Psychology in Islam
First and foremost, the science of psychology can help you understand yourself which will affect every aspect of your life. Understanding what motivates you, what makes you tick, how to overcome fears and phobias, and in general how the human psyche works are not only fascinating, but it can help you to become more successful in your life as well as in your relationship with Allah, yourself, and others.
Hello, Dear Readers and followers, welcome back to my new story, I hope all’s well.
Today I start this article with one most beautiful Quran chapters “ Surah Rehman”.
Today planned to talk about psychology and its Islamic perspective. In this article, I will talk about all aspects of general and western views and also the Islamic perspective on psychology.
Psychology is about understanding people and their emotions, and why they think or do specific things.
The Islamic viewpoint does not differentiate between scientific knowledge and religion, but rather believes they work hand in hand.
What is Psychology
According to the American Psychological Association, Human psychology is defined as the science of the mind and behavior. It encompasses the scientific study of the mind and behavior and the application of these principles to help prevent, treat, and diagnose mental health conditions. Psychologists explore both typical and atypical behavior to understand the human experience fully.
Gaining a richer and deeper understanding of psychology can help people achieve insights into their own actions as well as a better understanding of other people.
It’s difficult to capture everything that psychology encompasses in just a brief definition, but topics such as development, personality, thoughts, feelings, emotions, motivations, and social behaviors represent just a portion of what psychology seeks to understand, predict, and explain.
Philosophers used to discuss many topics now studied by modern psychology, such as memory, free will vs determinism, nature vs. nurture, attraction, etc.
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Major Perspectives in Modern Psychology
Psychological perspectives are different ways of thinking about and explaining human behavior. Psychologists utilize a variety of perspectives when studying how people think, feel, and behave.
Some researchers focus more on one specific school of thought, such as the biological perspective, while others take a more eclectic approach that incorporates multiple points of view.
No single perspective is “better” than another. Instead, each simply emphasizes different aspects of human behavior.
Purpose of Psychological Perspectives
Why are there so many different perspectives in psychology? It is important to remember that every topic in psychology can be looked at in many ways. For example, let’s consider the subject of aggression.
- A professional who emphasizes a biological perspective would look at how the brain and nervous system impact aggressive behavior.
- A professional who stresses a behavioral perspective would look at how environmental variables reinforce aggressive actions.
- A professional who utilizes a cross-cultural approach might consider how cultural and social influences contribute to aggressive or violent behavior.
This article explores seven of the major perspectives in psychology, where these perspectives originated, and how they attempt to explain psychological issues. It also provides examples of key ideas from each psychological perspective. Here are seven of the major perspectives
Major Branches of Psychology
Psychology is such a broad field that conveying its depth and breadth can be difficult. As a result, a number of unique and distinctive branches of psychology have emerged, each one dealing with a specific subtopic within the study of the mind, brain, and behavior.
Understanding which subtopics exist can help you decide where your interests may lie. Here are 18 types of psychology you might wish to pursue if you are interested in studying, earning your degree, or creating a career in this expansive field.
Each of the branches or types of psychology look at questions and problems from a different perspective. While they all have their own focus, they still share a common goal of studying and explaining human thought and behavior.
Because human behavior is so varied, the number of subfields in psychology is constantly growing and evolving. Some of these subfields have been firmly established as areas of interest, and many colleges and universities offer courses and degree programs in these topics.
Each type of psychology represents a specific area of study focused on a particular topic. Oftentimes, psychologists specialize in one of these as a career. The following are just some of the major branches of psychology. For many of these, working in that specific area requires graduate study in that particular field.
Psychology can be roughly divided into two major areas:
- Research, which seeks to increase our knowledge base
- Practice, through which our knowledge is applied to solving problems in the real world
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Humanistic Psychology
Humanistic psychology is a perspective that emphasizes looking at the whole individual and stresses concepts such as free will, self-efficacy, and self-actualization. Rather than concentrating on dysfunction, humanistic psychology strives to help people fulfill their potential and maximize their well-being.
