TOPIC:
“PSYCHOLOGY FROM ISLAMIC
PERSPECTIVE”
In the name of ALLAH (S.W.T), the Entirely & Exceptionally
Merciful.
“Indeed, We sent down to you the book for the people in truth. So whoever is
guided __it is for [the benefit of] his soul; and whoever goes astray only goes
astray to its detriment….” (39:41)
Islam, as a way of life, outlines a comprehensive model of the human being
that incorporates the spiritual, psychological, emotional and social aspects.
From its teachings, we discover that at the core, we are spiritual beings who
need to cultivate and sustain a connection with our Creator, Allah(S.W.T). The
key to sound mental health and well-being from the Islamic perspective is
submission to Allah, the Exalted, the Almighty and His commandments, and
1
,to subsequently purifying the soul.
General definition of PSYCHOLOGY:
The scientific study of behavior and mental
processes.
Psychology attempts to answer following
questions:
Who are we?
What is our basic nature?
From where do our thought, feelings, and
behaviors emanate?
How can we modify or change these aspects
of ourselves?
ANALYSIS
Psychology & Belief in the Oneness of God:
Most behavioral scientists and secular definition of psychology assumes that
the universe is self-sufficient, the interpretation of the world given by
sciences is the only satisfactory explanation of reality and that it can be
explained without the reference to God or any divine influence.
In the Islamic conceptualization, the unseen world is actually
much more extensive than the seen world, and this unseen world influences
the world that we observe. Allah (S.W.T) has given each of us a soul, and He
is the sustainer and controller of our souls and our physical beings, as well as
the entire universe.
“Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is, over all things, disposer of
affairs. To Him belong the keys of the heavens and the earth…” (Qur’an
39:62-63)
“Say: In whose hand is the realm of all things____ and He protects while none
can protect against Him ___ if you should know? (Qur’an 23:88)
Main weaknesses of secular approaches to psychology:
Atheism, when combined with sensationism and materialism, also leads to a
deterministic, relativistic and nihilistic worldview in which life has no ultimate
meaning.
Definition of Psychology from the Islamic Perspective:
An alternative definition of psychology from the Islamic perspective would
include: the study of the soul; the ensuing behavioral, emotional, and mental
processes; and both the seen and unseen aspects that influences these
elements. Soul is the basic element of life. The human psyche is not purely
psychological; its essence is spiritual and metaphysical.
2
, True Nature of Humans according to QURA’N:
1. They are unique in their creation and distinct from the Creator.
Humankind has the purpose to worship Allah.
2. They have a very significant and eminent role in world as evidenced
by Allah’s orders to the angels to bow down to Adam(a.s).
3. They are blessed with the valuable capabilities and the ability to
understand, to intend or will something, to direct oneself to Allah
(S.W.T) to follow His guidance and to repent after committing errors.
4. They have weaknesses such as lowly desires, laziness and
forgetfulness, that may lead them astray ; there is continual struggle
between humans and Satan.
5. They have the potential to elevate themselves by submitting to
guidance from Allah and befriending Satan.
6. Their key to salvation and happiness is in believing and following the
guidance that comes from Allah.
The Fitrah:
Believing in the existence of Allah is instinctive in human beings. This innate
instinct is termed ‘fitrah’. Allah describes in Surat-ar-Room:
“So direct your face towards the religion, inclining to truth. Adhere to the
fitrah of Allah upon which he has created all people. No change should be
there be in the creation of Allah. That is the correct religion but most of the
people do not know.” (30:30)
The Prophet (S.A.W) said:
“Every child is born in a state of fitrah, then his parents convert him to
Judaism, Christianity, or Magianism. Just like an animal giving birth to a
perfect baby animal ___ do you find it mutilated at all?”
Quranic Evidence of Fitrah:
“And if you asked them: Who created the heavens and the earth? They would
surely say: Allah. Say: Then have you considered what you invoke besides
Allah…?” (39:38)
Purpose of Life; To worship Allah:
People have been searching for meaning in their lives throughout the
centuries, but in the Islamic framework, it is clearly and simply elucidated.
This purpose is none other than to worship Allah.
“And I didn’t create jinn and humankind except to worship me.” (51:56)
Aqeedah, eeman, and psychology:
Aqeedah is important for the psychology of the human being because it
provides us with direction in life and it guides us to the straight path that will
3
“PSYCHOLOGY FROM ISLAMIC
PERSPECTIVE”
In the name of ALLAH (S.W.T), the Entirely & Exceptionally
Merciful.
