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A Thinking Person's Guide to the Truly Happy Life
What is happiness? What is not happiness? How can one lead a truly happy life? What are the differences between happiness, joy, gladness, contentment and pleasure?
In this concise and easy-to-read book, noted philosopher and Islamic scholar, Prince Ghazi of Jordan, reviews the classical philosophical and religious answers to these questions and then shows Islam's perspective on the issue based on the Qur'an and saying of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW.) The answer is a surprising one to which everyone can relate.
In this concise and easy-to-read book, noted philosopher and Islamic scholar, Prince Ghazi of Jordan, reviews the classical philosophical and religious answers to these questions and then shows Islam's perspective on the issue based on the Qur'an and saying of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW.) The answer is a surprising one to which everyone can relate.
139 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
45 people are currently reading
592 people want to read
About the author
Ghazi bin Muhammad
27 books79 followersH.R.H. Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad bin Talal (born in Amman on the 15th of October 1966) is the nephew of the late King Al-Hussein bin Talal of Jordan. He received his BA from Princeton University in 1988 Summa cum laude; his first PhD from Cambridge University, U.K., in 1993, and his second PhD from Al-Azhar University in Cairo 2010. Prince Ghazi has held many official positions in Jordan including: Cultural Secretary to H.M. King Hussein; Advisor for Tribal Affairs to H.M. King Hussein; Personal Envoy of and Special Advisor to H.M. King Abdullah II, and Chief Advisor for Religious and Cultural Affairs to H.M. King Abdullah II. He has also served as Regent of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. In 1996 Prince Ghazi founded the Al-Balqa Applied University, and in 2008 he founded the World Islamic Sciences and Education University. In 1997 he founded the National Park of the Site of the Baptism of Jesus Christ, and in 2001 he established the Great Tafsir Project (www.Altafsir.com), the largest online project for exegesis of the Holy Qur’an. Prince Ghazi is also Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought; he was the author of the historical Open Letter ‘A Common Word Between Us and You’ in 2007, and the author of the World Interfaith Harmony Week United Nations General Assembly Resolution in October 2010.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 17, 2022
{17/2022} 4/5🌟 121 pages
Non-fiction
Do not judge the thickness of the book. I was assuming that I could finish the book in a short time really took a toll on me. Never has it crossed my mind that my thought process would be working so hard.
First of all, this is a guide book which some of us might be left wondering with a lot of questions in mind after reading. How? Why? The author himself has clarified it in his introduction. What the author is trying to share with us, is the basic knowledge about what life is and what does happiness have to do with it.
Each argument is supported and explained with reference to the ample quranic verses that come together with the explanation.
The book is divided into two main parts - life and happiness. Interestingly, each part starts with the negation of the main topic which is immediately followed by the discussion in accordance to the convention of English language questions - how, where, when, why, what and so on.
I am particularly enthralled with the subtopic of “How is Life?” which discusses the term “jihad” which certainly does not mean “Islamic religious wars” as fearmongered by Western medias. The original term itself does not even have the slightest relation to the word “war”. Infact, the root word is “juhd” which means “making an effort”. Us, humans, should be more concerned with the “greatest jihad” all of us are constantly struggling with - which is the internal struggle against the ego.
I am also intrigued with the discussion about the definition of happiness based on the Quran as “uninterrupted giving” which would certainly result in being “given uninterruptedly”. One can be happy if we “give”. “Feeling”, “getting”, or “having” do not make us happy. All these have something to do with our (good) intention.
I know, right now, I have sound so philosophical.
I would say, this is a good book to become the centre of a healthy discussion. I guess, it might have been the writer’s intention for people who have read this book to become engaged in a deep, thought-provoking discussions.
Be careful, though. Those who are not used to academical non-fiction kind of writing might say the content is quite dry but I think otherwise. I found the content refreshing and eye-opening.
#justreaddontbawang
Non-fiction
Do not judge the thickness of the book. I was assuming that I could finish the book in a short time really took a toll on me. Never has it crossed my mind that my thought process would be working so hard.
First of all, this is a guide book which some of us might be left wondering with a lot of questions in mind after reading. How? Why? The author himself has clarified it in his introduction. What the author is trying to share with us, is the basic knowledge about what life is and what does happiness have to do with it.
