Faith and Flourishing: Happiness in the Abrahamic Traditions

Faith and Flourishing: Happiness in the Abrahamic Traditions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam)

Happiness is a universal human aspiration. We all seek a state of well-being, contentment, or joy. But what constitutes true happiness, and how is it attained? For billions around the world, faith provides essential answers to these questions. This essay, the first in a series exploring faith and flourishing, delves into how happiness, well-being, or blessedness is understood and pursued within the three major Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Sharing ancient roots, these traditions offer distinct yet sometimes overlapping perspectives on the path to a truly flourishing life.

Judaism: Peace, Community, and Righteous Living

In Judaism, the concept of happiness or well-being is deeply connected to peace, wholeness, and living a life of purpose in accordance with God's covenant. While the English word "happiness" might suggest a fleeting emotion, the Hebrew term Shalom offers a richer understanding. Shalom means peace, but it encompasses much more – completeness, soundness, welfare, and general well-being. Achieving Shalom is not just about the absence of conflict, but a state of positive flourishing for individuals and the community. Another important term is Simcha, which translates to joy, particularly the joy associated with fulfilling religious obligations and celebrating life's blessings.

For Jewish people, the relationship between faith, obedience, and happiness is central. Happiness is found not just in believing in God, but in actively living out God's will as revealed in the Torah and interpreted through tradition. The performance of Mitzvot (commandments) is seen not as a burden, but as the pathway to holiness and connection with the divine, which brings deep satisfaction and meaning. Living righteously, contributing to the community (the concept of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world), and engaging in study and prayer are all integral to experiencing well-being.

Judaism places a strong emphasis on finding holiness and joy in this world (Olam HaZeh). While there is belief in an afterlife (Olam HaBa), where souls experience ultimate closeness to God, much of Jewish life is focused on sanctifying the present moment and finding joy and meaning within earthly existence through family, community, tradition, and the performance of mitzvot. Happiness is thus intricately woven into the fabric of daily life and communal identity.

Christianity: Blessedness, Grace, and Eternal Life

In Christianity, the term "happiness" is often complemented or sometimes superseded by the concept of "blessedness." The Greek word makarios, used in the Beatitudes (Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, like "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth"), is often translated as "blessed" but can also mean "happy" or "fortunate." However, Christian blessedness signifies a deeper, more spiritual state of well-being and divine favour that is not dependent on outward circumstances and can even be experienced amidst suffering.

The relationship between faith, obedience, and blessedness is founded on the Christian belief in God's grace through Jesus Christ. Faith in Jesus is the cornerstone. Blessedness is seen as a state granted by God to those who are in a right relationship with Him, often described as a gift. Obedience to God's commands, particularly the commands to love God and love one's neighbour, stems from this faith and is seen as living out the implications of being blessed. True Christian joy and blessedness are often described as "fruits of the Spirit," internal states that are manifestations of God's presence in a believer's life.

Christians view earthly life as a journey, often marked by challenges and suffering. While moments of happiness and joy are certainly part of life, ultimate and complete blessedness is found in the afterlife, in eternal communion with God in heaven. Earthly blessedness is seen as a foretaste of this eternal state. The hope of eternal life in God's presence provides a perspective that allows believers to find peace and even joy amidst the trials of the present world.

Islam: Submission, Success, and Inner Tranquillity

In Islam, true and lasting happiness is often referred to by terms like Sa'ada (felicity or true happiness) or Falah (success, prosperity, or salvation, often linked to spiritual well-being). These terms describe a state of inner peace and contentment that comes from aligning one's life with the will of God (Allah).

The relationship between faith, submission, and happiness is fundamental to Islam, which means "submission to the will of God." The core belief in Tawhid (the absolute oneness of God) is the foundation. Happiness (Sa'ada) is achieved through living a righteous life according to the guidance provided in the Quran and the Sunnah (the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad). Performing the Five Pillars of Islam (declaration of faith, prayer, charity, fasting, pilgrimage) are seen as essential acts of worship and obedience that cultivate a close relationship with God and lead to inner peace and success (Falah). A key term related to this inner peace is Sakinah, which means tranquillity, peace, or a sense of calm assurance, often described as a divine presence or state granted by God.

Islam views earthly life (Dunya) as a temporary stage and a test. While worldly pleasures and moments of joy are acknowledged as blessings from God, true and ultimate Sa'ada is primarily attained in the hereafter (the Akhirah), specifically in Jannah (Paradise), which is the ultimate reward for those who lived a life of faith and righteousness. Earthly happiness is seen as fleeting compared to the eternal bliss promised in paradise. However, living in submission to God in this life brings a profound sense of peace and contentment (Sakinah) that constitutes significant spiritual well-being.

Conclusion: Shared Paths to Deeper Meaning

While Judaism, Christianity, and Islam each approach the concept of happiness, well-being, and blessedness with their own distinct theological frameworks and terminology, some common threads emerge. All three traditions ultimately link true, lasting flourishing not merely to external circumstances or fleeting feelings, but to a right relationship with the divine. They emphasise that living a life guided by faith, obedience to God's will, and ethical conduct is the pathway to a deeper sense of purpose, peace, and fulfilment. While earthly joy is acknowledged, ultimate and perfect well-being is often situated in a transcendent reality or the afterlife.

These perspectives from the Abrahamic faiths offer rich insights into human aspiration and divine connection. In the next essay, we will turn our gaze eastward to explore how happiness, liberation, or flourishing is understood in different religious and philosophical traditions from Asia.