Mohamed, Ph.D
3 min readAug 5, 2023

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Here are some thoughts from Islamic perspective 🏵️🏵️👇

As Muslims, we believe that the pursuit of happiness and inner peace should be grounded in living a virtuous life. The teachings of Islam emphasize the importance of upholding moral values and ethical conduct in every sphere of life.
The great Muslim scholars and philosophers throughout history had also emphasized the significance of leading a life of ethical values.

I will explore the teachings of Marcus Aurelius from an Islamic perspective, how they correspond with Islamic teachings, and how individuals and companies can apply them in their daily lives.

The Power of Thoughts

Marcus Aurelius believed that the quality of our thoughts determines the quality of our lives. Islamic teachings also stress the importance of positive thinking and attitudes. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran, “Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change themselves.” (13:11) This verse implies that we should strive to cultivate positive thoughts and attitudes, and in doing so, we can affect change within ourselves and our lives. Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Allah is kind and loves kindness in all matters.” (Bukhari)

Realizing Inner Strength

Marcus Aurelius believed that inner strength comes from our ability to control our thoughts and attitudes. Islamic teachings also emphasize the importance of inner strength and resilience. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran, “And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah].” (2:45) This verse highlights the need for patience and reliance on Allah (SWT) during difficult times. Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The strong person is not the one who wrestles others, but the one who controls themselves when angry.” (Bukhari)

Embracing Challenges and Opportunities

Marcus Aurelius believed that obstacles are opportunities for growth and progress. Islamic teachings also emphasize the importance of embracing challenges and transforming them into opportunities. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran, “And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]. But if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.’ ” (14:7) This verse highlights the need for gratitude and optimism during challenging times. Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Strange is the affair of the believer, verily all his affairs are good for him. If something happens to him that is good, he is thankful, and that is good for him. If something happens to him that is bad, he is patient and that is good for him.” (Muslim)


Practical Solutions and Advises:👇

To apply the teachings of Marcus Aurelius in our daily lives, we can implement practical steps such as:

1. Focus on positive thinking and attitudes
2. Cultivate inner strength through prayer and patience
3. Embrace challenges and transform them into opportunities
4. Implement ethical and sustainable practices in our personal and professional lives
5. Seek inspiration from Islamic teachings and the examples of ethical companies and individuals

In conclusion, the teachings of Marcus Aurelius are not distinct from Islamic values and ethics. The pursuit of happiness and inner peace can be obtained by living a virtuous life based on ethical conduct. By applying the Islamic principles in our daily lives, we can create a more just and sustainable world.

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Mohamed, Ph.D
Mohamed, Ph.D

Written by Mohamed, Ph.D

University professor and author, delving into the worlds of Islamic studies, personal growth, and entrepreneurship to share insights and inspire others.

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