Religious Practices and Muslim Well-Being in Malaysia: The Roles of Knowledge, Social Relationships, and Personal Growth

Ateerah Abdul Razak

Abstract


Well-being plays a crucial role in fostering a harmonious society and achieving ultimate happiness. However, there is a growing concern regarding the neglect of spiritual practices in daily life, which hinders individuals from attaining a balanced sense of well-being. The absence of consistent religious engagement may lead to a decline in mental and emotional stability, affecting overall well-being. Thus, this study aims to explore the significance of religious practices in enhancing Muslim well-being, focusing on three key variables: religious knowledge, social relationships, and personal growth. This study employs a quantitative research design, utilizing a structured questionnaire distributed to 500 participants. A stratified random sampling method was applied to ensure representation across age, gender, and education strata. The self-developed questionnaire underwent pilot testing and achieved satisfactory validity and reliability indices. The findings reveal that religious practices play a significant role in promoting well-being and
happiness among Muslims. PLS-SEM analysis indicated that religious knowledge positively predicted happiness (β =0.35, p < .001), social relationships showed a moderate positive effect (β = 0.28, p < .01), and personal growth contributed significantly (β = 0.31, p < .001). The model explained 42% of the variance in Muslim well-being (R² =0.42). Religious knowledge is essential for individuals to perform daily spiritual practices effectively, fostering a deeper connection with faith. Additionally, personal growth, driven by self-reflection and religious engagement,
contributes to emotional resilience and psychological well-being. Social relationships, reinforced through religious gatherings and communal activities, further enhance a sense of belonging and support. The study underscores the
necessity of integrating religious knowledge, personal development, and social engagement to achieve holistic wellbeing. Given the rising prevalence of mental health issues, particularly depression in Malaysia, policymakers are urged to incorporate these components into psychological and social development policies.

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