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The Relationship Between Money and Happiness from the
Perspective of Psychology and Religion
Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed Al-Haddar
1*
, Rosmalizawati Ab Rashid
2
, Nur Sakiinah Ab Aziz
3
,
Mohammad Ishaque Husain
4
,
Mohd A'Tarahim Mohd Razali
5
,Noorsafuan Che Noh
6
Faculty of Contemporary Islamic Studies (FKI), University Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Gong
Badak Campus, 21300 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
*
Corresponding Author
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.930000039
Received: 10 December 2025; Accepted: 20 December 2025; Published: 26 December 2025
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, Contentment, Asceticism, Consumption,
Psychological Well-being, Spiritual Happiness
INTRODUCTION
Happiness is considered one of the highest goals that humanity has sought since the dawn of time. It represents
the aim in the journey of life, regardless of the various means individuals pursue to achieve it. This pursuit has
preoccupied human beings and has become a central concern for philosophers, thinkers, psychologists,
sociologists, and religious scholars alike. Hardly any civilizational, religious, or intellectual project omits
reference to happiness and ways to attain it. With the complexities of modern life and the increasing material
demands, money has taken a central role in human existence—not only as a means for a decent life but also as
an indicator of success and, at times, contentment. This has led many to question the extent to which money is
related to happiness and whether wealth can truly buy peace of mind and inner tranquility.
This question has sparked wide debate in academic and cultural circles, where people are divided between those
who believe that money buys happiness by fulfilling needs, desires, and providing security, and those who argue
that, in many cases, it leads to anxiety and stress, increasing competition and excessive consumption, thereby
robbing a person of their inner peace. Some researchers suggest that the relationship between money and
happiness is not linear or absolute; it depends on several factors such as personal values, income level, lifestyle,
and contentment (Boyce, Brown, & Moore, 2010).
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Thus, the importance of addressing this topic from multiple perspectives becomes evident, particularly from the
psychological viewpoint, which is based on empirical studies and behavioral and social theories that link life
satisfaction, psychological well-being, and income (Brickman & Campbell, 1971). Additionally, the Islamic
religious perspective treats money as both a blessing from God and a test, framing its use within values such as
asceticism, contentment, and charity, making the pursuit of happiness inseparable from spiritual and ethical
dimensions (Diener, Tay, & Oishi, 2018).
In this context, this research aims to shed light on the relationship between money and happiness from both
psychological and Islamic perspectives, by analyzing concepts and definitions, reviewing psychological theories
and recent studies, and comparing them with the insights derived from Quranic verses and Prophetic Hadiths,
leading to a more balanced understanding of this complex relationship. The study is organized into four main
sections: the basic concepts of money and happiness, the psychological view of their relationship, the Islamic
perspective, and a final analytical comparison between the two views. Understanding this relationship not only
enriches theoretical knowledge but also carries practical implications for contemporary humans striving to
balance material and spiritual well-being (Jebb, Tay, Diener, & Oishi, 2018; Kahneman & Deaton, 2010).
The Concept of Money and Happiness
The concepts of "money" and "happiness" are among the most frequently discussed concepts in contemporary
human life due to their close relationship with daily experiences and the ongoing quest for comfort and
satisfaction. Various theories exist regarding the role of money in achieving happiness. While some view it as a
fundamental condition for a decent life, others consider it merely a tool that does not, on its own, guarantee a
good life. To understand the relationship between money and happiness, it is essential first to define the
conceptual framework of each, by referring to their linguistic and terminological roots, as well as modern studies
and cultural and religious heritage.
First: Definition of Money
Linguistic Meaning of Money
The word "money" in Arabic is derived from the verb "maal," meaning to incline or shift, and refers to anything
that is owned or acquired, including goods and benefits. Ibn Manzoor mentions that money is "what you own
from all things," whether it be gold, silver, or other possessions that a person can possess (Ibn Manzoor, Lisan
al-Arab). In the past, camels were considered one of the greatest forms of wealth among Arabs, so much so that
it was said: "money is camels" (Ibn al-Athir, Al-Nihayah fi Gharib al-Hadith).