Psychoanalysis was focused on understanding the unconscious motivations that drive behavior while behaviorism studied the conditioning processes that produce behavior.
Humanist thinkers felt that both psychoanalysis and behaviorism were too pessimistic, either focusing on the most tragic of emotions or failing to take into account the role of personal choice.
However, it is not necessary to think of these three schools of thought as competing elements. Each branch of psychology has contributed to our understanding of the human mind and behavior.
Humanistic psychology added yet another dimension that takes a more holistic view of the individual.
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Impact of Psychology
Psychology is both an applied and academic field that benefits both individuals and society as a whole. A large part of psychology is devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the impact of psychology.
Some of the ways that psychology contributes to individuals and society include:
- Improving our understanding of why people behave as they do
- Understanding the different factors that can impact the human mind and behavior
- Understanding issues that impact health, daily life, and well-being
- Improving ergonomics to improve product design
- Creating safer and more efficient workspaces
- Helping motivate people to achieve their goals
- Improving productivity
Psychologists accomplish these things by using objective scientific methods to understand, explain, and predict human behavior. Psychological studies are highly structured, beginning with a hypothesis that is then empirically tested.
The Major Goals of Psychology
Psychology Makes Human Lives Better
Psychology has quickly grown to play a tremendous role in the world today. Psychology plays an important role in helping people live better lives. By learning about the basics of behavior and the human mind, people can gain a greater understanding of themselves and others. Psychologists also play a vital role in health care by caring for individuals experiencing mental health issues, performing psychotherapy, investigating treatment options, and teaching patients how to manage their symptoms effectively.
Psychology may seem like a vast and daunting topic at first, but understanding a few basic facts can make it easier to get started. Once you have a strong understanding of the basics, you will be better prepared to explore different ways that psychology may help improve your everyday life, health, and well-being.
The Relationship between psychology, spirituality, and religion
Spirituality is often linked to disciplines such as religion, philosophy, or neurology and is currently also an object of attention of psychology, more directly in transpersonal and humanistic psychology that include spirituality as part of an integrated and multidimensional conception of the human being (as a bio-psycho-socio-spiritual reality).
Within the field of psychology, psychologists point out spirituality as the personal search to understand the answers to the last questions about life, its meaning, and the relationship with the sacred or the transcendent, which may or may not lead to the development of religious rituals and the formation of a community.
The relationship between psychology and spirituality is justified by the fact that the experience of existential issues occurs through mental phenomena such as meditation, states of consciousness, introspection, mystical experiences, self-transcendence, self-realization, etc.
Spirituality and religion are often very important parts of any culture. Faith and religion even help some people going during rough times in their lives. The simple fact is that spirituality has a huge impact on people’s thoughts and behaviors.
Spiritual Psychology is a blend of spirituality and science. It uses elements of both traditional psychology and spirituality in order to help individuals feel better and more content with their lives. spirituality that expands on Conventional Psychology by recognizing that a person has four levels requiring therapeutic attention;
- Physical — what you do
- Mental — what you believe
- Emotional — what you feel
- Authentic Self — the ability for joy, acceptance, and self-compassion
Conventional Psychology addresses a person at three levels; physical, mental, and emotional. These three levels, the bedrock of conventional therapy, are all based on impermanence. What you do in your life (physical), what you think and believe (mental), and what you feel (emotional). All three levels will constantly change throughout life as you grow, mature, learn, and evolve.
The Fourth Level is who you are at your core. At this level, you are able to experience unconditional love, harmony, peace, joy, and oneness with our universe, acceptance of others, and compassion for yourself. Not coincidentally, with a weakened connection to this level, life can feel empty, pointless, unsatisfying, and hopeless. Issues such as depression, discontent, anxiety, despair, self-loathing, and a host of other unsettling experiences, including our very will to live, arise. Often we find substances or addictive/destructive behaviors as temporary relief, others just live with the ever-present feeling of “there must be more”. A successful course of treatment must incorporate all four levels, to resolve underlying core issues for the last time and let you have your life back.
