The Keys to Happiness – Ibn Al-Qayyim Series, Al-Jami

About The Keys to Happiness

The Keys to Happiness is part of the Ibn al-Qayyim series. It presents the words of Imam Ibn al-Qayyim on happiness, together with an explanation by Shaykh Muhammad Aman al-Jami. The English edition is published by Hikmah Publications as a paperback of about 133 pages, and it dates from 2014.

The book begins with a question that every person asks in one form or another: what is happiness, really? Many people chase wealth, fame and status and still feel restless. This book contrasts that pursuit with the answer given by Islam.

What the book covers

• The question of what true happiness is, and why wealth, fame and status do not provide it
• The starting point of Tawhid, the worship of Allah alone, as the foundation of a contented life
• Ways of attaining happiness that are taken from the Qur’an and the Sunnah
• The explanation of Shaykh Muhammad Aman al-Jami, which helps the reader follow each point

About Ibn al-Qayyim

Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah was born in Damascus on 29 January 1292 and died on 15 September 1350. He was a Hanbali jurist, theologian and writer on spiritual matters. He studied under Ibn Taymiyyah for about sixteen years. His well-known works include Miftah Dar al-Sa’adah, Madarij as-Salikin, Zad al-Ma’ad and Tuhfat al-Mawdud.

About the explainer, Muhammad Aman al-Jami

Muhammad Aman al-Jami was born on 30 November 1930 in Harar, Ethiopia, and died on 17 January 1996 in Madinah. He taught in Saudi Arabia and earned a doctorate from Cairo University. In this book he is the explainer of Ibn al-Qayyim’s words. Please note that this is not a book written by al-Jami himself, and it is not part of any series named after him. The series name refers to Ibn al-Qayyim.

Why this book matters

People today are told in many ways that happiness lies in buying more, earning more and being noticed more. Yet hearts remain anxious. The Qur’an teaches that hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah, and the Prophet ﷺ taught that real richness is the richness of the soul. A book that places Tawhid at the centre of happiness gives the reader a different measure of success, one that does not rise and fall with the market or with other people’s opinions.

Who should read it

The book suits students, young professionals, parents and anyone who feels that something is missing despite outward success. It is also useful for those giving talks or reminders, because the explanation by al-Jami breaks each idea into clear parts. At about 133 pages it is short enough to finish in a week of evening reading.

How to benefit from it

Read a few pages at a time and ask yourself where you place your hope for happiness. Write down one practical step from each reading, such as a fixed time for prayer, a daily portion of the Qur’an or a regular act of charity. Revisit your notes after a month. Make dua to Allah to grant you contentment, and ask a qualified teacher about any point that is unclear.

A thoughtful gift

This book makes a sincere gift for a friend who is going through a hard season, for a graduate starting a career, or for a family member who has recently returned to practice. It carries a gentle message without being heavy, and it can be read by men and women of any age.

Edition details

Published by Hikmah Publications in English, paperback, about 133 pages, 2014. Please message us on WhatsApp at 9906523492 for details of the copy in stock. Same-day dispatch from Srinagar.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote the explanation? Shaykh Muhammad Aman al-Jami explains the words of Ibn al-Qayyim.

Who is the publisher? Hikmah Publications.

Is it suitable for beginners? Yes, it is written in plain language and the explanation makes it easy to follow.

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