Terminological Meaning of Money
In terminology, money is defined as anything of material value that circulates among people for the purpose of
ownership, exchange, or saving, including money, real estate, and movable or immovable properties. Some
researchers define money as "a medium of exchange, a store of value, and a measure of payments in modern
economic systems" (Al-Sheibi, 2022).
In another context, money is defined as "a tool that enables humans to meet their basic needs and achieve a
certain level of livelihood security" (Al-Farjani, 2021). Some contemporary economists emphasize that money
is no longer just a means to secure basic needs, but also a symbol of social power and status, which complicates
the relationship between money and human emotions (Hassan, 2023).
From these definitions, it is clear that money is viewed not only as a material tool but also as an element with
psychological and social dimensions, which may go beyond its functional role in people's lives and influence
their self-esteem and lifestyle.
Second: Definition of Happiness
Linguistic Meaning of Happiness
The word "happiness" in Arabic comes from the root "sa'd," meaning to be fortunate, and is the opposite of
misery and hardship. The term happiness is used to indicate prosperity, joy, and psychological stability, and it
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has historically been associated with terms such as joy, delight, and contentment (Al-Fayruzabadi, Al-Qamus al-
Muhit).
Terminological Meaning of Happiness
In psychological terminology, happiness is defined as "a positive emotional state experienced by a person when
there is a balance between expectations and reality, characterized by a sense of satisfaction with oneself and the
surrounding circumstances" (Al-Oudi, 2023).
It is also defined as "an inner feeling of comfort and psychological contentment that arises from a sense of
meaning and purpose in life, not merely from material possessions or fulfillment" (Abd al-Karim, 2022).
In human psychology, Abraham Maslow states that happiness is achieved when a person fulfills their self-
actualization needs, representing the pinnacle of the hierarchy of needs, and is derived from "a balance between
physiological, spiritual, and social needs" (Maslow, 1954).
From the Islamic perspective, happiness takes on a deeper dimension related to the state of the heart and
satisfaction with divine decree, as it is viewed as "the tranquility of the heart and the peace of the soul from being
close to God, and contentment with what Allah has apportioned" (Ibn al-Qayyim, Madarij al-Salikin). The Quran
emphasizes this meaning in the verse:
"Those who believe and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah. Surely, in the remembrance of Allah,
hearts find rest." [Ar-Ra'd: 28]. This indicates that true happiness is not attained by money alone but through
closeness to Allah and sincere faith.
From the previous presentation, it becomes clear that money is a fundamental component of human life, but it is
not a source of happiness by itself. Happiness is a psychological and spiritual concept that transcends the ability
to purchase or own, depending on contentment, gratitude, and self-fulfillment. This distinction between the two
concepts establishes a more precise understanding of the relationship between money and happiness, which will
be explored further in the following chapters from both psychological and Islamic religious perspectives.
Concept
Linguistic Definition
Terminological Definition
Money
Derived from the Arabic verb “maal”
meaning to incline or shift. Refers to
anything that can be owned—goods or
benefits. In classical Arabic, camels were
considered the most valuable form of
wealth.
Anything of material value that circulates among
people for ownership, exchange, or saving,
including properties and currencies. It is also seen
as a medium of exchange, store of value, and
symbol of social power.
Happiness
From the root “sa‘d”, meaning fortune or
felicity. It is the opposite of misery, and
implies joy, peace, and stability.
A positive emotional state resulting from a balance
between expectations and reality. It also refers to
inner comfort and a sense of purpose. In Islamic
thought, it is deeply tied to spiritual tranquility and
contentment with divine will.
Briefly Concept of Money and Happiness
The Psychological Perspective on the Relationship Between Money and Happiness
In psychology, happiness represents a complex concept that goes beyond mere temporary feelings of joy; it
relates to overall life satisfaction, personal well-being, and a sense of meaning and value. When examining the
relationship between money and happiness from a psychological perspective, it cannot be said that there is a
constant or linear correlation between the two. Instead, the relationship is influenced by various social, cultural,
and personal contexts, alongside the adaptive and changing nature of human beings.
