26/02/2026

THURSDAY | FEB 26, 2026

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C AN religion help us find emotional well-being? It is a question worth asking at a time when emotional distress is increasingly visible, not only among students, but also among young working adults. Psychologists attribute such distress to work pressures, strained marriages and family conflict. The consequences can be serious: emotional instability can affect work performance, decision making and even safety. Religion, when understood beyond ritual, can play a meaningful role in fostering emotional balance. Historically, faith traditions were not merely private beliefs but also powerful sources of social cohesion. In many early civilisations, political and spiritual authorities were intertwined. Rulers often served as heads of state and guardians of religion, reinforcing a shared moral framework that shaped collective identity and conduct. In ancient India, for example, Emperor Ashoka consolidated much of the subcontinent under his rule and later promoted principles centred on compassion and non-violence. His efforts were not solely political; they reflected an understanding that moral and spiritual teachings could cultivate inner discipline and social harmony. Across Asia and Europe, similar patterns emerged as civilisations relied on religion to steady communities during times of upheaval. Yet in countries such as Malaysia, where the overwhelming majority of citizens profess a religious faith, emotional distress remains prevalent. This suggests that affiliation alone is insufficient. The challenge may lie in how religion is practised. If faith is reduced to a weekly obligation or a transactional appeal for personal gain – better careers, material comfort or success – it may fail to anchor individuals when adversity strikes. A deeper approach requires what may be called God-centred living. This does not mean outward displays of piety or moral superiority. Rather, it involves a deliberate effort to respond to life’s complexities with integrity, humility and compassion. It asks a simple but demanding question: In moments of tension, disappointment or conflict, what is the most ethical and constructive response? Many traditions offer practical

Rediscovering religion’s emotional power

disciplines emotional regulation. India became known for yoga and meditative practices that cultivate self-awareness and calm. In China, ethical systems such as Confucianism, alongside Taoism and Buddhism, shaped education and social life, emphasising harmony with nature, respect for relationships and disciplined self-cultivation. In post-imperial Europe, Christianity provided a shared moral compass that helped societies reorganise after the collapse of the Roman Empire. Despite their theological differences, many faiths converge on certain core virtues: love, forgiveness, self-restraint and responsibility. From love flow peace and joy – qualities that stabilise the mind. When inner peace is present, reconciliation becomes preferable to retaliation. Conflict, whether at home or in the workplace, is then approached not as a battleground but as a problem to be resolved with fairness. Cultivating such dispositions must begin early. Parents and educators play a critical role in nurturing empathy and accountability in children. Schools, often microcosms of society, provide daily opportunities to practise these virtues – by including the isolated classmate, resolving disagreements respectfully or accepting consequences for wrongdoing. Moral formation is not abstract; it is exercised in ordinary interactions. Importantly, compassion does not negate justice. Most religions teach that actions carry consequences. Accountability, when applied fairly, reinforces trust and order. Emotional well-being is strengthened when individuals understand both mercy and responsibility. A further challenge concerns relations among religions themselves. History records periods of rivalry and expansion, when faith communities aimed at

“Emotional well-being cannot be secured by ritual alone; it grows from compassion, reconciliation and responsibility. consistent practice of

Parents and educators play a critical role in nurturing empathy and accountability in children. – AMIRUL SYAFIQTHESUN

environmental responsibility would demonstrate that faith remains relevant to contemporary challenges. Ultimately, religions may be likened to different routes leading towards a common destination. One may travel by different paths, yet the aim is alignment with the divine and with the highest moral good. Most traditions affirm that human beings possess an innate spiritual inclination – a capacity to seek meaning beyond material success. The decisive question, then, is personal. Do we merely profess belief or do we allow faith to shape how we work, lead, parent and love? Emotional well-being cannot be secured by ritual alone; it grows from consistent practice of compassion, reconciliation and responsibility. When religion moves from ceremony to character, it can become not a source of division but a steady guide towards inner stability and social harmony. Joachim Ng champions interfaith harmony. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

competed for influence or territory. Such conflicts were frequently entangled with political ambition. In today’s interconnected world, however, antagonism among religions is increasingly untenable. Global problems demand cooperative responses. Institutions such as the United Nations exemplify efforts to foster international collaboration. Religious communities, too, can contribute to a culture of dialogue rather than division. Interfaith engagement does not require erasing doctrinal distinctions; it requires recognising shared ethical commitments and working together for the common good. One urgent area for collective moral leadership is environmental stewardship. Climate change, deforestation and unsustainable consumption threaten global stability. Places of worship – mosques, churches, temples and gurdwaras – reach millions weekly. If they consistently emphasise care for the earth as a spiritual responsibility, they could mobilise powerful grassroots action. A unified moral voice on

Education retains its importance in the Malaysian landscape for parents, students and stakeholders. The changes are fast paced with new developments in new fields of study such as cybersecurity, data protection, augmented and virtual reality, machine learning in education, digital education and artificial Intelligence. Leading the way are universities, who are invited to showcase their latest programmes, curriculum and content in our Education Focus for 2026.

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