Visiting the tomb of Imam Hussain (AS) has been popular among Shiites since the time of the Shia Imams who taught Shiites that this pilgrimage plays a significant role in a Shia’s life as quoted from regard Imam Sadiq (AS) in this regard:

Do not pull back from going to Karbala for visiting the shrine of Imam Hussain (AS) out of insecurity or fear because anyone who does, will regret it so much that he wished the grave of Imam Hussain (AS) was near to him. Don’t you like to be one of those for whom the Prophet (PBUH & HP) and Imam Ali (AS) and Lady Fatimah (AS) and the Imams pray? (1)

Having a significant impact on every aspect of our lives, the Shia Imams encouraged us to fulfill this pilgrimage. such a great event which has been discussed and studied through so many aspects for example its history, its political and social impacts and so forth; but seldom have its moral effects on our personality been examined. Arbaeen pilgrimage may change our individual and social life in so many ways from which we’re going to mention some in this text.

The Impact of Arbaeen 

To Purify our Souls 

To purify soul in Islamic culture means changing our personality in a way that we obtain so many virtues and redeem our souls from bad habits or sins. Experiencing a very spiritual and calm atmosphere during this journey, anyone can revolutionize their lives and repent from all of their sins. 
Imam Sadiq (AS) said:

Should anyone leave their house in order to visit the grave of Imam Hussain (AS) Allah blesses them with a reward for each step they take if they go on foot and forgives one of their sins. (2)

To Practice Patience and Endurance 

Imam Hussain (AS) himself is the emblem of patience and endurance as he sacrificed all he had for the sake of Allah even his own life but he didn’t surrender to the tyrant oppressors. He and Lady Zeinab (AS) showed us how much a human can be patient facing the intolerable hardship that happen in their life. Imam Hussain (AS) even chose his companions from the most tolerant ones so that they could accompany him on his journey. For that matter, once he said to his people:

Anyone who is able to resist the sharp edges of swords and the invective of tongues can come with us and anyone who doesn’t must leave us (3) 

Nowadays although Iraqi people have made it so much easier for the pilgrims, taking this trip to visit Imam Hussain’s holly shrine (AS) is still full of dangers and hardships . When the pilgrims undergo these difficulties and think about the patience that Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions had, they can practice how to be patient in their own life. 

Self-esteem

When a pilgrim puts their heart and soul into reach a certain destination which is the land of Karbala to pilgrimage Imam Hussain’’s shrine on their way they endure so many problems and difficulties, they understand what a human is verily capable of. They can find out that life isn’t just the material world that we see around us but humans  are able to see something more in this life and sacrifice all they have for it. It makes people value their souls, believe in themselves and raises their more self-esteem. 

The Impact of Arbaeen Pilgrimage on our Social Life

Infaq and Generosity  

In Islamic culture, “Infaq” means helping people by giving charity, spending your time for them or even teaching others for free and stuff like that . 

During Arbaeen rituals , money isn’t an important issue for the pilgrims as people’s needs are mostly provided by others in Iraq. Most of Iraqi people even save money for a year so that they can help the pilgrims during the Arbaeen rituals with food, medicine and so forth. 

This enthusiasm for Infaq roots in the Islamic teachings and the messages of the Quran where says:
The parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is that of a grain which grows seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains. Allah enhances severalfold whomever He wishes, and Allah is all-bounteous, all-knowing. (2:261)

Also about the importance of the Arbaeen walk Imam Sadiq (AS) says:

For each coin that they spend for the sake of Imam Hussain (AS) Allah will consider it ten thousand coins and rewards them as they have spent that much and Allah will be pleased with them and the Prophet (PBUH & HP) will pray for them and Imam Ali (AS) and the Imams will do so. (4)

Cooperation and Empathy

The holy Quran says:

Cooperate in piety and God-wariness, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression, and be wary of Allah. (5:2)

Arbaeen walk is a symbol for a society in which people with different ideas, nationalities, ethnicity colors, age groups, and religions work together to reach one common destination. The objective of all these people is the same and it’s making Allah pleased with themselves by commemorating the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS). People respect each other and help just for the sake of Allah.

Political Insights 

Pilgrims in this ceremony think more about the message of Imam Hussain (AS) which was justice and fighting against tyranny, violence, and doing sins. Imam Hussain (AS) himself says:
I didn’t start this movement so that I could achieve a status among people or to please my desires. I didn’t do it to create chaos or to oppress. I started this movement so that I could make the followers of my grandfather better people; I want to enjoin others to do good works and prevent them from doing sins and I do as my grandfather and my father did. (5)

This walk helps us change ourselves and the others and understand that sitting down and watching people being in pain and oppressed is not what Allah wants us to do. We all are responsible for the circumstances in our society.  
 
