the importance for the believer to be within a group and not to leave it.

As for the vagus nerve and its link to happiness, Islam commands us to eat food that is good, avoid unlawful food, and it prohibits us from wasting. If the believers followed these instructions he would be guaranteed good health and to not get diseases, hence he would be guaranteed more happiness.

Aren’t all of these things what Islam has brought to mankind? Shouldn’t western scientists admire this religion and know that when they provide us with studies aimed at determining what makes humankind happy that the Prophet (peace be upon him) came with these same sources before them? By Allah (swt), the Prophet (peace be upon him) who came with these instructions that guarantee happiness to humankind was a noble and merciful prophet, not a prophet of destruction or terrorism as they imagine him! He is as Allah (swt) the majesty describes him in the Quran: “Verily, there has come unto you a messenger from amongst yourselves. It grieves him that you should receive any injury or difficulty. He is anxious over you; for the believers full of pity, kind, and merciful but if they turn away, say (O Muhammed): “Allah is sufficient for me. None has the right to be worshipped but He. In him I put my trust and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne” (Al-Taubah:128-129).