Can We Seek Comfort And Pleasure As A Goal In This Life?
As a principle : All wordly matters are permissible unless explicitly prohibited in Islam and all religious matters are prohibited for which no basis is available in Quran or Sunnah. Striving for a better life or a life of comfort is a secular pursuit and there is no prohibition for this pursuit available in Quran and Sunnah. Instead, Quran supports this idea of aiming for a better and luxurious life and calls the pursuit of wealth as “ Khair ” & “ Blessing of Allah ” ( Please see : Discussion 64765 ). And there is no harm if one strives to achieve a better life with the intention to ease the test of this world, the test will be there but aiming and praying for ease in that test is not against the scheme of tests and trials in this world ( Please see : Discussion 61503 • Reply 61511 ). And from a holistic view, living a better life does not affect the overall test of this world, the scheme of tests and trials instituted by God in this world encompasses everyone and everywhere, no matter their social stature, some from one dimension and others from another — every one will go through this test nevertheless. A person living a life of luxury might feel ease from the test from one dimension but might face another test from a second dimension. This kind of thinking has every potential to take one to the level of asceticism which goes against the teachings of Islam. Among Sahaba, Abu Zar Ghaffari (rta) chose this lifestyle which other Sahaba criticized and he was aksed to live in the outskirts of Medina in accordance with his chosen lifestyle ( Please see : Discussion 89044 ). But all of this should be done within ethical bounds with Tazkiya as ultimate goal with accountability of Qiyamah in mind. __ Please also watch : https://youtu.be/A6_zvPYhAN0?si=qYmclPbHQkCGGxJi