Effects of an Islamic-based gratitude strategy on muslim students` level of happines

Abstract

In spite of the extensive evidence indicating that Positive Psychology Interventions (PPI) can increase peoples happiness and consequently have beneficial life outcomes, no study so far has investigated the possible effective way to increase Muslims happiness. This study was intended to examine the effects of an Islamic-based expressive gratitude strategy, in comparison to a Western-based expressive gratitude strategy, in enhancing Muslims level of happiness by emphasising on the spiritual aspects of human being (based on the Islamic understanding of human nature). It was hypothesised that practicing the Islamic-based gratitude exercise (by associating blessings with Allah) would result in higher happiness level over time, compared to the happiness level of Muslim participants practicing the Western-based gratitude exercise (without specific association). A 16-day experimental study examined the happiness outcomes of regularly practicing two gratitude exercises over time; Islamicbased and W estem-based gratitude. In a control exercise, participants attended to the details of their daily life. Muslim undergraduates (N=60) performed one of three exercises over the experimental time period and were assessed for pre and post happiness measures. Results generally supported the hypothesis, and suggest that the Islamic-based gratitude may be the most beneficial for raising Muslim participants happiness level because it fits with their beliefs and values by emphasising on both the spiritual and bodily aspects of human being. The results of including Islamic-oriented intervention to promote Muslim happiness and their implications are discussed.