Redefining Happiness Through Faith and Purpose: A Comparative Study of Islamic Perspectives and The Japanese Concept of Ikigai

Abstract

This study presents a comparative analysis of happiness through two distinct yet conceptually related traditions: the Islamic understanding of sa'adah and the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai. Drawing upon primary Islamic sources, including the Qur'an, authentic Hadith, and the writings of classical Muslim scholars such as Al-Ghazali, Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, and Al-Farabi, alongside contemporary scholarship on Ikigai, the study examines how both traditions conceptualize purpose, well-being, and human flourishing. Employing a qualitative interpretive methodology based on textual and comparative philosophical analysis, the research identifies areas of convergence and divergence between the two frameworks. The findings indicate that both perspectives emphasize purposeful living, ethical conduct, self-development, and contribution to society as essential dimensions of lasting happiness. However, they differ fundamentally in their philosophical foundations. While Ikigai primarily focuses on meaning and fulfillment within this-worldly life, the Islamic concept of sa'adah is grounded in divine revelation, spiritual purification, accountability before God, and ultimate success in the Hereafter. The study argues that these distinct foundations shape different understandings of happiness while offering complementary insights into contemporary discussions on well-being. By integrating religious studies, comparative philosophy, and positive psychology, this research contributes to the growing interdisciplinary literature on happiness and provides a broader framework for understanding the relationship between faith, purpose, and human flourishing.