Resources 

1.   Kamil az-Ziarat, Ibn Qulavaih, Pg.127
2.    The same, Pg.143
3.    Yanabi’ al-Mavaddah, al-Qunduzi, vol.3, Pg.62
4.    Kamil az-Ziarat, Ibn Qulavaih, Pg.139
5.   Bihar al-Anvar, Allamah al-Majlesi, vol.44, Pg.329
    

In a world that we are faced with many unexpected and horrifyingly inhuman incidents on a daily basis, one might wonder, how is it possible to be Happy? How can we attain inner peace? Are we born to suffer or to enjoy our lives? Security, justice, and welfare are three basic needs of every human being to have a better and happier life in Islam [xii]. However, providing these three factors is partly the responsibility of the government and the authorities of the society. And it partly depends on each individual.

In a previous article, we considered the ways that can help us overcome depression, anxiety, and stress in detail. Here we want to explore Islamic guidelines for a happier life.

1. A Less Considered Blessing [i]

One of the first factors in feeling happy in life is to be healthy. Many of us don’t even think about this blessing. When we lose it or find our physical strength not to be as before, then we realize how precious it was.

Islam recommends us to take care of our bodily health through having a healthy diet, eating less, observing personal hygiene, having enough sleep [iii], keeping a regular plan for visiting doctors and going for a checkup [iv], etc.

2. Spice up Your Life with Fun and Entertainment

To have a happier life, you should balance your time between the activities that you do as your responsibility (e.g., your job, your housework, etc.) and the time that you need to rest and have fun [v].

Enjoying from lawful (Halal) fun is highly recommended in Islam. Since it is an opportunity to gather strength and energy to go back to our daily activities [vi]. As a result, we would become more satisfied and happy with our life.   

Some recommended fun activities in Islam are horse-riding, shooting, swimming, knitting, telling jokes, traveling [xiii], etc.

3. Add Beauty to Your Life

Sometimes even looking at a beautiful scene or breathing a pleasant smell can cheer us up. So, for example, dedicating a time to explore nature can be a good idea to revive ourselves and bring hope and happiness to our life [vii]. According to Imam Kazim (AS): “Three things enlighten the eye: looking at greenery, flowing water, and a beautiful face” [6]. Obviously, here “enlightening the eye” means freshening the soul and revitalizing the mind.  

4. Share Your Life with a Lifelong Companion

One of the places in which one can find his/her inner peace and feel happy and relaxed is the family. One of the main reasons that marriage is so much recommended in Islam [viii] is because of this relaxing effect that it will have on both husband and wife. Talking to the spouse and sharing feelings with each other can relieve the soul from everyday stresses and misfortunes.

5. Visit Your Friends and Relatives Regularly

Seeing a familiar and friendly face is always heart-warming. So, it is a good idea to visit your relatives or invite them to your house, for example, once a week. When you talk to your friends and family and spend time with them, even for a few hours, you will forget about your everyday issues. Even better, you may find solutions to your problems by sharing them with your relatives and friends.

This was among one of the most common manners of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) [xi] as well as the twelve Imams. Once, Imam Ali (AS) appeared to be depressed. A person enquired the reason, and he answered: “It’s been seven days that I did not have any guests in my house”[10].  

6. Goodness Brings Goodness

Positivity and kindness act like a boomerang. You spread the goodness and in return, receive goodness. As Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) puts: “When goodness resides in you, your heart finds assurance. But, when sin enters your soul, your heart becomes full of doubt and restlessness”[17]. Usually, when we do a good thing, we feel better about ourselves, and that makes us happier with our life. We feel useful and as a result more hopeful.

Moreover, being good-tempered and having a positive attitude toward other people is another characteristic that in the long run, will help us experience a happier life [xiii]. Sometimes, when we let go of grudges and empty our heart and mind from the anger and hatred we feel, we experience a feeling of blissful peace and relief [xiv].

Also, avoiding some immoral behaviors such as lying, backbiting, unlawful (Haram) relationships, not controlling the glance when seeing a non-Mahram, etc. will bring us a life of positivity and peacefulness [xv].

7. Hearts Find Peace by the Remembrance of Allah [ii] 

Another way to reach happiness and satisfaction is to talk to the creator of the world, the merciful Allah. Worshiping and praying Allah is always recommended in times of hardships [ix]. Since it will remind us of the One who is present all the time and we can rely on, no matter how big our problem is. So, this feeling of security will relieve our soul from any anxiety, and we will become happier and feel more at peace. 