“Indeed, We sent down to you the book for the people in truth. So whoever is
guided __it is for [the benefit of] his soul; and whoever goes astray only goes
astray to its detriment….” (39:41)
Islam, as a way of life, outlines a comprehensive model of the human being
that incorporates the spiritual, psychological, emotional and social aspects.
From its teachings, we discover that at the core, we are spiritual beings who
need to cultivate and sustain a connection with our Creator, Allah(S.W.T). The
key to sound mental health and well-being from the Islamic perspective is
submission to Allah, the Exalted, the Almighty and His commandments, and
1
,to subsequently purifying the soul.
General definition of PSYCHOLOGY:
The scientific study of behavior and mental
processes.
Psychology attempts to answer following
questions:
Who are we?
What is our basic nature?
From where do our thought, feelings, and
behaviors emanate?
How can we modify or change these aspects
of ourselves?
ANALYSIS
Psychology & Belief in the Oneness of God:
Most behavioral scientists and secular definition of psychology assumes that
the universe is self-sufficient, the interpretation of the world given by
sciences is the only satisfactory explanation of reality and that it can be
explained without the reference to God or any divine influence.
In the Islamic conceptualization, the unseen world is actually
much more extensive than the seen world, and this unseen world influences
the world that we observe. Allah (S.W.T) has given each of us a soul, and He
is the sustainer and controller of our souls and our physical beings, as well as
the entire universe.
“Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is, over all things, disposer of
affairs. To Him belong the keys of the heavens and the earth…” (Qur’an
39:62-63)
“Say: In whose hand is the realm of all things____ and He protects while none
can protect against Him ___ if you should know? (Qur’an 23:88)
Main weaknesses of secular approaches to psychology:
Atheism, when combined with sensationism and materialism, also leads to a
deterministic, relativistic and nihilistic worldview in which life has no ultimate
meaning.
Definition of Psychology from the Islamic Perspective:
An alternative definition of psychology from the Islamic perspective would
include: the study of the soul; the ensuing behavioral, emotional, and mental
processes; and both the seen and unseen aspects that influences these
elements. Soul is the basic element of life. The human psyche is not purely
psychological; its essence is spiritual and metaphysical.
2
, True Nature of Humans according to QURA’N:
1. They are unique in their creation and distinct from the Creator.
Humankind has the purpose to worship Allah.
2. They have a very significant and eminent role in world as evidenced
by Allah’s orders to the angels to bow down to Adam(a.s).
3. They are blessed with the valuable capabilities and the ability to
understand, to intend or will something, to direct oneself to Allah
(S.W.T) to follow His guidance and to repent after committing errors.
4. They have weaknesses such as lowly desires, laziness and
forgetfulness, that may lead them astray ; there is continual struggle
between humans and Satan.
5. They have the potential to elevate themselves by submitting to
guidance from Allah and befriending Satan.
6. Their key to salvation and happiness is in believing and following the
guidance that comes from Allah.
The Fitrah:
Believing in the existence of Allah is instinctive in human beings. This innate
instinct is termed ‘fitrah’. Allah describes in Surat-ar-Room:
“So direct your face towards the religion, inclining to truth. Adhere to the
fitrah of Allah upon which he has created all people. No change should be
there be in the creation of Allah. That is the correct religion but most of the
people do not know.” (30:30)
The Prophet (S.A.W) said:
“Every child is born in a state of fitrah, then his parents convert him to
Judaism, Christianity, or Magianism. Just like an animal giving birth to a
perfect baby animal ___ do you find it mutilated at all?”
Quranic Evidence of Fitrah:
“And if you asked them: Who created the heavens and the earth? They would
surely say: Allah. Say: Then have you considered what you invoke besides
Allah…?” (39:38)
Purpose of Life; To worship Allah:
People have been searching for meaning in their lives throughout the
centuries, but in the Islamic framework, it is clearly and simply elucidated.
This purpose is none other than to worship Allah.
“And I didn’t create jinn and humankind except to worship me.” (51:56)
Aqeedah, eeman, and psychology:
Aqeedah is important for the psychology of the human being because it
provides us with direction in life and it guides us to the straight path that will
3
