The Concept of Well-being in Arab-Muslim Thought: Reviewing Related Literature, from Africa to Southeast Asia

Abstract

The concept of well-being “Ar-rafahiya” has been addressed by the Holy Qur’ān, the Sunnah and several Arab-Muslim thinkers in the previous centuries through the idea of 'happiness,' “As-sâada.” With this backdrop, this article aims to highlight how the Arab-Muslim thought has defined, developed and used the concept of well-being over time. Additionally, it seeks to underscore the contributions of the Holy Qur’ān, the Sunnah and the Arab Muslim thinkers and philosophers regarding ethical principles that aim to foster human well-being through a balanced subsistence that is free of both excess and deficiency. To elaborate on this subject, we analyze some literature reviews by authors from the Muslim countries in Africa, the Middle East and the Southeast Asia as well as other countries. Finally, we conclude that the definitions of the concept of well-being and its realization have always been demarcated in the Arab-Muslim thought by the recognition of Allah Almighty by a human and the satisfaction of Allah Almighty with human acts. Moreover, we clarify how the contemporary Arab-Muslim thought considers the principles of Islamic economic theory. This clarification therefore enables us to understand how contemporary Arab-Muslim thinkers, especially in Southeast Asia, envision the concept of social well-being. Finally, we show that the general concept of well-being in the Western thought stems from a specific influence of the Arab-Muslim thought.