Each argument is supported and explained with reference to the ample quranic verses that come together with the explanation.
The book is divided into two main parts - life and happiness. Interestingly, each part starts with the negation of the main topic which is immediately followed by the discussion in accordance to the convention of English language questions - how, where, when, why, what and so on.
I am particularly enthralled with the subtopic of “How is Life?” which discusses the term “jihad” which certainly does not mean “Islamic religious wars” as fearmongered by Western medias. The original term itself does not even have the slightest relation to the word “war”. Infact, the root word is “juhd” which means “making an effort”. Us, humans, should be more concerned with the “greatest jihad” all of us are constantly struggling with - which is the internal struggle against the ego.
I am also intrigued with the discussion about the definition of happiness based on the Quran as “uninterrupted giving” which would certainly result in being “given uninterruptedly”. One can be happy if we “give”. “Feeling”, “getting”, or “having” do not make us happy. All these have something to do with our (good) intention.
I know, right now, I have sound so philosophical.
I would say, this is a good book to become the centre of a healthy discussion. I guess, it might have been the writer’s intention for people who have read this book to become engaged in a deep, thought-provoking discussions.
Be careful, though. Those who are not used to academical non-fiction kind of writing might say the content is quite dry but I think otherwise. I found the content refreshing and eye-opening.
#justreaddontbawang
December 27, 2023
I'm so engrossed in this! Love that it has summary at the end of the book so the readers can recall what they have learned in previous chapters.
Also, I found out that this is already Book 3 in the series? Alhamdulillah Libby has all three, so I'm going to read the other 2 insyaAllah 💕
Also, I found out that this is already Book 3 in the series? Alhamdulillah Libby has all three, so I'm going to read the other 2 insyaAllah 💕
August 26, 2019
A very good book to reflects ourselves about life and how to achieve happy life in world and Hereafter.
February 7, 2023
This thin book is packed with takeaway messages for me.
It delves into the topics of life and happiness, defining what is and is not life and happiness.
This book is not too heavy, but it still gets me pondering and reflecting on how my views towards life and happiness all this while. It is like a 101 guide book.
The central idea of the book that I gained from is that life is about giving and uninterrupted giving leads to happiness. And the concept of giving is also fascinating to me. What I am familiar of is of course giving to people but when the author writes for example, how we 'give' patience when we are being tested.
This world does not have a perfectly happy life though, as the true, eternal happiness only exists in the hereafter. Happiness is not a destination, but it is in the pursuit of it.
It delves into the topics of life and happiness, defining what is and is not life and happiness.
This book is not too heavy, but it still gets me pondering and reflecting on how my views towards life and happiness all this while. It is like a 101 guide book.
The central idea of the book that I gained from is that life is about giving and uninterrupted giving leads to happiness. And the concept of giving is also fascinating to me. What I am familiar of is of course giving to people but when the author writes for example, how we 'give' patience when we are being tested.
This world does not have a perfectly happy life though, as the true, eternal happiness only exists in the hereafter. Happiness is not a destination, but it is in the pursuit of it.
July 15, 2022
3.5 stars
April 22, 2024
Bukunya tipis tapi isinya padat dan to the point.
Baca ini sebagai bahan intropeksi diri perihal hidup. Sebenarnya apa sih hidup bahagia itu? Apa itu kebahagian dalam hidup? Gimana caranya supaya bahagia? Apa selama ini yang dikejar memang sudah memberikan kebahagiaan?
Baca ini sebagai bahan intropeksi diri perihal hidup. Sebenarnya apa sih hidup bahagia itu? Apa itu kebahagian dalam hidup? Gimana caranya supaya bahagia? Apa selama ini yang dikejar memang sudah memberikan kebahagiaan?
January 21, 2022
I personally think this book is a quick, easy and informative read, and I appreciate it for that.
The author, Prince Ghazi of Jordan reviews and combines words from the Quran and saying of the Prophet Muhammad from the Islamic perspective while also taking into account other eastern and western point of views to explain the similarities and differences how different belief, culture and society view ‘happiness’. The book is divided into the explanation of life on part one, and on happiness in part two because as a human, we often think life and happiness are actually mutually exclusive. Even in the Quran, the ‘life of the world’ is usually described in a negative connotation.