Some of the time we have one common question in our mind why do we need spiritual psychology?
The answer is very simple. The human being tends to live in a balanced, calm, and placid mental state that allows him to live in harmony with himself and with his environment, but in many people, this state is altered by the restlessness caused by not having a satisfactory response to some questions. This concern of psychological origin arises from two demands of human nature that have to do with survival and its relationship with the external environment.
For many, a spiritual crisis can be a very upsetting event. It will usually have an impact on every part of a person’s life, from their homes to their workplaces. Many people experiencing such a crisis will often feel stuck and confused, with nowhere to turn.
Spiritual psychology and spiritual counseling enable patients to better understand their own beliefs and work through that confusion. Spiritual psychologists can help individuals by allowing them to explore their spiritual side and work toward repairing any shattered pieces of their souls. These professionals can usually help people feeling despondent and dejected with a number of problems that can’t usually be fixed with traditional psychological methods.
Imagine how different life would be if your foundation was love and support for yourself instead of disappointment, depression, anxiety, anger, embarrassment, hopelessness, and resentment of your past. Very different. It’s easy to say but to achieve change like this, you’ll need to invest in some learning and in some unlearning.
At The Clearing, we use Spiritual Psychology as our modality to address the underlying core issues that have a life so out of balance. Expect an intellectually engaging, interesting, and successful month of learning how to resolve the issues creating the behaviors that are holding you back from the life you want.
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Islamic psychology
To understand the essence of Islam is to understand the very essence of humanity. More than a religion, Islam is a complete and comprehensive way of life leading to a balanced way of living and there is a huge emphasis on self-development in Islam- with this emphasis on the self and purification of the self, Islamic teachings come from the basis and foundation of the human psychological experience.
Islam brings civilization and happiness to man. Islamic principles and teachings can provide realistic, fair, and objective solutions to the prevention of individual, familial, social, and international problems which are threatening the existence of human communities throughout the world.
Islam is a constituent part of life. It tells us how to manage all activities of life in a sound and ethical way. Islamic Psychology deals with the missing key that modern contemporary psychology fails to acknowledge and that is the study of the spirit/soul, as well as including/incorporating the scientific and research-based aspects.
Whereas in Islamic Psychology, the relationship with Allah includes “a healthy relationship between humans and something else”. And in the concept of Islam itself, Allah always is there for humans.
So, in Islamic Psychology, or even Islam itself; whoever you are, whatever you experience, no matter how the universe leaves you, you still have a support system, namely Allah.
In the Quran , it is stated that humans are indeed tested with shortcomings, including a lack of soul. ( Quran 2: 155)
Muslims, especially non-Westerners, often feed on skeptical emotions towards the science of psychology and question its usefulness. Some might even doubt whether it is halal according to Islam. Surely, certain psychological theories or techniques are incompatible with the teachings of Islam. But dismissing psychology and the important benefits it offers altogether would be a huge mistake. Psychology, in fact, has a stronger connection with Islam than you might think.
The difference between the concepts of Islamic Psychology and Modern Psychology is to understand humans, Islamic Psychology does not stop at human relationships. But it also concerns man’s relationship with (something outside of man himself) God.
Islamic Psychology or ilm an-nafs (Science of the Soul)
Islamic Psychology or ilm an-nafs (the science of the soul) is an important introductory textbook drawing on the latest evidence in the sub-disciplines of psychology to provide a balanced and comprehensive view of human nature, behavior, and experience. Its foundation to develop theories about human nature is based upon the writings of the Qur’an, Sunna, Muslim scholars, and contemporary research findings.
Islamic Psychology (Ilm Ul Nafs) is the study of the “self” (nafs) or the “psyche” from an Islamic Perspective with concepts that are not included in western forms of studying the field i.e the unseen influences, the impact of destiny, the sway of the Shaytaan and the inclusion of the soul.
Islamic Psychology also addresses topics within psychology with Islamic teachings, history, values, and ideas as the basics such as neuroscience, philosophy of the mind, psychiatry, medicine, and therapy.
