INTRODUCTION

Happiness is a common goal that everyone strives to attain. Philosophers, intellectuals, doctors, and artists alike have all strived in search of the causes of happiness and ways to escape anxiety.

The reality is, however, that the proposed solutions achieve only partial or superficial happiness. They are more or less like drugs which only provide temporary relief; when their effect wears off, anxieties return twofold.

The following words invite you to ultimate happiness and will lead you to true success. But before you begin reading, I hope that you take a moment to try to open your heart and mind--as the intelligent one is he who searches for the truth no matter where it lies.

An undeniable reality is that permanent happiness cannot be achieved except by believing in Allah[1] (God)--The Creator—and following His guidance. Since it is He who created mankind, He is the one who knows what pleases and benefits them, just as He knows what saddens and harms them. A number of psychologists have affirmed that only a religious person lives with true contentment and serenity. So, if believing in Allah (God) leads to ultimate happiness, then how can this be achieved?

There are numerous religions and a variety of creeds. However, their critical differences in core issues make it impossible for all of them to be correct. So which is the correct religion? What is the correct creed that Allah (God) requires us to believe in and, in the end, pleases Him? And which one of these creeds guarantees us happiness in this life and in the hereafter?

Before answering these questions, a criterion must first be established to be used as a basis for correctly determining the true religion. I firmly believe that all sensible people will agree that a religion is not deemed correct simply due to the fact that one was raised in that religion, had parents that adhered to it, or lived in a society that practiced it. Rather, a religion’s accuracy and authenticity are based upon substantial evidence and firm intellectual proofs.

Intellect, which is the distinguishing factor between mankind and animals, must be applied when studying the issue of religion, which is undeniably the most important and gravest of all matters.

A short journey into the world of religions and sifting through various creeds could prove to be a good method in arriving at the desired conclusion. In order to save you the time and effort, I say with full conviction and confidence that no matter how much you investigate this issue, you will only arrive at one reality: That the true and correct religion is Islam and that true happiness and contentment lies within it.

Before you hastily rebut this statement and stop reading, please realize that completing the rest (of this book) would not harm you at all; and it may in fact benefit you. Also, remember that you have an intellect by which you can distinguish things and determine truth from falsehood.

[1]- The name Allah is the Arabic name for ‘the God’; the God of the Universe, the God of Abraham, the God of Moses, the God of Jesus, the God of all mankind. This name is used by all Arabic speaking people, Jews, Christians and Muslims worldwide.