Hasnain Walji Ph.D.

The pursuit of a life filled with meaning and fulfillment is a journey as old as humanity itself. Across cultures and eras, people have sought to unravel the essence of a life well-lived—a life that breathes purpose, contentment, and joy. The Japanese concept of ikigai and the Islamic philosophy of happiness offer profound pathways to understanding this timeless quest. In Islam, happiness is deeply intertwined with the remembrance of God, as captured in Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:28): “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” Al-Ghazali, in his transformative work Ihya Ulum al-Din (The Revival of the Religious Sciences), teaches that the heart is the wellspring of true happiness. He asserts that lasting joy is found in the heart’s purification through knowledge, self-discipline, and devotion, guiding us toward a deep connection with the divine and the moral elevation of the self. While ikigai and Islamic teachings arise from different worlds, they converge in their shared emphasis on balance, self-awareness, and aligning one’s life with higher truths. Together, these philosophies offer insights for nurturing a life that not only fulfills the individual but also enriches the wider community.

Understanding Ikigai: A Reason for Being

Ikigai is a Japanese term that translates to “a reason for being.” It represents the convergence of four essential elements: what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be compensated for. The concept encourages individuals to discover their unique purpose in life, which provides a sense of fulfillment and drives their daily activities. Unlike the pursuit of fleeting pleasures, ikigai is about finding enduring satisfaction by aligning one’s passions and skills with the needs of society.

Historically rooted in Japanese culture, particularly in Okinawa—a region renowned for its high number of centenarians—iikigai has been a guiding principle for centuries. In Okinawa, ikigai is seen as a vital factor contributing to the residents’ remarkable longevity and overall well-being. The concept of ikigai is not limited to personal satisfaction; it also encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions, integrating them into a harmonious whole. This holistic approach encourages perseverance, mindfulness, and continuous self-improvement, teaching that true fulfillment comes not from instant gratification but from living a life aligned with one’s deepest values and the greater good of the community.

Ikigai is deeply intertwined with Japanese cultural values such as perseverance (gaman), mindfulness (zanshin), and continuous self-improvement (kaizen). These values emphasize the importance of enduring hardships, staying present in the moment, and striving for excellence in all aspects of life. In this context, ikigai is not about seeking instant gratification or avoiding challenges; rather, it is about finding joy and meaning in the process of living, even in the face of difficulties.

The Islamic Philosophy of Happiness: A Spiritual Journey

The Quranic concept of Qalbe Saleem, or a pure heart, advocates a heart where one’s intentions and actions are solely for the sake of Allah. This purity is emphasized in the Qur’an, where Allah says, “The Day when neither wealth nor sons will benefit, except for the one who comes to Allah with a pure heart” (26:88-89). Achieving Qalbe Saleem is a lifelong journey, requiring constant self-reflection. It is a state where the heart is in complete harmony with the divine will, leading to inner peace and ultimate success in the Hereafter.

A pivotal aspect of Islamic spirituality is self-awareness, encapsulated in the prophetic saying: “Man ‘arafa nafsah faqad ‘arafa rabbah”—”Whoever knows himself knows his Lord.” This highlights the importance of self-knowledge in understanding one’s relationship with the Creator. By knowing oneself—recognizing one’s strengths, weaknesses, and true purpose—a person can better align their life with the divine will, which is the key to achieving true happiness. Al-Ghazali postulates that true happiness is achieved through the purification of the heart, self-discipline, and righteous living. In Islam, the ultimate purpose of life is to draw closer to Allah, and this proximity brings about the highest form of happiness—a lasting state of contentment that permeates all aspects of life. Islam also emphasizes balance, or wasatiyyah, in all aspects of life. This balance is encapsulated in the Qur’anic notion of wasatiyyah— moderation, which calls for a balanced approach to all aspects of life, including worship, work, and social relations.

The Psychology of Ikigai: Mental and Emotional Well-Being

The psychology of ikigai delves into the mental and emotional benefits of living a life driven by purpose and meaning. This concept, deeply rooted in Japanese culture, has gained significant attention in psychological research, particularly in its relationship to well-being, resilience, and overall life satisfaction. The idea of ikigai aligns closely with several psychological theories that emphasize the importance of purpose, autonomy, and mastery in achieving a fulfilling life. Psychological studies have shown that having a strong sense of purpose is linked to numerous positive outcomes, including increased life satisfaction, better mental health, and even greater longevity.

Moreover, ikigai is psychologically beneficial because it integrates four critical elements: passion, mission, vocation, and profession. By balancing these elements, individuals can achieve a harmonious life where work and personal interests align, reducing the stress and dissatisfaction that often come from feeling disconnected or unfulfilled in one’s daily activities. This balance is particularly important in preventing burnout, as it ensures that one’s work is not just a source of income, but also a source of joy and meaning.

A Holistic Path to Fulfillment: aligning Ikigai with Islamic Thought

The alignment of ikigai with the Islamic philosophy of happiness offers a profound and holistic path to personal fulfillment that extends beyond the individual to encompass the wider community and spiritual realms. This synthesis provides a comprehensive approach to life, where one’s actions, goals, and inner values are harmonized in a way that leads to deep and enduring contentment.

From an Islamic perspective, this path to fulfillment is deeply rooted in the concept of khalifatul-ardh — the idea that human beings are stewards of the Earth, entrusted with the responsibility to care for the world and its inhabitants. This stewardship is not merely about managing resources but about living a life that reflects the values of justice, compassion, and righteousness. Islam teaches that every action, if done with the right intention, can be an act of worship. Thus, the pursuit of ikigai—finding one’s purpose and living it out in daily life—can also be seen as an extension of one’s spiritual duties.

Living a life of purpose, as both ikigai and Islamic teachings suggest, requires self-awareness and reflection. The prophetic saying, “Whoever knows himself knows his Lord,” deeply resonates with the concept of ikigai, as it underscores the idea that self-knowledge is the foundation of a purposeful and fulfilling life. This holistic path to fulfillment also encourages a balance between the material and the spiritual, between worldly pursuits and spiritual aspirations. Islam teaches the concept of wasatiyyah — moderation or balance—in all aspects of life. This balance ensures that while we strive to fulfill our worldly responsibilities, we do not lose sight of our spiritual goals. Ikigai complements this by emphasizing the importance of aligning one’s career and daily activities with a greater sense of purpose, thereby avoiding the pitfalls of living a life solely focused on material gain or personal pleasure.

The holistic path to fulfillment also recognizes the importance of community and service. Both ikigai and Islamic teachings stress that true fulfillment comes not just from serving oneself but from contributing to the well-being of others. In Islam, this is embodied in the concept of khidmah (service), where acts of kindness and generosity are seen as pathways to spiritual growth and divine reward. Similarly, ikigai encourages individuals to find purpose in ways that serve society, whether through their work, volunteer efforts, or personal interactions. This outward focus helps to create a life that is not only fulfilling for the individual but also beneficial to others.

By aligning the principles of ikigai with the Islamic philosophy of happiness, we are encouraged to pursue a life that is rich in meaning, balanced in all aspects, and deeply connected to both our inner selves and the world around us. This approach to life promotes continuous growth and development, not just in a material sense but in a spiritual and emotional one as well. It calls for a life of intention, where each action is purposeful, each goal is aligned with higher principles, and each moment is an opportunity to contribute to the greater good. Ultimately, this holistic path to fulfillment is about realizing that true happiness is found not in fleeting pleasures or material success, but in living a life that is aligned with one’s deepest values.

**Soon, OASIS Center will be offering Ikigai Workshops – Visit our website to register.