- Happiness and religion are two conflicting aspects, especially when discussed together. Leisure is defined through various socialization mechanisms, including hobbies and interactions with peers during social gatherings such as parties. The variation is witnessed in religion, which provides strict guidelines for behavioral expectations that are in constant conflict with happiness models. According to Aghababaei and Błachnio (2014), religion is critical across the various sociocultural perspectives. However, equating religion to happiness remains a challenge. In the practice of religion, people are conditioned to impose constraints and structural limitations of their social relationships, leisure, and work, hence affecting their level of happiness.
- Religion has a significant influence on human behavior. The illustration made by Aghababaei and Błachnio (2014) concerning the religious approaches of fasting during Ramadan confirms that happiness is influenced by religion. Although members of a particular faith may wish to socialize with their peers, the limitation provided by religious practices affects their socialization systems. Likewise, Islam and Christianity have a precise model of worship that limits how work is done. For instance, Christians working within Muslim organizations do not work on Fridays due to worship obligations in the Islamic religion, a practice that affects their work schedules.
When religious doctrines limit personal approaches to engage in leisure, happiness is restricted. Aghababaei and Błachnio (2014) support the argument that religion affects human behavior and their health status. For example, religious people tend to avoid behaviors that expose them to health challenges, including excessive drinking and use illegal substances. Therefore, religious practices have a considerable influence on peoples’ behavior. For instance, during the period of Ramadhan, Muslims are expected to support the underprivileged in the society. Hence, such acts influence behavior by inducing the helping attitude.
Reference
Aghababaei, N., & Błachnio, A. (2014). Purpose in life mediates the relationship between religiosity and happiness: Evidence from Poland. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 17(8), 827-831.