Do We Need God To Be Happy?

By: Nesrien Abdelkader

@NesrienAshraf

The practice of religion in Egypt dates back to the time of the pharaohs but its influence on people’s lives and happiness remains deeply rooted in society to this day. 

There are many reasons that people choose to put their faith in a higher power, or not. Some are looking to gain comfort and security while others want to give thanks for everything they have received in life. Others follow out of fear of the unknown or rejection from society. 

But does faith work to make you a happier person?

Father Jermia of the Church of The Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Bishoy in New Cairo believes that one’s relationship with God serves as the basis for human happiness. 

He believes that those who wholeheartedly put their faith in God are the ones who get the most happiness out of faith and religion. This happiness often stems from a sense of security and comfort. 

The people Father Jermia sees coming to the church looking for peace range from teenageers to senior citizens. 

“I met a man in his 40s who was always looking for happiness. He tried drugs, drinking and adultery but got nothing. Twenty-four hours after joining the church, he confessed to me that it had changed his life,” he said. 

Throughout history, religion has been linked to almost every aspect of life including politics, culture, health and morality. It’s no surprise then that religion also plays a part in overall happiness. 

Its role in Egypt specifically is profound. There is a stigma around those who do not follow the main recognized religions, Islam and Christianity, and a religious education is mandatory in schools. 

Those who practice their faith adopt the rules of their religion into their lifestyle and join a community of like-minded people. This has an effect on the actions and decisions that individuals make. 

Distinguished Professor of Egyptology Salima Ikram said that religion has always played a part in the lives of Egyptians. 

“The belief system was very strong in Ancient Egypt. Religion was also very intertwined with the state because the king was regarded as a manifestation of the Gods on Earth. Everyone was tied to some extent to temples and the idea of Gods,” she said. 

“Often the Ancient Egyptians with their festivals had a greater feeling of joy, maybe the same way that the Sufi’s do,” she said. 

Sufism is a mystical form of Islam that focuses on spirtual closeness with God. 

Ikram said that Ancient Egyptians often looked to their Gods for protection from things such as natural elements and disaster. 

Associate Professor of the Department of Philosophy Catarina Belo, who specializes in Islamic philosophy, linked a sense of happiness to religion based on two key factors: providing a community of similar individuals, and comfort when it comes to facing mortality. 

“If someone is religious, they can pray and feel more in control of difficult situations. Perhaps someone who is religious feels that they always have company with God around,” Belo said. 

Belo explained that religion gives individuals a deeper notion of happiness when it comes to having an afterlife with complete happiness. It’s difficult to deal with the idea of one’s own death or the death of loved ones without religion. 

“It creates a sense of community and social support among those who practice the same religion and that is the case here in Egypt,” Belo said. 

According to a 2019 study by the Pew Research Center, a think-tank based in Washington, D.C, religiously active people are typically happier and more ‘civically engaged.’ They also tend to make healthier lifestyle choices in terms of drinking or smoking less. 

October University for Modern Sciences and Arts senior Jack Wilson’s faith gives him a sense of belonging as well as hope for his life and the afterlife. 

“At the very first youth retreat [a Christian camping trip] I went to, the pastor asked us to pray while there were songs [of worship] playing in the background. I kneeled, prayed and started crying. I felt a huge relief, like I was finally capable of breathing,” he said. 

Wilson believes that true faith in God is personal but that many Egyptians follow religion for different reasons, such as fitting into the society around them. 

Aisha Afifi, president of the Islamic student club Serenity Society at AUC, practices Islam because she geniunely believes in her faith. 

“The question of faith and happiness is always brought up and if you’re religious you’re not supposed to be sad. I feel like they’re exclusive things though. You can be happy with your religion but still not be happy in general,” she said. 

A Gallup World Poll of 455,104 individuals from 154 nations, found that in healthier nations like Sweden, where the basic needs of citizens were met, religion did not have a significant effect on overall happiness. 

However, in less developed countries such as Mozambique, religious people were shown to have a higher rate of happiness and wellbeing. 

A computer science senior, who identifies as an atheist, sees how religion can have a positive influence when practiced correctly, but does not believe that it factors into his own personal happiness. 

“Religion tells people that there is meaning in the universe, and meaning or purpose is what allows humans to persevere when facing misery,” he said. 

However, he still does not believe in God or the concept of an afterlife and therefore has trouble dealing with internal hardships or finding meaning in suffering. 

“If God is all-knowing and all-powerful, then the concept of an afterlife is simply ridiculous once you think about the circumstances that lead to one’s place in the afterlife,” he said.