Psychologists believe that money plays a role in achieving happiness in a limited and conditional way, as it helps
meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare, which are essential for achieving a minimal level of
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psychological satisfaction. A classic study by Daniel Kahneman and Angus Deaton (2010) confirmed that income
is indeed related to happiness up to a certain threshold, approximately $75,000 per year. Beyond this point,
increasing income does not significantly affect daily emotions or overall well-being (Kahneman & Deaton,
2010). This is attributed to the fact that money, after covering basic needs, does not address other issues like
loneliness, lack of self-fulfillment, or existential anxiety.
Positive psychology, which developed as a branch focused on enhancing strengths and life satisfaction, indicates
that happiness is not achieved by money alone but through positive social relationships, a sense of
accomplishment, and engagement in meaningful activities. Martin Seligman (2002), one of the leading figures
in this field, demonstrated that money can provide material well-being, but true happiness stems from factors
like gratitude, achievement, meaning, and social connections (Seligman, 2002).
One of the important theoretical perspectives in this context is Maslow's theory of human needs, which divides
needs into five levels, starting with biological essentials (food, safety), followed by social needs (belonging,
love), then esteem needs, and finally self-actualization, the stage where individuals experience deep satisfaction
and fulfillment. Maslow emphasized that money can help achieve the lower stages of the pyramid, but it does
not guarantee reaching the peak, where deeper psychological happiness resides (Maslow, 1954).
Additionally, the theory of hedonic adaptation presents an important aspect of the relationship between money
and happiness. Psychologists argue that humans, by nature, adapt quickly to changes in their income or material
circumstances. Even if a person receives a significant increase in money, the effect on their happiness is
temporary, and they quickly return to their previous level of satisfaction. This was confirmed in a famous study
by Brickman and Campbell (1971), which showed that lottery winners were not happier in the long run than
non-winners (Brickman & Campbell, 1971).
Another modern theory is Social Comparison Theory, which suggests that a person’s sense of happiness may not
be related to the amount of money they have, but rather to how much money they have compared to others. This
approach can lead to competitive consumer behaviors that weaken genuine feelings of contentment and security
(Diener & Oishi, 2000).
In light of the above, it is clear that while money plays a role in enhancing a sense of psychological security and
temporary comfort, deep psychological happiness is linked to broader factors, including emotional stability,
meaning, supportive relationships, and self-contentment—dimensions that cannot be purchased with money.
Psychological Theories Explaining the Relationship Between Money and Happiness
The Islamic Religious Perspective on the Relationship Between Money and Happiness
In Islam, money is considered one of the blessings granted by God to humanity, and it is an important tool in
worldly life. However, it is also a test from God to see how one uses it. In this context, a Muslim understands
that money is not an end in itself, but a means to achieve higher goals, the foremost of which is seeking the
Maslow's
Hierarchy of
Needs in 1940
Adaptation-
Level Theory in
1948
Social
Comparison
Theory in 1954
Hedonic
Adaptation
Theory in 1971
Self-
Determination
Theory in 1985
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pleasure of Allah and true happiness that stems from contentment and inner peace, not from the accumulation of
wealth.
Money in Islam is not inherently bad; rather, it is part of the adornment of this worldly life that God has placed
in the universe. Allah says in Surah Al-Kahf:
{Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to
your Lord for reward and better for [your] hope.} (Al-Kahf: 46).
Here, the Qur'an makes it clear that wealth, alongside children, is considered an adornment of life, but at the
same time, it is not superior to the righteous deeds that will remain beneficial in the Hereafter. This strengthens
the idea that wealth is a means that can contribute to a person's happiness if it is used in a way that pleases Allah.
In the same context, the verse from Surah Al-Qasas states: {But seek, through that which Allah has given you,
the home of the Hereafter. And do not forget your share of the worldly life.} (Al-Qasas: 77).