There are also different types of ‘happiness’ that we often think are similar as the meaning of true ‘happiness’. For example;
•pleasure comes from -> feeling
•joy and gladness come from -> getting
•contentment comes from -> having
Meanwhile, ‘happiness’ IS -> the sentiment and quality which, as a mercy comes from uninterrupted giving of something positive with a good intention.
The author, Prince Ghazi of Jordan reviews and combines words from the Quran and saying of the Prophet Muhammad from the Islamic perspective while also taking into account other eastern and western point of views to explain the similarities and differences how different belief, culture and society view ‘happiness’. The book is divided into the explanation of life on part one, and on happiness in part two because as a human, we often think life and happiness are actually mutually exclusive. Even in the Quran, the ‘life of the world’ is usually described in a negative connotation.
There are also different types of ‘happiness’ that we often think are similar as the meaning of true ‘happiness’. For example;
•pleasure comes from -> feeling
•joy and gladness come from -> getting
•contentment comes from -> having
Meanwhile, ‘happiness’ IS -> the sentiment and quality which, as a mercy comes from uninterrupted giving of something positive with a good intention.
December 21, 2023
‘In the Quran there is a clear distinction between the quality of ‘happiness’ (sa’adah) and the four sentiments often confused with it:enjoyment (muta’a),joy (farah), gladness (surur) and contentment (rida’). A close reading of the Quran shows that each of these terms has a deliberate, specific and non-interchangeable meaning, and is only used in an appropriate context. Understanding the differences between each of these then becomes the key to answering the-all important question:what is happiness?’
Part of the ‘Thinking Person’s Guide’ series by the notable HRH Prince Ghazi of Jordan, this impactful book heavily references on the divine verses of the Holy Quran and the sayings of the Prophet saw. It discusses the correlation of life and happiness by asking five circumstantial questions of How, Why, When, Who and Where. Classical precedents of philosophy stemming from various prominent school of thoughts in relation to subject matters of life and happiness are also examined and compared in the simplest and most effective way possible.
In order to attain true happiness, it is essential to define life. Our life on Earth is fleeting and temporary in nature. When our time is up we die and leave everything and everyone else behind; a false life. The true life is one that goes on for eternity; it is the Hereafter where Heaven and Hell exists. And to the believers, God has promised Paradise, with all its uninterrupted giving.
Cogito, ergo sum (I think, therefore I am). To truly be/live, is to think/be aware. Only in constant state of awareness can we be truly happy. Focusing on the true life - to let go of worldly attributes, to practice living righteously and giving uninterruptedly to others and to self, with good intentions - is not an easy feat, as giving is commonly interrupted by the ego and/or the susceptible heart. It is through the submission to God, that the soul can be truly at peace, and be truly happy.
5🌟. A philosophically & spiritually fulfilling read, this book implores us to ponder and reflect on what it takes to live better and ultimately happier.
Part of the ‘Thinking Person’s Guide’ series by the notable HRH Prince Ghazi of Jordan, this impactful book heavily references on the divine verses of the Holy Quran and the sayings of the Prophet saw. It discusses the correlation of life and happiness by asking five circumstantial questions of How, Why, When, Who and Where. Classical precedents of philosophy stemming from various prominent school of thoughts in relation to subject matters of life and happiness are also examined and compared in the simplest and most effective way possible.
In order to attain true happiness, it is essential to define life. Our life on Earth is fleeting and temporary in nature. When our time is up we die and leave everything and everyone else behind; a false life. The true life is one that goes on for eternity; it is the Hereafter where Heaven and Hell exists. And to the believers, God has promised Paradise, with all its uninterrupted giving.
Cogito, ergo sum (I think, therefore I am). To truly be/live, is to think/be aware. Only in constant state of awareness can we be truly happy. Focusing on the true life - to let go of worldly attributes, to practice living righteously and giving uninterruptedly to others and to self, with good intentions - is not an easy feat, as giving is commonly interrupted by the ego and/or the susceptible heart. It is through the submission to God, that the soul can be truly at peace, and be truly happy.
5🌟. A philosophically & spiritually fulfilling read, this book implores us to ponder and reflect on what it takes to live better and ultimately happier.