Revelation (the Quran and the legal Sunnah) is from God; therefore it’s the ultimate truth. Science, however, is the product of human reasoning which, although Islam highly values, still remains secondary to revelation as it can include mistakes. Hence, Muslims should carry out and benefit from research and scientific experiences as long as they are in accordance with what the Quran and the legal Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) teach.
From the Islamic perspective, psychology is “the study of the soul, the ensuring behavioral, emotional, and mental process, as well as the seen and unseen aspects that influence these elements.”
(Hamdan) We’re here on this Earth to worship Allah (Quran 51:56)
and our ultimate goal is to pass the test of this life and earn our way back to Jennah, inshaAllah.
The core of our life created by Allah is the soul which has 3 different stages. They are An-Nafs Al-Ammarah Bissu, the commanding soul that pushes us towards evil (Quran 12:53); An-Nafs Al-Lawwama, the reproachful soul that blames self for sin (Quran 75:2); and An-Nafs al-Mutma’inna, the soul in the tranquility that is in strong connection with Allah (Quran 89:27) — our ultimate goal.
Throughout life, many elements influence the way we feel, think, and behave. They are our innate genes and instincts, our social environment, but also things we are aware of, yet unable to see like our Creator, the world of jinn, the presence of various angels around us; the belief in destiny, the Last Day, and the Hereafter.
Ultimately, Muslims throughout their lives strive to fulfill the purpose of their creation, to develop an Islamic personality, and to continuously purify their soul from desires and doubts in order to reach the desired stage of harmony and joy. For Muslims, that would be called a self-actualized (or rather self-differentiated) person in Maslow’s pyramid.
History of Islamic Psychology
First, it is important to consider one of the earliest philosophers in the Muslim world that had a major impact on the realm of philosophy. There are many Muslim philosophers like Al Ashath Al Kindi, Ali Ibn Sahl At-Tabari, Abu said Al-Balkhi, and many more. they developed their own ideas and new Islamic psychology emerged, which would later influence Europe as it shook off the memory of the Dark Ages and underwent the first Renaissance.
Whilst Islamic psychology retained the Hellenic trait of looking at mind, philosophy, and spirit together, Middle Eastern scholars also began to develop a more practical approach to psychology. Islamic psychology was based upon looking at ways to cure and heal, rather than merely theorizing.
As with Ancient Greek psychology, it is important to remember that the Muslim scholars did not have a specific term for psychology and did not identify themselves as psychologists. Islamic scholars did not practice the discipline in the modern sense of the word and wrapped it together with their standard, holistic approach to medical matters.
However, their work on studying the mind and proposing treatments for mental conditions is extremely important, and underpins many of our modern techniques, even if many of the theories are couched in philosophical and theological terms. Whilst many Islamic scholars contributed to the history of psychology, and the work of others lies forgotten in the depths of time, a few great minds deserve their place amongst the greatest modern psychologists.
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The Psychological Depths of the Qur’an and Sunnah
As above discussions, Islam uses psychology in everyday practices, just under different names such as spiritualism. Islam values the importance of good mental health and emotional well-being. Some use the Qur’an as a guide to aid those suffering from emotional distress by leading people to a meaningful quality of life.
So, there are many Quranic verses that summarized Islam’s attitudes towards the psychologically and mentally ill, who are considered unfit to manage property but must be treated humanely and be kept under care by a guardian. This positive neuroethical understanding of mental health consequently led to the establishment of the first mental hospitals in the medieval Islamic world from the 8th century, and an early scientific understanding of neuroscience and psychology by medieval Muslim physicians and psychological thinkers, who discovered that mental disorders are caused by dysfunctions in the brain.
The entire Quran is a cure, and it is mostly a spiritual cure. Many times, the Quran reminds one that there is no grief or fear if one remains steadfast and that the Hereafter is free of all those negative and overwhelming feelings and situations (Quran 43:68, 46:13).
The Quran acknowledges the reality of these emotions and, by extension, acknowledges the reality of mental illnesses.