This verse encourages a balance between enjoying the pleasures of this world and preparing for the Hereafter. A
Muslim is required to benefit from God's blessings in this life while not neglecting the spiritual and eternal
aspect, as true happiness is not found in money itself, but in how it is invested to achieve success in both this
world and the Hereafter.
In Islam, money is viewed as a tool for performing acts of worship that bring the servant closer to their Lord.
Among the most prominent of these acts are zakat and charity, which are derived from the wealth of Muslims
and serve as means of social welfare, alleviating the suffering of the poor and the needy, thus contributing to the
achievement of community happiness.
Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah: {And establish the prayer and give zakat. And whatever good you put
forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah. It is better and greater in reward. And seek forgiveness
of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.} (Al-Baqarah: 110).
This verse indicates that spending in the way of Allah is not only a means to achieve goodness in this world, but
it also enhances happiness in the Hereafter.
On another note, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in his hadith indicates that righteous wealth is a
part of happiness when it is in the hands of a good person who uses it to serve others and in the way of Allah.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “How good is righteous wealth for a righteous person.” (Narrated by
Ahmad).
Here, wealth is considered one of the blessings that can be a cause of happiness when it is used in service to
Islam and the community. The Islamic perspective emphasizes that money should serve higher values such as
justice, mercy, and cooperation among community members.
Islam places great value on contentment and satisfaction in understanding true happiness. Wealth is not the only
measure of happiness, but rather it is the richness of the soul, which is the feeling of contentment with what God
has decreed for the individual. In this context, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Richness is not having many possessions, but richness is the richness of the soul.” (Sahih Muslim).
This hadith clarifies that wealth is not about the quantity of money, but the contentment of the heart and its
tranquility. Poverty, in Islamic terms, is not about lacking material wealth but about the poverty of the heart in
relation to contentment and satisfaction. Therefore, contentment is considered one of the keys to true happiness
in the Islamic worldview, and it is a spiritual feeling of gratitude for God's grace.
In this regard, Allah says in Surah Ash-Sharh: {For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with
hardship [will be] ease.} (Ash-Sharh: 5-6).
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This verse suggests that material hardships, such as poverty, are temporary phases in life, and that with hardship
comes ease. This means that Islam views money as a means of achieving happiness when the individual is content
and at peace with God's will.
Ultimately, it can be said that Islam promotes the idea that true happiness is not primarily material happiness,
but rather spiritual and eternal happiness that stems from faith in God and righteous deeds. Happiness in the
Hereafter is the ultimate goal for a Muslim, and money is only a means to achieve this goal through spending in
the way of Allah.
Allah says in Surah Aal-e-Imran: {Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds and humbled
themselves to their parents and preserved their family, and returned them with good deeds, they will have
great reward from Allah.} (Aal-e-Imran: 102).
Aspect
Nature of Money
Purpose of Money
Qur’anic Guidance
Acts of Worship with Money
Prophetic Teachings
True Wealth
Happiness and Hardship
Ultimate Goal
The Islamic View on Money and True Happiness
A Comparative Analysis Between the Psychological and Islamic Perspectives
In comparing the psychological and Islamic perspectives on the relationship between money and happiness, it
becomes evident that both share several fundamental aspects but differ in how they interpret the sources of
happiness and the role of money in achieving it.
Money as a Means to Happiness
In psychology, money is viewed as a tool to attain psychological comfort and to meet an individual’s basic needs.
Many psychological studies affirm that money contributes to reducing stress caused by financial anxiety and
provides a certain level of emotional stability (Kahneman & Deaton, 2010). However, the impact of money on
happiness begins to diminish once a certain standard of living is reached, after which money no longer
significantly increases emotional satisfaction (Diener & Biswas-Diener, 2002). Psychology acknowledges that
while money aids in achieving material well-being, true psychological happiness requires more than just
financial resources. Instead, true happiness is linked to strong relationships, self-satisfaction, and a sense of
personal accomplishment (Seligman, 2002).
