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Happiness in Islam The Role of Religion and Spirituality in Muslims’ Well-Being

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Selected Proceedings from the 1st International Conference on Contemporary Islamic Studies (ICIS 2021)

Abstract

Positive Psychology has emerged as a movement proposing the study of the elements related to human well-being and happiness. Spirituality is one of these elements that can stimulate positive behaviors. It plays a large role in Muslims’ daily life, sometimes being inseparable from secular life. This research seeks to understand the influence and impact of spirituality and religiosity on Muslims’ well-being by identifying orientations present in Qur’anic verses. In this study, six representatives of Brazil’s Muslim community were interviewed individually, using open-ended questions regarding the attitudes and behaviors addressed in the Qur’an that could lead to happiness and well-being. Analysis was based on comparisons between the data collected and recent research in positive psychology, happiness, and well-being, from both secular and religious perspectives. Preliminary results show that many quotes in the Qur’an recommend positive behaviors and attitudes and bring a concept of happiness that intrinsically connects well-being, religious beliefs, and spirituality.

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Correspondence to Salua Omais .

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Omais, S., dos Santos, M.A. (2022). Happiness in Islam The Role of Religion and Spirituality in Muslims’ Well-Being. In: Shariff, N.N.M., Yakob, M.A., Hamidi, Z.S., Aghwan, Z.A.A., Lateh, N. (eds) Selected Proceedings from the 1st International Conference on Contemporary Islamic Studies (ICIS 2021). Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-2390-6_19

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