2. Is being a practicing Muslim contrary to feeling happy and enjoying life?
Islam is not a mere set of taboos on do’s and don’ts. Nor are rules of morality straight jackets and barriers from lawful and


cup of cheer
wholesome enjoyment of life. In the Quran and Hadith, we find numerous references to the functionality and beauty of the creation of Allah that are created for our benefit and enjoyment.
Picnics, sports, and other hobbies are encouraged so long as there is no violation of Islam’s moral code. As such Islam does not mean “no fun”, unless we mean by “fun”, I do whatever I “feel like” doing without any restraint or guiding rules.
Likewise, if indeed I believe in Allah, defer to His infinite wisdom and above all, reciprocate His love with my obedience, then I should be ready to make reasonable sacrifices. Some such sacrifices include resisting the tendency to do everything that “I feel like” doing, even if Allah tells me that it is forbidden.
Sacrifice may also require me to resist the temptation to disobey Allah and refuse to abide by His guidance because “I do not feel like” doing it, such as prayers and other mandatory duties.
As to your remarks about hijab, I must be honest and forthright with you and say clearly that it is mandatory on every adult female Muslim. In fact, Muslim men also have dress rules for modesty as well.
However, understanding Islam, strengthening one’s faith, abstaining from major sins and practicing the most important pillars of Islam take precedence over hijab. It is the decision to commit oneself to Allah and re-connect with Him that help overcome some of the barriers to do good.
Such barriers may be psychological, social like peer pressure and other difficulties. Let us put first things first and by the grace of Allah, other goodness will follow.