May 27, 2025
This is my first philosophy book that I’ve finished, as this is not my usual genre. I think this is an approachable philosophical read for someone who doesn’t read a lot of this genre but may not give you the full satisfaction or depth if you are looking for a more comprehensive/analytical read.
While this book is aimed at Muslims, I think this is also a good book for non-Muslims as it provides an explanation on some of the concepts and terminology that are common knowledge for a Muslim so that you can understand its arguments. For Muslims I think this is a good book to reaffirm your faith on basic concepts we all get taught about in our faith like what is the purpose of life (equally, I think this whole book could be rebranded as ‘what us the purpose of life: Islamic perspective’) and the concept of God.
While this book is aimed at Muslims, I think this is also a good book for non-Muslims as it provides an explanation on some of the concepts and terminology that are common knowledge for a Muslim so that you can understand its arguments. For Muslims I think this is a good book to reaffirm your faith on basic concepts we all get taught about in our faith like what is the purpose of life (equally, I think this whole book could be rebranded as ‘what us the purpose of life: Islamic perspective’) and the concept of God.
October 6, 2022
This book is thin, with only 105 pages (excluding references), but the content is so informative, compact, and also something to ponder.
This book is divided into two main topics: life and happiness.
The sub-topic details are divided into:
1. What is life and what is happiness?
2. What is not life and what is not happiness?
3. Why is life and why is happiness?
4. When is life and when is happiness?
5. Where is life and where is happiness?
6. How is life and how is happiness?
7. Who is alive and who is happy?
His writing is not only based on Al-Quran and Hadith but also based on the Bible and Western philosophers, which includes comparisons and differences.
This book is divided into two main topics: life and happiness.
The sub-topic details are divided into:
1. What is life and what is happiness?
2. What is not life and what is not happiness?
3. Why is life and why is happiness?
4. When is life and when is happiness?
5. Where is life and where is happiness?
6. How is life and how is happiness?
7. Who is alive and who is happy?
His writing is not only based on Al-Quran and Hadith but also based on the Bible and Western philosophers, which includes comparisons and differences.
October 1, 2020
One cannot simply finish this book fast. Because every questions or definitions presented requires deep pondering and simply make sense. I appreciate how Prince Ghazi relates it and how at the end of the day we need to see it in the lens of Qur’an.
Where is happiness?
“...justice is the basis of not only every functioning society but also is necessary for maintaining an equilibrium in the human state itself. There must first be justice for people to have the opportunity to find happiness.”
Where is happiness?
“...justice is the basis of not only every functioning society but also is necessary for maintaining an equilibrium in the human state itself. There must first be justice for people to have the opportunity to find happiness.”
August 10, 2024
wonderfully written book that answers the "what, who, why, when, where, and how" questions about life and happiness. contains around 100 pages and I finished in just a few sittings, but it requires a quite of brainwork. this book is more like a compact 101 guide on the topic, mainly referring to the Qur'an, the Torah, and citing some philosophical ideologies.
considering its ideas and compactness, might say it's one of those must-read books to experience at least once in a lifetime.
considering its ideas and compactness, might say it's one of those must-read books to experience at least once in a lifetime.
March 15, 2021
I think it is a good book but on the other hand, the author really need to elaborate more on how he chose certain points supporting his narrations. Because I'm asking 'Why?' a lot in my mind from some chapters. It feels it is random mix of arguable points to support the narrative.
But overall, the points/values can still be applied to our life.
But overall, the points/values can still be applied to our life.
July 4, 2023
This book truly eye-opening for me personally as how it provides quite different perspective on thinking how to build a happy life is. Not about acceptance, not only about giving, it is something else that we might often overlooks. Appropriate for non muslim also as it discuss some from Torah, Bible, and even classic philosophers. Truly recommended for whom seeking happy life definition.
August 24, 2019
The book concluded life and happiness-philosophically.
Happiness is equal to uninterrupted giving, true life is the life of the soul at peace.
Alongside Al Quran also deduced these concept perfectly, hence understanding both we will able to live a truly happy life
Happiness is equal to uninterrupted giving, true life is the life of the soul at peace.
