Internal Contentment: Happiness as Being, Not Awaiting
Translated & summarized from Alarab by baba
Dr. Nawaf Ali Al-Touri proposes that true happiness, particularly for Palestinian citizens of Israel, stems from "internal contentment" rooted in Islamic principles rather than materialistic pursuits. He argues for harnessing individual and collective efforts towards meaningful action and community well-being as the path to lasting happiness.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Happiness is an existential state, not a material goal.
- Islamic teachings offer a framework for "internal contentment."
- Arabs 48 face unique challenges linking happiness to identity.
- Harnessing personal and collective efforts serves human purpose.
- True happiness is found in the journey of meaningful action.
Dr. Nawaf Ali Al-Touri, writing from Rahat, argues that modern society's material abundance has led to a crisis of meaning and existential unease. He posits that for Palestinian citizens of Israel (Arabs 48), happiness is not merely personal comfort but a complex state tied to identity, rootedness, and navigating daily challenges. This necessitates a conceptual framework of "internal contentment" rooted in Islamic teachings, moving beyond materialistic goals.
Al-Touri explains that the Islamic concept of happiness is not fleeting pleasure but a stable existential state derived from aligning with one's innate nature and purpose, citing the Quranic verse "Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while a believer, We will surely cause him to live a good life." A "good life" is not one without trials, but one where individuals can overcome hardships with inner strength and certainty of purpose. Happiness, when viewed as a state of being rather than a distant goal, liberates individuals to focus on righteous action.
He applies this to the reality of Arabs 48, who face dual challenges of preserving identity and land, alongside daily life complexities. Individual happiness is intertwined with collective well-being and national dignity. Adherence to Islamic thought and activism becomes a source of transformative energy and security, with steadfastness against assimilationist policies and societal fragmentation seen as a profound form of spiritual struggle.
Al-Touri further elaborates on "comprehensive harnessing," advocating for the conscious use of human capabilities, self, effort, and economy, in service of humanity and the divine mission. This involves disciplining desires, dedicating intellectual and practical efforts to raising awareness and solving problems, and using wealth for dignity, solidarity, and community development. Leaders, whether intellectual, religious, or political, should use their influence to serve people with compassion and justice, fostering a sense of broad human connection rather than self-centeredness.
Ultimately, true happiness is presented as the journey itself, guided by meaning and purpose. By harnessing energies, efforts, and resources for values and thought, individuals can achieve a stable existential state of happiness, transforming from passive consumers of events into creators of meaning and givers of contentment to their communities.