A Pursuit of Human Wellbeing: An Islamic Perspective

Human beings naturally tend to pursue wellbeing. However, wellbeing means different things to different people. This makes wellbeing a complex, multidimensional phenomenon influenced by various factors at individual, community, societal, and planetary levels. As a concept, wellbeing is multifaceted and deeply rooted in cultural and religious contexts. Wellbeing encompasses physical, mental, emotional, social, and economic aspects, making it more than just the absence of illness or the pursuit of happiness. It involves a balance of these elements and is often linked to having a “good life”. This chapter highlights different theories of wellbeing, such as hedonistic and desire theories, each offering a unique perspective on what constitutes wellbeing. Focusing on Islam, it examines wellbeing as an outcome of fulfilling one’s duties to Allah, maintaining physical and mental health, and fulfilling social and environmental responsibilities. In Islam, wellbeing is closely tied to living a “good life” through worship and service to Allah. This approach to wellbeing is comprehensive and holistic, involving a spiritual-divine focus, a body-mind focus, and a social-environmental focus. The spiritual aspect emphasises the relationship with Allah, while the body-mind aspect involves maintaining physical and mental health. Social-environmental wellbeing stresses the importance of social responsibilities and environmental stewardship, as human beings are seen as Allah’s vicegerents on earth. Islamic teachings encourage moderation in all aspects of life, promoting sustainability and a balanced approach to using natural resources. Integrating spiritual, physical, mental, social, and environmental dimensions is essential for achieving comprehensive wellbeing in Islam. When any of these dimensions is weak or dysfunctional, it negatively impacts the overall wellbeing, underscoring the interconnected nature of these elements.