Why Realhappiness.org Practices Are Problematic for Muslims

The practices promoted by Realhappiness.org, while presented as paths to “happiness” and “well-being,” are deeply rooted in spiritual traditions that fundamentally clash with the core tenets of Islam. For a Muslim, engaging in these activities can have severe implications for one’s faith (Iman) and potentially lead to shirk, the gravest sin in Islam, which is associating partners with Allah in worship or attributing divine qualities to creation.

Read more about realhappiness.org:
Realhappiness.org Review: A Critical Examination of Vedic & Spiritual Practices

The Conflict with Tawhid (Monotheism)

The cornerstone of Islam is Tawhid, the absolute oneness of Allah.

This doctrine emphasizes that only Allah is worthy of worship, and all devotion, supplication, and reliance must be directed solely to Him.

Associating Partners with Allah (Shirk)

• Invocation of Deities: Chanting mantras like the Gayatri mantra, which invokes specific Hindu deities, directly contradicts Tawhid. In Islam, one seeks help and blessings only from Allah.
• Reliance on Objects: Attributing spiritual power or protection to objects like Rudraksha beads is a form of shirk. True protection and benefit come only from Allah.
• Seeking Knowledge from Other Sources: While seeking knowledge is encouraged, seeking spiritual insights or paths to “self-realization” from systems that contradict Islamic revelation is problematic.

The Sole Source of Guidance

• Quran and Sunnah: For Muslims, the Quran and the Sunnah (the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) are the sole divine sources of guidance for all aspects of life, including spirituality and well-being.
• Innovation in Religion (Bid’ah): Adopting spiritual practices not found in the Quran or Sunnah, such as Kundalini yoga or Chakra meditation, is considered Bid’ah. While not all Bid’ah is Shirk, it is a deviation from the pure path of Islam and can lead to misguidance.

Misconceptions of Inner Peace and Well-being

Realhappiness.org promises “inner peace,” “awareness,” and “harmony,” goals that are also pursued in Islam. However, the pathways differ significantly.

True Peace in Islam

• Remembrance of Allah (Dhikr): Allah states in the Quran, “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Quran 13:28). This is the primary Islamic path to inner peace.
• Prayer (Salah): The five daily prayers are a direct connection to Allah, providing solace, discipline, and purification.
• Reliance on Allah (Tawakkul): Trusting in Allah’s plan and wisdom brings profound tranquility and alleviates anxiety.

The Danger of Spiritual Eclecticism

• Mixing Beliefs: Attempting to combine Islamic principles with practices from other religions can dilute one’s faith and lead to spiritual confusion.
• Erosion of Islamic Identity: Consistently engaging in non-Islamic spiritual practices can gradually erode one’s commitment to Islamic ways of worship and thinking.

Lack of Transparency Regarding Risks

While the website promotes benefits, it does not adequately address potential risks or offer comprehensive disclaimers concerning the intensive nature of some of the practices, particularly Kundalini.

Psychological and Spiritual Risks

• Unsupervised Kundalini Awakening: There are numerous accounts of individuals experiencing severe psychological distress, disorientation, and even psychosis when attempting to awaken Kundalini without proper, safe, and ethically aligned supervision.
• Spiritual Confusion: For Muslims, engaging in practices from other faiths can create internal conflict, doubt about one’s own beliefs, and a sense of spiritual emptiness if the promised benefits do not materialize in a way that aligns with their faith.

Importance of Professional and Permissible Guidance

• Islamic Scholars and Counselors: For Muslims facing mental or spiritual distress, seeking guidance from qualified Islamic scholars, imams, or mental health professionals who understand Islamic principles is crucial.
• Avoidance of Unverified Practices: It is vital to avoid practices that promise quick fixes or spiritual breakthroughs through means that contradict established Islamic teachings.

Realhappiness.org Review: A Critical Examination of Vedic & Spiritual Practices