Journal of Razavi Culture

Happiness in the Best Life according to the Teachings of Imam al-Reza (as)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Saeed Hassani 1
Saeid Fakhari 2

1 Assistant Professor of Theology Education, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran (Corresponding Author): s.hasani@cfu.ac.ir

2 Assistant Professor of Theology Education, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran: s.fakhari@cfu.ac.ir

https://doi.org/10.22034/farzv.2024.440376.1973
Abstract
One of the most crucial pillars of a good life is genuine happiness and contentment. This study aims to explain the prerequisites for achieving happiness in the best life, based on the teachings of Imam al-Reza (as). The research method is descriptive-analytical and relies on library sources. Based on a narration from Imam al-Ridha (as) that defines the best life as making the lives of others good and pleasant, the study explores the requirements for achieving this noble social relationship within Ridawi teachings.
The findings show that in the words of Imam al-Ridha, the best life is one where we make the material and spiritual lives of others pleasant. This principle is evident in his conduct. Achieving such a life requires a balance between hope and fear and depends on several factors:

A Monotheistic and Eschatological Perspective: True belief in God and the afterlife, achievable only through complete intellectual and practical devotion to the divine authority (the Imam), alongside sincere action.
Self-Sacrifice: Which demands asceticism, contentment, and abandoning selfish desires.
Kindness and Problem-Solving Attitude: While preserving others’ dignity.
Skills Such as Anger Management: Which can only be realized through patience with people, forgiving others’ mistakes, and good character.
Comprehensive Planning Skills and Lawful Daily
Recreation.

According to Ridawi teachings, aiding others—especially believers—brings about divine help and unseen support from unexpected sources. This leads to lasting happiness in both this world and the hereafter. Therefore, based on these teachings, through divine-centered and Imam-centered action, detachment from worldly attachments, and acquiring happiness-related skills, one can bring comfort to oneself and others and achieve the best life.
Enjoining good (Amr bil Ma’ruf), Forbidding evil (Nahy anil Munkar), Imam al-Jawad (as), Conduct (Sirah), Hadiths (Narrations).

Keywords

Imam al-Reza (as)
Ridawi Teachings
Happiness
Best Life

Subjects

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