RECONSTRUCTING THE MEANING OF HAPPINESS IN THE HADITH OF THE PROPHET AND ITS RELEVANCE TO MODERN WELL-BEING THEORY
Abstract
This article aims to reconstruct the meaning of happiness (al-sa'adah) in the hadith of the Prophet SAW and analyze its relevance to modern well-being theory. Amidst the dominance of hedonistic and eudaimonistic approaches in contemporary psychology, happiness is often understood in a limited sense as the fulfillment of material and worldly psychological functions alone. Through a descriptive-analytical method based on literature review, this study finds that happiness in the perspective of the hadith has a broader spiritual dimension, which includes well-being in this world as well as eternal happiness in the hereafter. The hadith of the Prophet SAW emphasizes that true wealth does not lie in material abundance, but in spiritual wealth (ghina al-nafs) achieved through the practices of gratitude, patience, and acceptance of Allah's decree. This reconstruction shows that prophetic messages are highly relevant to enriching modern well-being theory by offering a holistic model of well-being that places the relationship with God (ma'rifah) at the center of optimal human functioning. The integration of these hadith values provides a framework for positive psychology to transcend secular limitations and achieve peace of mind (thuma'ninah) that is in harmony with human nature.
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References
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