Alongside Al Quran also deduced these concept perfectly, hence understanding both we will able to live a truly happy life
December 18, 2020
Really comprehensive for such a small book.
A Muslims short intro to philosophy, giving some answers to- what is life? And what is happiness?
The inclusion of poetry was nice (could be more) and the Bible quotes were a good comparison too.
A Muslims short intro to philosophy, giving some answers to- what is life? And what is happiness?
The inclusion of poetry was nice (could be more) and the Bible quotes were a good comparison too.
October 8, 2019
Short but each chapter that you read, you'll need to put the book down for awhile to digest and make sense of what's written. I think some of the chapters in the book deserve longer elaboration.
June 10, 2020
This book is very deep!!
January 2, 2021
A very fresh reading
July 22, 2021
4.5! ⭐️ A guide to the steps of happiness with reference to the Qur'an and Sunnah.
Author also discussed about living in society which is why in Islam we have Fard ‘Ain and Fard Kifayah as bases of society.
Author also discussed about living in society which is why in Islam we have Fard ‘Ain and Fard Kifayah as bases of society.
August 28, 2022
Must read. A no-bull-shit guide for true happiness. Again, more universal than religious. Workable and realistic guidance.
November 18, 2020
I personally found it difficult to get into the book. I had to force myself through the first few chapters and then I finally enjoyed reading more on the happiness chapters. I like the summary at the end and definitely think this is a book I’ll refer back to in the future
April 4, 2020
This book reminds me of my life principle back when I was in high school; “happiness is to be able to give” and it keeps me going so that I can give more afterwards. If you’re looking for a spiritual read, this one is for you. Briefly, this book is divided into two parts; life, and happiness because to be happy we need to understand both context of life and happiness itself.
There are two types of life; al Hayyawan (true life/paradise), and al hayat al dunya (temporary and subhuman life). Quality of life lies on our self-awareness e.g. our roles as vicegerent/khalifah which relates to reason of our existence. Being well versed of our roles will drive us to do righteous deeds and to give because there are no piety without kindness towards others. Author also discussed about living in society which is why in Islam we have fard ‘ain and fard kifayah as bases of society.
To have a clear peaceful mind is happiness and it is to be able to distinguish ego and soul at peace. Happiness is to not be mistaken with sentiments of enjoyment, joy, gladness, and contentment because those are temporary feelings while happiness is rather a quality. Happiness closely related to concept of giving and concept of love. As same as being productive leads to a good day, giving leads to happiness. Read this book 3 times and glad that I came across it cause I learned so much through this light read. Blemishes of quotes from Quran, sunnah, and scholars throughout this book which is great for self reflections and leave us points to ponder because of its brief explanation.
There are two types of life; al Hayyawan (true life/paradise), and al hayat al dunya (temporary and subhuman life). Quality of life lies on our self-awareness e.g. our roles as vicegerent/khalifah which relates to reason of our existence. Being well versed of our roles will drive us to do righteous deeds and to give because there are no piety without kindness towards others. Author also discussed about living in society which is why in Islam we have fard ‘ain and fard kifayah as bases of society.
To have a clear peaceful mind is happiness and it is to be able to distinguish ego and soul at peace. Happiness is to not be mistaken with sentiments of enjoyment, joy, gladness, and contentment because those are temporary feelings while happiness is rather a quality. Happiness closely related to concept of giving and concept of love. As same as being productive leads to a good day, giving leads to happiness. Read this book 3 times and glad that I came across it cause I learned so much through this light read. Blemishes of quotes from Quran, sunnah, and scholars throughout this book which is great for self reflections and leave us points to ponder because of its brief explanation.
June 1, 2022
This is a longer elaboration from A Thinking Person's Guide to Islam's chapter on happiness. It is short, but I just can't simply skim this one. It discusses happiness in a systematic way, starting by defining happiness and life itself and referring Quran and philosophy heavily. Then it continues by asking the reader 5W + 1H. If I must oversimplify, the key to happiness is uninterrupted giving. Of course, there are layers that you must read yourself. The language is not that hard, but I still need to digest the content, slowly.
September 28, 2023
Love this book! It’s so compact yet very informative. Nice that it includes a brief summary of each chapter. Definitely recommend :)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews