The Islamic perspective of intention (niyyah) with the Japanese concept of ikigai have many common features which could be of benefit to everyone. Comparison made here with examples of daily and professional life as university lecturers and a typical Japanese salarymen.
1. Embracing the Islamic Perspective: Niyyah (Intention) as the Foundation of Purpose
In Islam, every human action derives its meaning and value from niyyah (intention). The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized this in the first hadith of Imam al-Nawawi’s Arba’in (Forty Hadiths):
“Actions are judged by intentions, and every person will get what they intended.”
(Narrated by Umar ibn al-Khattab, reported in Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim)
This principle establishes that intention transforms ordinary acts into acts of worship. For Muslims, life’s purpose is to seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT) through sincere actions, whether in prayer, work, study, or service to others. Thus, the concept of niyyah extends beyond ritual worship — it permeates one’s profession, relationships, and contribution to society.
For example, a university lecturer who prepares lectures diligently, treats students with respect, and strives to educate them for the betterment of society — all while maintaining the intention to seek Allah’s pleasure — is performing an act of worship. His or her work becomes a means of spiritual growth and community service. Similarly, a businessperson or engineer who ensures fairness, quality, and honesty in their dealings does not merely perform a job; their professional integrity reflects their faith and submission to divine principles.
In this sense, niyyah gives moral and spiritual direction to everyday life, transforming even mundane tasks — such as teaching, earning a living, or caring for family — into pathways of devotion and self-fulfilment.
2. Embracing Ikigai: Discovering Your Reason for Being
In Japanese culture, the concept of ikigai (生き甲斐) expresses one’s reason for being — the source of motivation that makes life meaningful. It lies at the intersection of four elements:
- What one loves
- What one is good at
- What the world needs
- What one can be paid for or contribute through
Ikigai is deeply embedded in Japan’s spiritual and cultural ethos, emphasizing balance, dedication, and harmony between self and society. It is not limited to personal happiness, but encompasses social contribution and a sense of inner fulfilment through purposeful living.
A typical example is the Japanese salaryman, who, despite long working hours, finds pride and identity in his role within the company. His sense of ikigai comes from loyalty, mastery, and contributing to the collective good of the organization and nation. Likewise, a Japanese university lecturer may see teaching as a lifelong mission — not only to transfer knowledge, but also to nurture the character and curiosity of students. Even after retirement, many continue researching, mentoring, or volunteering, as these activities sustain their ikigai and sense of contribution.
3. Comparative and Integrative Perspective
| Aspect | Islamic Niyyah (Intention) | Japanese Ikigai (Reason for Being) |
|---|---|---|
| Core meaning | Divine intention guiding all actions | Life purpose found in balance and contribution |
| Ultimate goal | Attaining Allah’s pleasure and eternal reward | Achieving harmony, fulfilment, and societal value |
| Motivating force | Faith, accountability, and sincerity | Dedication, mastery, and social belonging |
| Example (University Lecturer) | Teaches and mentors with the intention of pleasing Allah and uplifting the ummah | Teaches with passion for learning and dedication to student growth |
| Example (Salaryman/Worker) | Works to provide halal sustenance and serve society sincerely | Works to maintain loyalty, diligence, and group harmony |
Both niyyah and ikigai promote meaningful living, dedication, and social contribution, though they differ in ultimate orientation. Niyyah is theocentric, rooted in one’s relationship with Allah and accountability in the Hereafter, whereas ikigai is humanistic, focusing on harmony and purpose within worldly life.
Yet, these two philosophies can complement each other. A Muslim who lives and works in Japan, for instance, may find his or her ikigai — professional purpose and contribution — guided by niyyah, thereby uniting spiritual devotion with social and personal fulfilment. This integration produces not only a productive individual but also a person of deep integrity and contentment — someone who finds peace in both serving Allah and benefiting others.
Quality From Classroom to Our Life 
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