OUR STORY
The human soul has lofty ideals and noble goals, which are challenging for younger generations to grasp and uphold. Today’s youth find themselves in a vast, tumultuous ocean of temptations and desires, which constantly pull them in different directions. The rapid advancement of technology, accompanied by an overwhelming explosion of knowledge, has invaded both minds and hearts, bringing with it both the good and the bad, making the task of education and reform more difficult for parents and educators. They bear the heavy responsibility of guiding children and young people toward the right path.
Amid this storm, our children face significant dangers—some linked to national identity and intellectual heritage, while others affect their mental and emotional well-being. The overwhelming global media presence constantly distracts young minds, clouding their vision and leaving them vulnerable to anxiety and depression. Their identities become unstable, leading to alienation and detachment from their cultural heritage, weakening their inner spiritual and psychological resilience. This creates a deep gap between aspirations and reality. Many young people become engrossed in materialistic pursuits, dazzled by their fleeting glamour, while neglecting intellectual and spiritual growth. As a result, their spiritual aspirations fade, their ideals wither, and they drift away from the noble principles upon which humankind was created.
Challenges affecting Wellbeing “Al Hayat Al Taiba” in Qatar are
Ethics and Values:
Social media and the internet have encompassed the world, entering nearly every home, exposing young people to ideas and ideologies from all corners of the globe—both beneficial and harmful. This overwhelming exposure makes it difficult to instill Qatari values rooted in a rich cultural heritage, as young people struggle to navigate between the deeply ingrained traditions of their ancestors and the new, foreign influences.
Environmental and Societal Influences:
Qatar is undergoing an unprecedented phase of development and rapid transformation. The speed of this change makes it difficult for some individuals to mentally adapt to the evolving environmental and social landscape. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and alienation, sometimes even reaching psychological detachment from the fast-paced transformations happening around them.
Education and School-Home Cooperation:
Some teachers may lack sufficient training or the necessary resources to facilitate an engaging and effective learning experience. Furthermore, a lack of strong collaboration between schools, families, and the wider community can sometimes hinder the educational process, making it less appealing and less accessible to students.
Religious and Spiritual Education:
Religious and spiritual education is a fundamental necessity for all students. However, teaching these subjects can be challenging if age differences, intellectual readiness, and psychological preparedness are not considered. Unlike subjects like physics or mathematics, religious education cannot be taught with a one-size-fits-all approach.
Family Influence:
Students may experience intense psychological pressure due to their parents' high expectations. They often find themselves striving to meet academic and personal achievement standards that may be beyond their capacity. Additionally, parents’ work obligations and busy schedules can prevent them from actively participating in their children’s school activities, leading to a gap in parental involvement.
Identity:
Cultural identity, particularly language, forms the foundation of society and its individuals. However, globalization’s rapid and intense influence challenges young people’s ability to maintain a balance between their Qatari cultural identity and global trends.
These challenges have led to several social issues that hinder the pursuit of wellbeing. Perhaps the most prominent concern is the impact of technological advancements on human values. The widespread use of social media has exposed young people to Western values and traditions, many of which contradict the teachings of Islam. This has contributed to behavioral disorders, weakened family relationships due to cultural conflicts, and increased rates of anxiety, divorce, and depression.
Another issue is the rise of a sense of entitlement, leading to a decline in ambition and personal development among young people. This, in turn, results in lower productivity, a lack of motivation, excessive materialism, and the spread of aa consumerist culture. Additionally, reckless behavior among youth, particularly in terms of driving, has contributed to high rates of traffic accidents, causing severe injuries and loss of life.In light of these challenges, fostering a well-balanced, values-driven society requires a concerted effort from families, educators, and policymakers to cultivate a way of life that integrates material progress with spiritual and moral well-being.
The Center's Definition of Al Hayat Al Taiba “Wellbeing”
Wellbeing is a comprehensive way of living that aims to empower individuals to enhance the art of living and to genuinely and rightfully enjoy life in all its aspects. It seeks to unlock the positive potential within each person according to their talents, interests, and unique position, enabling them to face challenges and seize opportunities to fulfill the purpose of their existence as stewards of God on this earth.
The Five Pillars of Well-being
These five interconnected pillars form the foundation of a balanced and meaningful life. Each one supports the holistic growth of individuals and communities.
Spiritual Wellbeing
A good spiritual life is the deep sense of connection with all aspects of life that we interact with. It involves communication with the Creator to strengthen our belonging as part of the vast universe. This belonging requires excellence in fulfilling our purpose through adherence to values and devotion to the Creator. Individuals with strong spiritual connections express their faith through prayer, meditation, and other forms of engagement with human life. A good spiritual life is the foundation of all aspects of personal growth—emotional, intellectual, physical, and social.
Emotional Wellbeing
· The heart is the source of goodness, guiding individuals toward a fulfilling emotional life. Good-hearted individuals tend to connect with their inner feelings, drawing from external experiences and their moral compass that leads them to acts of kindness. Humans are naturally endowed with immense emotional energy, including love, desire, attachment, anger, and negative emotions. This energy must be channeled in a balanced and constructive direction to serve its intended purpose. It should be a flexible and adaptive force, capable of transformation. Strengthening an individual’s emotions and inner capacities are crucial signs on the path to a Wellbeing. A good-hearted person is adaptable to challenges by identifying and expressing their emotions constructively. Emotional transformation is a key trait of a virtuous person, who sees every challenge as an opportunity for emotional growth through self-awareness, emotional regulation, and constructive expression. A good-hearted person is in harmony with themselves and others.
Intellectual Wellbeing
The mind is the center of intellectual activity that distinguishes a rational human being—one who thinks, reflects, and contemplates. Reflection fosters a lifelong love of learning by connecting individuals with the Creator (the source of knowledge). A balanced mind is capable of contemplating various phenomena in the self and the universe. A reflective mind constantly seeks wisdom and righteousness. A good intellectual life enables individuals to think positively about how to utilize resources to improve living standards and enhance a fulfilling life.
Physical Wellbeing
A good physical life involves caring for the body as a trust that humans are responsible for preserving, in alignment with their role as stewards of the Earth. A healthy body unleashes its full potential, and the Creator has entrusted humans with their bodies to use them for what is beneficial and righteous. Therefore, maintaining a healthy body, ensuring proper nutrition, and protecting it from harm are integral to fulfilling this trust and achieving devotion. A good physical life is both an individual and collective responsibility.
Social Wellbeing
A good social life highlights human interdependence and the importance of care, cooperation, and responsibility. A sense of responsibility fosters positive interactions with others. Caring for oneself and others is a vital social trait that every individual should possess. Humans need collaboration to achieve social stability and fulfill their purpose. They prioritize others in their relationships and continuously strive to use their skills and experiences to uplift their communities. Without a sense of devotion, responsibility, cooperation, and mutual care, a good social life cannot be achieved.