On the other hand, in Islam, money is considered a blessing from God and a test for human beings. True
happiness in Islam does not lie in merely acquiring money, but rather in how money is used. Islam connects
happiness with contentment in God’s decree and proper financial conduct through zakat and charity, emphasizing
frugality and asceticism (Al-Qurtubi, 2009). In the Qur'an, money is described as an adornment of worldly life
but not the source of true happiness, which is instead linked to piety and pure intention, as stated in the verse:
"Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to
your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope." (Qur'an, Al-Kahf 18:46).
Money is viewed as a divine test to determine how it is used in the service of God; thus, it only improves human
life when used properly and beneficially.
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The Role of Money in Achieving Happiness
From the psychological perspective, money is a means of achieving psychological comfort, but it is not the
ultimate goal of happiness. According to the adaptation theory, people quickly adapt to increases in income
(Brickman et al., 1978). As such, financial gains do not necessarily translate into lasting happiness. However,
money can help reduce basic living pressures, such as securing housing, food, and healthcare, which temporarily
enhances quality of life (Veenhoven, 2013).
Conversely, Islam presents money with a spiritual dimension, where it is a means to a dignified life but not an
end in itself. Islam advocates a balance between worldly life and the hereafter and warns against letting money
distract from worship. As stated in the Qur'an: "But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home
of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world." (Qur'an, Al-Qasas 28:77).
In Islam, money should be used to do good and support those in need. True happiness is achieved through
contentment with God's decree, as illustrated by the Prophet's saying: “Richness is not in having many
possessions, but richness is being content with oneself.” (Narrated by Muslim)
Limits and Constraints
While psychology holds that money loses its effect after a certain income level is reached (Kahneman & Deaton,
2010), Islam introduces moral boundaries regarding the use of money, emphasizing that it should not lead one
away from God and the afterlife. The Qur'an stresses the importance of contentment and the realization that
money is not a lasting source of happiness, as in:
"What is [the matter] with you that you do not attribute to Allah [due] grandeur. While He has created
you in stages?" (Qur'an, Nuh 71:13–14)
Muslims are expected to uphold specific ethical standards when dealing with money, ensuring that it is used in
ways that enhance both their spiritual and human values.
Values Accompanying Money and Happiness
Psychologically, values such as self-actualization, autonomy, and creativity are essential in the pursuit of
happiness. Seligman (2002) notes that happiness is related to one's ability to adapt to circumstances and
maximize available resources, which underscores the importance of money in enabling individuals to fulfill their
potential. In contrast, the Islamic perspective regards money as a tool to realize spiritual values such as asceticism
and contentment, which are core components of true happiness. Islamic teachings emphasize charitable
spending, whether through zakat or voluntary giving, as a means to promote social welfare while urging humility
and discouraging ostentation, as the Prophet said: "Blessed is wealth for the righteous man." (Narrated by
Ahmad)
Aspect
Psychological Perspective
Islamic Perspective
Purpose of Money
Tool to meet needs and reduce stress
Blessing and test from God
Source of Happiness
Emotional well-being, relationships,
achievements
Contentment, piety, proper use of wealth
Limitations of Money
Loses impact after basic needs are met
Not a source of lasting happiness;
spiritual use emphasized
Role in Life
Enhances quality of life temporarily
Means for worship, charity, balance
between life and afterlife
Ethical Guidelines
Psychological adaptation, income
plateau
Moral use required, avoid distraction
from God
Core Values
Autonomy, self-actualization, well-
being
Contentment, asceticism, charity,
humility
A Comparative Summary of the Psychological and Islamic Perspectives on Money and Happiness
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Final Analysis
Both perspectives agree that money is not an end in itself, but a means to achieve material comfort and life goals.
