
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025
www.rsisinternational.org
Based on the above explanation, well-being can be divided into two categories: worldly well-being and well-
being in the Hereafter. However, well-being in the Hereafter is regarded as the ultimate goal, as it is eternal and
perfect, whereas worldly well-being is temporary and subject to the trials and challenges of life. Therefore, Islam
emphasizes that worldly well-being should serve as a mean (wasīlah) to attain well-being in the Hereafter.
The Concept of Family Well-Being According to Western Perspectives
According to Western scholars, the concept of family well-being is abstract and difficult to measure (Shin &
Johnson, 1978). However, there are several terms that are often used in relation to family well-being. Western
scholars have outlined a number of characteristics associated with a happy family. Family well-being is not
measured solely through material means, but also includes emotional and psychological factors (A. Khawari &
Khawari, 1989).
A well-functioning family also encompasses strong emotional bonds, closeness among members, mutual
affection, cooperation, love, complementarity, and the ability to compensate for each other’s shortcomings
(Nuerbauer & Lank, 1998; Astrachan & McMillian, 2003). Western scholars use various terms to describe family
well-being, such as “happy family,” “family harmony,” and “wellness family.” All these terms convey a similar
meaning—namely, feelings of happiness, peace, and well-being among family members (Hamzah Ya‘qub,
1980).
Greek philosophers were among the earliest Western thinkers to explore the concept of well-being. Some of the
most renowned philosophers include Socrates (469 BC – 399 BC), Plato (427 BC – 347 BC), and Aristotle (384
BC – 322 BC) (Mursi, 2000). The philosophy of well-being according to Socrates can be understood through
his famous maxim: “Know thyself.” According to him, self-knowledge leads an individual to examine truth,
goodness, and personal happiness (Baryali Fetrat, 2020).
Plato, on the other hand, divided well-being into two categories: worldly well-being and ultimate well-being.
Worldly well-being is achieved when the rational soul (nafs al-‘aqilah) governs the irascible (ghadabiyyah) and
appetitive (shahwaniyyah) souls. Ultimate well-being, according to Plato, is only experienced at the moment of
death when the soul departs the body. However, this well-being cannot be attained if a person remains immersed
in impurity, desires, and ignorance (Mursi, 2000).
Aristotle proposed that well-being must meet five key conditions. First, physical health and functional senses.
Second, the attainment of wealth, children, power, and status. Third, success in one's career and personal
aspirations. Fourth, intellectual well-being, wisdom, and a correct belief system. And fifth, a good reputation
along with social acceptance and recognition from others (Mursi, 2000).
The concept of well-being according to Western scholars can also be examined through the perspectives of
Western psychologists. One of the most prominent psychologists who discussed this concept is Abraham
Maslow. He developed a theory that seeks to determine the factors contributing to an individual's well-being,
known as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Maslow identified five levels of human needs that influence an
individual's well-being: first, physiological needs; second, safety needs; third, the need for love and belonging;
fourth, the need for self-esteem; and fifth, the need for self-actualization (Ridzuan Masri et al., 2018).
The Concept of Family Well-Being in Malaysia Madani
The concept of Malaysia Madani emerged in response to the growing societal challenges and imbalances
affecting various aspects of life in Malaysia, including the economic, political, and social spheres. Malaysia
Madani is a slogan introduced by the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia as an integrated and holistic initiative
aimed at shaping national policies and implementations to be more human-centric, continuously improved
through public consultation (musyawarah) and feedback (Ummi Munirah, 2023). The slogan "Developing a
Civil Malaysia (Malaysia Madani)", first introduced on 19 January 2023, encapsulates six core values:
Sustainability (M), Well-being (A), Innovation (D), Respect (A), Trust (N), and Compassion (I). These values
form the foundational framework and guiding philosophy of the Malaysia Madani concept, with each element
being interrelated and mutually reinforcing (Anwar, 2023).