A Path to True Wellbeing

Wellbeing is often associated with good health, physical strength, and daily functioning. While these are important, true wellbeing encompasses more than just the physical. It includes mental and emotional stability, meaningful social and relational connections, and spiritual grounding.

Spiritual wellbeing, in particular, involves living with a clear sense of purpose, upholding core values, and nurturing a deep connection with God. When these dimensions are aligned, a person experiences not only personal balance but also inner peace.

In navigating life's uncertainties and struggles, many oscillate between despair and hope. This could form some kind of emotional turmoil which often stems from individuals' intense pursuit of worldly possessions and desires.

When individuals could not fulfill the goals or things they desire to achieve or own, they may fall into self-blame, overburden their thoughts, or engage in behaviours that compromise their own wellbeing and that of others. In effect, many are suffering from poor psychological health, particularly if they become too absorbed in the race to accumulate wealth.

In today's life, personal pleasure, prestige, and the illusion of success have become the priority in life for some people. They do not work for the collective good or a meaningful, sustainable existence, but for their own interest. The obsession for wealth and glory might lead them into hedonistic lifestyle, driven by desires for lust, leisure, and luxury, ultimately distancing them from the true purpose of life.

This can be regarded as the deception of material wealth, an illusion that worldly possessions are the keys to lasting happiness, security, and meaning in life. It reflects the false belief that accumulating wealth is the ultimate goal of life, or that a person's worth and success are defined by what they own.

Wealth, if not accordingly managed, may distract us from spiritual growth, inner development, and responsibility toward others. Wealth may also erode our awareness of the temporary nature of worldly existence. The Qur'an vividly captures this in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20) "Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children...".

This verse warns that being consumed by materialism can lead to arrogance, heedlessness, and ultimately, spiritual loss. Thus, the deception lies in mistaking what is temporary, for what is eternal, and in seeking fulfillment in things that inevitably fade. In short, if it is not being properly managed, wealth can easily distract individuals from their true purpose in life.

While much has been said about the deceptive nature of material wealth and glory, less attention is given to another subtle form of deception, an act which arises from within religious practice itself. In this context, some individuals, though uninterested in worldly possessions, may become deceived by their own acts of worship. This form of ghurur (a spiritual delusion) leads them to equate outward rituals with true piety.

In this state, religious practices risk becoming empty performances, devoid of inner sincerity. Some individuals may also begin to judge or look down on others who do not appear religious, forgetting that true devotion is measured by the heart's sincerity, not by public display. It is hence essential to note that worship, when done for worldly recognition or self-satisfaction rather than for the pleasure of Allah, loses its essence.

Outward obedience can sometimes conceal inner arrogance. Stated another way, an individual may appear to be a religious, obedient, or morally upright individual on the outside. He or she performs rituals, follows rules, or speaks piously while inwardly feels superior to others ,or lacks sincerity and humility. This spiritual vanity does not bring one closer to Allah, nor does it uplift others. In fact, it contradicts the very spirit of faith, which calls for humility, self-awareness, and compassion.

True righteousness cannot be reduced to rituals alone as spiritual excellence goes beyond simply performing religious rituals like prayer, fasting, or attending religious activities. While rituals are important and prescribed in Islam, they are not sufficient on their own to define a person as truly righteous or pious, if performed merely to gain the approval or admiration of others.

Rituals must be accompanied by sincerity and purpose. Performing rituals without sincerity (ikhlas) or awareness (khushu) may turn them into mere habits or routines. What matters is the intention behind the act, that is doing it for the sake of Allah, not for public approval or self-satisfaction.

True righteousness includes how an individual treats others, upholds justice, speaks the truth, maintains humility, and shows compassion. Rituals without good character and ethical behaviour are incomplete. Righteousness includes internal transformation, in that the goal of religious practice is to purify the soul, develop self-control, and build a connection with the Divine. If rituals do not lead to spiritual growth or positive change in one's behaviour, they have missed their deeper purpose.

In this regard, the Qur'an says: "It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards the east or the west, but righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah... and gives his wealth in spite of love for it to relatives, orphans, the needy..."(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:177). This verse clearly shows that righteousness involves both belief and action, rituals must be part of a broader life of service, integrity, and God-consciousness.

True righteousness is a holistic combination of belief, worship, character, and ethical responsibility. It's not just what you do in prayer, but how you live your life between the prayers. It requires a conscious alignment of the heart, intention, and action. It calls us to serve others, reflect deeply, and pursue knowledge that helps us distinguish between truth and falsehood. It encourages us to live purposefully, knowing that life on earth is temporary and inevitably linked to death, and that we will be held accountable in the Hereafter for how we lived this life.

Ultimately, whether through the pursuit of wealth or through the illusion of religious superiority, the dunya (world) can deceive. The challenge, then, is to remain grounded, that is to seek Allah's pleasure above all, to strive for sincerity in worship, and to let compassion, not ego, define our spiritual journey.

Hence, there are calls on the faithful individuals to be awaken from spiritual complacency, to humble themselves, sincerely repent, and live with greater consciousness of their responsibilities toward others and their Lord, a reminder that Allah makes in verse 16 of verse Al-Hadid. Indeed, men are encouraged to prioritise Allah's pleasure above all, and to place the wellbeing of others at the centre of their actions.

To live meaningfully in this world, ones must enhance knowledge, so they can distinguish clearly between what is right and what is wrong. They should surround themselves with righteous companions, whose company uplifts and guides. They should utilise worldly means as tools to build a better life in the Hereafter, not as ends in themselves.

In conclusion, our well being could increase through our activities on this earth, provided that they are performed with the intention of seeking the pleasure of God, in every task instead of merely to earn a living. We must remain aware that life on earth is temporary, and inextricably linked to death. More importantly, we must remember that we will be held accountable in the Hereafter for how they lived this life.

Shukran Abd Rahman is a professor of Industrial and Organisational Psychology in the Department of Psychology, AbdulHamid AbuSulayman Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia. His research areas include Psychology from Islamic perspective, career development, change and development in higher education institutions, organizational behavior, academic culture, and work ethic.