However, there is a significant divergence in how money is perceived. Psychology focuses on the role of money
in attaining psychological and material stability but recognizes that true happiness stems from non-material
sources like human relationships and inner contentment. Islam views money as a test and a means of spiritual
empowerment that only benefits the individual if used in ways that please God and contribute to societal well-
being. Thus, money serves as a tool to achieve happiness in both views, but it cannot be the sole factor in attaining
lasting happiness.
CONCLUSION
Through this research, it becomes clear that the relationship between money and happiness is neither simple nor
linear; rather, it is a complex and intertwined equation influenced by numerous psychological, religious, and
social factors. We have examined how money plays a fundamental role in human life and how its impact on
happiness varies according to both psychological and Islamic perspectives.
From a psychological viewpoint, money plays an important role in providing material comfort and reducing
stress caused by basic needs. However, its influence on happiness does not maintain the same strength after
surpassing a certain income level. Psychological studies indicate that money temporarily increases life
satisfaction, but true happiness stems from other sources such as social relationships, self-contentment, and
personal achievement. These studies also show that individuals adapt quickly to financial gains, meaning the
psychological benefits of increased wealth diminish over time, proving that money alone cannot be the decisive
factor in achieving lasting happiness.
On the other hand, Islam presents a comprehensive and profound view of the relationship between money and
happiness. In Islam, money is seen as both a blessing from God and a test. It is considered a means to achieve
material stability, but also a tool for pursuing higher spiritual goals related to the hereafter. Happiness in Islam
is embodied in contentment and satisfaction with what Allah has provided, and in using wealth in God's path
through zakat and charitable giving, which promote community welfare and improve both individual and societal
well-being. Islam also calls for modesty in financial matters and emphasizes that true happiness is not achieved
through abundance, but through closeness to God and following the path of goodness and virtue.
What distinguishes Islam from psychology in this context is the deep spiritual dimension it adds to the concept
of happiness. While psychology focuses on happiness through worldly practices related to psychological and
social needs, Islam stresses that true happiness can only be achieved through God's approval and urges a balance
between the needs of this life and the hereafter.
In conclusion, the key to achieving comprehensive and sustainable happiness lies in balancing both
psychological and spiritual aspects of life. Money is not the sole factor in attaining happiness; rather, it is a tool
that can contribute to material stability if used wisely and in alignment with ethical and spiritual values. Success
in achieving happiness requires a balance between worldly pursuits and spiritual practices, between self-
fulfillment and care for others. Despite the different approaches of psychology and Islam in explaining the
money-happiness relationship, both perspectives agree that happiness is not merely a material accumulation but
an internal feeling based on how one uses available resources to create good in one’s own life and in the lives of
others.
FINDINGS
1. Money is important but not sufficient for achieving happiness: Both psychology and Islam agree that
while money can contribute to comfort and stability, it does not guarantee true and lasting happiness.
2. Happiness in psychology is relative and temporary: Psychological studies indicate that money affects
happiness only temporarily. As people adapt to income levels, the impact fades, highlighting the
importance of other factors such as social relationships and personal achievement.
3. Happiness in Islam is spiritual and moral: Islam views happiness as rooted in contentment, satisfaction
with God's provisions, and using wealth for good causes. Money is considered a test and a means, not an
end in itself.
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4. Money is a means, not a goal in both perspectives: Both psychology and Islam stress that money
should be used as a tool to achieve a balanced life, rather than being the ultimate goal.
5. The key difference lies in the spiritual dimension: While psychology focuses on material and
psychological factors, Islam adds a spiritual depth, linking happiness to God’s pleasure and righteous
deeds.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Promote awareness of the importance of balancing material and spiritual aspects through educational
curricula, religious discourse, and media programs.
2. Encourage a culture of giving and charity in Islamic societies, as these contribute to personal happiness
and social solidarity.
3. Integrate concepts of psychological and spiritual happiness in human development programs, considering
both psychological and religious needs.
4. Focus psychological counseling on developing non-material sources of happiness, such as social
connections, self-fulfillment, reflection, and helping others.
5. Support interdisciplinary research that bridges psychology and religion to deepen understanding of the
sources of human happiness.
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