Quranic Reflections - Islamic School of Stanford

unto you (O Muhammad SAWS) to cause you distress” (TMQ, 20:2); “So let him
not get you both out of Paradise, so that you will be distressed.” (TMQ, 20:117);
“whoever follows My Guidance he shall neither go astray, nor shall be
distressed.” (TMQ, 20:123). The aim of this is that no one should be afraid of being
religious or of following the path of Allah SWT), as real happiness lies in the full
adherence to the religion of Allah (SWT). As for those who repel from this
methodology, the following ayahs describe in quite a horrible way their misery both
in this life and in the hereafter. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “But
whosoever turns away from My Reminder (i.e. neither believes in this Qur’an
nor acts on its teachings.) Verily, for him is a life of hardship,” in this life. Allah
describes their misery in the hereafter in what can be translated as, “We shall raise
him up blind on the Day of Resurrection. He will say: “O my Lord! Why have
you raised me up blind, while I had sight (before).” (Allah) will say: “Like this:
Our Ayat (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) came unto
you, but you disregarded them (i.e. you left them, did not think deeply in them,
and you turned away from them), and so this Day, you will be neglected (in the
Hell-fire, away from Allah’s Mercy).” And thus do We requite him who
transgresses beyond bounds [i.e. commits the great sins and disobeys his Lord
(Allah) and believes not in His Messengers, and His revealed Books, like this
Qur’an], and believes not in the Ayat (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs,
revelations, etc.) of his Lord; and the torment of the Hereafter is far more severe
and more lasting.” (TMQ, 20:124-127).
Highest levels of happiness
The highest level of happiness is to be satisfied with yourself, with your life, and
Allah (SWT), and to feel that He (SWT) is satisfied with you. This is highlighted at the
end of the Surah, where Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “So bear
patiently (O Muhammad SAWS) what they say, and glorify the praises of your
Lord before the rising of the sun, and before its setting, and during some hours
of the night, and at the ends of the day (an indication for the five compulsory
congregational prayers)” (TMQ, 20:130). Where does all this lead to Allah (SWT)
says what can be translated as, “that you may become pleased (with the reward
which Allah shall give you).” (TMQ, 20:130).
Glorifying, mentioning and obeying Allah (SWT) represent the only way to reach the
highest level of happiness, which is satisfaction. In fact, happiness is nothing but
satisfaction, a feeling of which many are deprived in spite of all the desires and
pleasures they attain in life. They were deprived of satisfaction, a blessing that the
believer obtains by glorifying Allah (SWT) and obeying Him (SWT).
For all those who seek happiness, for those youth who committed forbidden deeds in
search of happiness but gained nothing, please read Surat Ta-Ha, where Allah (SWT)
says what can be translated as, “Ta-Ha. We have not sent down the Qur’an unto
you (O Muhammad SAWS) to cause you distress” (TMQ, 20:1-2).