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The Relationship Between Islam, Well-being and Wellness
Author:Ismail Uzer
Throughout history, humanity has viewed travel not only as a means of displacement, but also as an opportunity for spiritual renewal, learning, and inner transformation. Travel provides an opportunity to experience new cultures, connect with nature, and confront one's inner self. Religious visits, in particular, hold special significance in this context. Visiting sacred sites provides spiritual peace, a sense of social belonging, and individual serenity. For example, in Islamic culture, the Hajj and the Kaaba, the visit to the Prophet and Medina, and Jerusalem, the first qibla of Islam, are not merely acts of worship; they are also journeys of well-being and inner peace. In addition to these visits, visits to mosques, madrasas, and shrines with historical significance can also be added.
Religious visits help individuals establish inner balance, strengthen social bonds, and develop a deeper awareness of the meaning of life. The architecture, atmosphere, and prayerful spiritual climate of the visited places nourish the human spirit and contribute to physical and spiritual healing.
Islam considers well-being as a multidimensional concept. Islam, derived from the root "salam," encompasses peace, trust, tranquility, and salvation. The Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advise maintaining health, a balanced diet, maintaining cleanliness, and maintaining balance between body and soul. In this respect, Islam aligns with the fundamental principles of modern wellness. The pillars of prayer ensure coordination between body and mind, while fasting supports healthy living habits. Quran recitation and supplication provide mental tranquility, similar to mindfulness practices in modern psychology. Wellness is the active and continuous process of making choices that lead to a healthy and fulfilling life; it encompasses physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. It is a self-directed quest that goes beyond simply recovering from illness and aims to achieve optimal health by consciously participating in healthy activities and cultivating a positive outlook. Key elements of a healthy life include acquiring healthy habits, building strong relationships, engaging in meaningful activities, and taking responsibility for one's lifestyle.
The concept of wellness encompasses not only physical health but also spiritual, mental, social, and spiritual well-being. In Islam, acts of worship—prayer, fasting, Hajj, and Zakat—strengthen the spiritual dimension of humanity, while also fostering qualities such as physical movement, patience, self-control, and sharing, thus contributing to holistic well-being. Therefore, the lifestyle offered by Islam aligns with modern wellness practices, supporting people to live in harmony with themselves and their environment.
In Islamic culture, health is not only about protecting the body from disease; it also means having peace of mind and heart. The Prophet's hadith, "There are two blessings that most people are deceived in using: health and leisure," and "Ask God for well-being. Nothing better than health is given to a servant after a certain degree of faith," demonstrate the close connection between health and well-being. Acts of worship reinforce this well-being. The physical movements of prayer, the purifying effect of fasting, and the journeying aspect of Hajj transform a person both spiritually and physically.
Education, on the other hand, is a long-term guarantee of well-being. Knowledge liberates the individual from ignorance and restlessness. The pursuit of knowledge (ilm) in Islam is a fundamental principle that supports both individual development and social well-being. Education, on the other hand, plays a decisive role in establishing a lasting understanding of well-being and wellness. Education not only provides individuals with knowledge, but also teaches them values, behaviors, and healthy lifestyle habits. The first commandment of Islam, "Read," guides people on the path to understanding themselves, their surroundings, and their Lord. The modern understanding of education, within the framework of wellness, encourages lifelong learning, mental flexibility, and spiritual development. From madrasas to modern universities, from mosque gatherings to online courses, education, across a broad spectrum, should be viewed as a fundamental element that strengthens individual well-being. Education should not only foster academic success but also spiritual depth and quality of life.
Human peace is not a result achieved in isolation; it is a value strengthened by social relationships. Religious visits, including trips to shrines, mosques, and sacred sites, not only provide individuals with spiritual purification but also enhance their sense of belonging and trust. Visits foster bonding and solidarity among individuals. Peace visits also hold an important place in an individual's inner world. Visits to the sick, commemorate relatives, or visit graves not only strengthen social solidarity but also help individuals live more consciously by remembering their own mortality.
In conclusion, travel, religious visits, worship, education, and health are elements of a shared quest for well-being, both in the fundamental teachings of Islam and in the modern understanding of wellness. People achieve inner and social peace through travel, learning, sharing, worship, and connecting with loved ones. Therefore, well-being tourism is not only an economic activity but also an expression of a lifestyle centered on the holistic well-being of the individual.
