The Relationship Between Money and Happiness from the Perspective of Psychology and Religion
Authors
Faculty of Contemporary Islamic Studies (FKI), University Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Gong Badak Campus, 21300 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu (Malaysia)
Faculty of Contemporary Islamic Studies (FKI), University Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Gong Badak Campus, 21300 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu (Malaysia)
Faculty of Contemporary Islamic Studies (FKI), University Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Gong Badak Campus, 21300 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu (Malaysia)
Faculty of Contemporary Islamic Studies (FKI), University Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Gong Badak Campus, 21300 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu (Malaysia)
Faculty of Contemporary Islamic Studies (FKI), University Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Gong Badak Campus, 21300 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu (Malaysia)
Faculty of Contemporary Islamic Studies (FKI), University Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Gong Badak Campus, 21300 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu (Malaysia)
Article Information
DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2025.930000039
Subject Category: Islamic Studies
Volume/Issue: 9/30 | Page No: 295-303
Publication Timeline
Submitted: 2025-12-10
Accepted: 2025-12-20
Published: 2025-12-26
Abstract
This study aims to explore the relationship between money and happiness from two complementary perspectives: modern psychology and Islamic religion. The goal is to understand the factors that determine an individual's sense of contentment and happiness in an increasingly materialistic era where reliance on money as an indicator of success and well-being is growing. Although money is considered one of the key tools that enable individuals to meet their basic needs and achieve a certain level of well-being, happiness remains an internal concept and a psychological and spiritual feeling that transcends ownership and consumption.
The research first discusses the concepts of "money" and "happiness" in terms of language and definition and then moves on to analyze the relationship between money and happiness from the perspective of modern psychology. This includes acknowledging the complex and non-linear relationship between wealth and self-contentment, as well as discussing theories such as the Adaptation Theory and the Hedonic Treadmill.
In contrast, the study addresses the Islamic view, which distinguishes between money as both a blessing and a test, and emphasizes that true happiness is only achieved through a balance between material and spiritual aspects. It focuses on concepts such as contentment, asceticism, and trust in God, supported by Quranic verses and Prophetic Hadiths that shed light on the correct use of money to achieve peace and satisfaction.
The research concludes with a comparative analysis between the psychological and religious perspectives, highlighting the areas of convergence and divergence, and emphasizing how their integration can offer a more comprehensive understanding of how to achieve human happiness in both individual and societal life.
Keywords
Money, Happiness, Psychology, Islamic Religion
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