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An Islamic Perspective on Coping with Life Stressors

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Abstract

There is growing popularity among researchers, human-resource managers, and policy makers concerning the efficacy of coping strategies on employee well-being and work-family conflict. The role of religious belief and spiritual support mechanisms in maintaining effective well-being remains understudied. This research explores the Islamic concept and categories of coping strategies, and discusses the role they play in promoting the well-being of Muslim employees in general. We further examine various religious strategies that Muslims often use to cope with life stressors including religiosity, belief, trust in God, prayer, forbearance, supplication, recitation of the Qur’an, remembrance of God, patience and thankfulness; all of which serve as effective coping strategies and mechanisms in the face of life stressors.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank a Research and Development Division at Academy of Islamic Studies for financial assistance to prepare this article. The grant provided to the authors under research project BK029-2013 is highly appreciated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research and Development Division, Academy of Islamic Studies, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Meguellati Achour

  2. Effat University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

    Benaouda Bensaid

  3. Department of Islamic History and Civilization, Academy of Islamic Studies, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Mohd Roslan Bin Mohd Nor

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  1. Meguellati Achour
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  2. Benaouda Bensaid
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  3. Mohd Roslan Bin Mohd Nor
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Correspondence to Meguellati Achour.

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Achour, M., Bensaid, B. & Nor, M.R.B.M. An Islamic Perspective on Coping with Life Stressors. Applied Research Quality Life 11, 663–685 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11482-015-9389-8

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