These are just a few points to show how the Qur’an highlights the importance of psychological well-being. If we as a society are to move forward and remove the stigma associated with mental health, the first thing we should do is not emphasize unjustified prejudices and put more hate into the world. We should all push for the same common goal of love and humility in a place where people can live free from fear.
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Prophet Muhammad PBUH is one of the most revered & influential persons in history. and his lifestyle was remarkably simple and unpretentious. Prophet Muhammad PBUH is the greatest benefactor of humanity and a source of guidance for all mankind. He is the biggest blessing Allah bestowed upon man. It was Prophet Muhammad PBUH who bring people from darkness to light through his teaching.
Allah says in the Al-Quran:
“Indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His angels [ask Him to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [ Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [ Allah to grant him] peace.” ( Quran 33:56)
Another verse from Quran
“Whatever the Messenger has given you — take; and what he has forbidden you — refrain from. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.” (Quran 59;7)
Prophet Muhammad PBUH is a role model for all mankind till the day of judgment. Believers look at his Sunnahs and learn how they can implement the teachings of Prophet Muhammad PBUH in their lives.
Reviving or following the Prophet’s sunnah is a great blessing of Allah. As Narrated by Anas bin Malik,
“The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W) said to me: ‘Whoever revives my Sunnah then he has loved me. And whoever loved me, he shall be with me in Paradise.’” (Tirmidhi: 2678)
The Best Psychologist Prophet Muhammad PBUH
On knowing the basic information about psychology, let us now look at it in the light of Islam. We all know that Islam is the ideal way of life and Prophet Muhammad PBUH is our role model. Imbibing the way our Prophet Muhammad PBUH taught Islam is an essential means of living a hassle-free life in both physical and mental aspects.
Islam doesn’t restrict us from leading a happy life in this world. However, it emphasizes leading a meaningful life. The best way is by learning how the Prophet Muhammad PBUH lived his life and incorporating that into our lives. On that note, we shall explore certain aspects of positive psychology in the life of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH and find out how we can make the best out of this learning.
There is, hence, a great lesson of humility and gratitude in the lifestyle of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH. He accomplished his noble mission with a minimum of worldly possessions, indicating the insignificance of worldly riches. Besides, contentment of heart does not come from possessing more, but from being satisfied with what one possesses.
We must, therefore, seek to make our lives simpler, and value all that we have, as the Prophet Muhammad PBUH said,
“Whosoever begins the day feeling family security and good health, and possessing provision for his day, is as though he possessed the whole world.” (Tirmidhi)
After all these discussions shared with you guys, here I would like to say That The Prophet Muhammad PBUH lived the best version of himself, every single day and this thing motivated me and I hope many others as well too. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the best version of himself: spiritually, physically, and socially. That is true, but there might be something deeper. Perhaps the key to the Prophet’s motivation and living the best version of himself was Love.
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Final Thought:
Islamic Psychology finds its roots in the Quranic worldview and Prophetic example as embodied by our beloved Prophet Muhammad PBUH. Islamic Psychology at its core is looking at the human being in a holistic manner and examines and approaches human behavior, motivations, emotions, and healing through an Islamic lens. Islamic Psychology centers on the concept of the fitrah, the soul`s connection to Allah (God), and bringing the human being back in touch with the fitrah for true well-being. The metaphysical components of the Ruh (soul), Aql (mind) Nafs (lower self) Qalb (heart) are key components of influence and study in Islamic Psychology.
May Allah bless all Muslims with strong Faith, Purity of heart, good manners, good deeds, and understanding of the true meaning of all teaching of the Quran and Hadiths. Ameen
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Finally, I pray to Allah to benefit those who read this article and others, grant me truthfulness in what I say and do, preserve my thoughts and my pen from deviation and guide me in all my affairs.
And all praise and thanks are due to Allah, without Whose help and guidance nothing can be accomplished. May Allah bless you with happiness, success, guidance, health, and knowledge. May Almighty Allah give us the strength to follow the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and make us part of the group who is among the most righteous! Ameen.
Be patient with yourself. And Keep learning!!
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