Religion and Happiness Essay

Humanities Module 6: Religion and Happiness Essay

Religions are reviewed for their views on happiness, with consideration for the role of religion in modern culture. Although there are similarities among religions with regards to their characteristics, this paper will focus on the commonalities. As a Christian, the paper will focus on Islam for its role in achieving happiness for its followers.

Islam is a monotheistic religion that emerged in the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century. Muslims are the name given to its followers. Submission to the will of a lone God, Allah, is expressed in Islam. Like Christianity, it influences Muslims' everyday living. It is a source of meaning and happiness for them.

Three Central tenets of Islam

The central beliefs are: monotheism; the idea of life after death; and reward and punishment. Muslims believe in one all-powerful and all-knowing God (Allah) who created and maintains the universe. The concept of monotheism (Tawhid) is the backbone of Islam.

Another important aspect of Islam is the belief in life after death, which entails a day of judgment in which people are resurrected to account for their actions in life. In Islam, good behavior leads to heaven, while bad behavior leads to punishment. This aspect of Islam teaches people to live good lives, be responsible, and be spiritually disciplined, which leads to their happiness.

Sacred Texts and Prophets

Islam has its own holy texts and a number of prophets. The Quran is considered the holiest text and is believed to be the literal word of God given to the Prophet Muhammad. The Hadith is a set of sayings and deeds of the Prophet Muhammad that are used to instruct people on their behavior.

Prophetic figures who are recognized in Islam include some of the prophets recognized in Christianity, such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. However, Muhammad is considered to be the last of these prophets. Guidelines for living are derived from both the Qur’an as well as the practice of Muhammad.

Comparison Between Islam and Christianity

There are several similarities between the religions of Islam and Christianity. Both religions are monotheistic and both recognize the existence of prophets, the day of Judgment, and life after death. Both religions describe God as being merciful, just, and all-powerful, and both recognize the prophets Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.

However, there are differences in the understanding of Jesus and God. Nevertheless, there is agreement between the two religions on the importance of moral behavior, compassion, charity, and love for God.

Religion and Its Impact on Human Happiness

The role played by religious involvement in enhancing well-being is based on providing meaning and hope and a sense of social belonging. Psychological studies indicate that feeling a sense of divine association helps in dealing with stress and difficulties in life (Nami, 2016). In Islam, as in other faiths, there are behavioral rules against doing harm in the form of violence, drug use, and immorality.

Findings from the Pew Research Center (2019) show that active religious practice is associated with happiness and satisfaction with life. In Islam, for example, the practice of prayers, fasting during Ramadan, the payment of zakat (charitable giving), and congregational prayers all serve to build and strengthen community ties and emotions associated with happiness.

Conclusion

Islam is a significant world religion, with followers called Muslims. A significant aspect shared by Islam with the religion of Christianity is the worship of a single deity, prophetic revelations, as well as the existence of life after death. Religion is a significant contributor to happiness as it provides guidance, enhances group cohesion, as well as hope. Hence, religious individuals tend to experience a better life than non-religious individuals.

References

Nami. (2016, December 21). The mental health benefits of religion & spirituality. https://www.nami.org/blog/the-mental-health-benefits-of-religion-spirituality/

Pew Research Center. (2019, January 31). Religion’s relationship to happiness, civic engagement and health around the world. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/01/31/religions-relationship-to-happiness-civic-engagement-and-health-around-the-world/