8. What is it that makes us Unhappy? 

On the contrary, some activities may momentarily make us feel happy. Since they don’t have any benefit for our mind and soul, they will finally make us even sadder and more depressed. These are:

1. Occupying yourself with pointless activities and debauchery 

2. Repeating the same mistake or sin (no matter how fun it may seem) over and over again

3. Engaging in aimless talks and conversations

4. Keeping company with corrupt and indecent people

5. Being irresponsible toward your commitments

6. Losing opportunities and wasting time [7]

7. Being highly concerned about financial issues [x]

Happiness takes Time and Effort

These and many other guidelines help us in reaching a peaceful life. However, we should note that being happy is not a sudden revelation, but a gradual process. It takes time and effort and requires determination. It is the result of so many factors such as physical health, marriage, keeping company with nature, traveling, having fun, praying, having a good job, etc. Many of these factors have been highly recommended in Islamic sources and narrations (Hadith), as prerequisites for a happier life. Happiness does not come around easily and suddenly; it is on us to bring it around. 

Notes:

[i] Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) said: “Two blessings are unknown among people: safety and health” [1].

[ii] (13:28)

Imam Sajjad (AS) said: “ O’ Allah, hearts don’t find peace except with your remembrance and souls don’t reach peacefulness except with seeing you” [15]

[iii] Imam Reza (AS) said: “[Enough and on-time] sleep, strengthens the body” [2].

Imam Sadeq (AS) said: “Sleep brings peace to the body, speaking brings peace to the soul, and silence brings peace to mind” [14]

[iv] Imam Ali (AS) said: “Whoever conceals his/her illness from a doctor, has betrayed his/her body” [3].

[v] Imam Kazim (AS) said: “ Try to divide your daily routine into four parts: one for supplicating to Allah, one for providing life expenses, one for keeping company with reliable and pure-hearted friends, and one part for enjoying from lawful (Halal) fun” [4].

[vi] Imam Ali (AS): “ The times of joy and cheerfulness are best opportunities for revitalizing body and soul” [5].

[vii] Imam Ali (AS) said: “Looking at nature would bring happiness, joy, and liveliness.”

[viii] Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “There is no dearer and more valuable foundation in Islam for Allah, other than marriage [and family]” [8]

[ix] “O you who have faith! Take recourse in patience and prayer…” (2:153)

[x] Imam Sadeq (AS) said: “ I looked for the peace of heart and found it in having less money” [9].

Imam Ali (AS) said: “Whoever contents with what he/she has, will reach comfort and harmony, and have a better life” [13] 

[xi] Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Make every day a new day if you can. Meaning that, give presents to each other and make bonds with each other, for the sake of Allah.” 

[xii] Imam Sadeq (AS) said: “ There are three things that every person needs to have; these are security, justice and welfare” [12]

[xiii] Imam Ali (AS) said: “ In order to reach greatness, travel outside your homeland, since there are five advantages of it: ‘ relieving sadness, gaining money and knowledge, getting familiar with [other] lifestyles and having the chance to accompany with great figures” [16].

[xiii] Imam Ali (AS) said: “ Being optimistic toward others, results in the peace of heart and decency of religion” [18]

[xiv] Imam Ali (AS) said: “ The one who is good-tempered, will have a better and more decent life” [19]

[xv] Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Truthfulness brings peace and lying brings stress and anxiety” [20].

Imam Ali (AS): “The one who lowers his/her gaze [in front of a non-Mahram] will find peace in his/her heart” [21].

References:

1. Fattal Neyshaburi,  Rawdat al-wa'izin wa basirat al-mutta'izin, p.472.
2. Bihar al-Anvar, vol.59, p.141.
3. Ali ib Abi Talib, Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, p. 484.
4. Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.409.
5. Ali ib Abi Talib, Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, p. 319.
6. Shaikh al-Hur al-Aamili, Wasā'il al-Shīʿa, vol.20, p.60.
7. Javadi al-Amoli, Mafatih al-Hayat, pp. 135-137.
8. Bihar al-Anvar, p.103.
9. Mustadrak al-Wasail, vol. 12, p.174.
10. Muhammad b. 'Ali b. Shahrashub, Manaqib Al Abi Talib, vol.2, p.73.   
11. Qadi Nu'man, Da'a'im al-Islam, vol.2, p.326.
12. ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.320.  
13. Usul al-Kafi, vol.8, p.19.  
14. Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Kitab man la yahduruh al-faqih, vol.4, p.402, Hadith no. 5865.  
15. Bihar al-Anvar, vol. 91, p. 151.  
16. Mustadrak al-Wasail, vol.8, p.115.
17. Ibn Abi al-Hadid, An Interpretation of Nahj al-Balaghah, vol.20, p.299, Hadith no. 415.  
18. Ali ib Abi Talib, Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, p.253, Hadith no. 5322  
19. Ali ib Abi Talib, Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, p.299, Hadith no. 6774.
20. Abu l-Qasim Payandeh, Nahj al-fasaha, p.548, Hadith no.1864.  
21. Ali ib Abi Talib, Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, p. 260, Hadith no.5555.