Tabyin ninth Issue : Qur’anic Psychology Foundational Perspectives, Western Paradigms Criticism

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Research Summaries

The contemporary cognitive field is witnessing a remarkable expansion in psychological studies, from clinical to cognitive psychology, and extending to behavioral sciences and neuroscience.

This expansion, despite its magnitude, led to a striking phenomenon: the proliferation and divergence of approaches rather than their convergence. Each school thought developed its own conception of the psyche and its methods of treatment, revealing the absence of a unified framework within which these theories could be tested and organized. This indicates that the field of psychology, despite its apparent progress, is still searching for a center to regulate its aspects. However, this expansion took place, for the most part, within specific philosophical frameworks that were historically formed within the course of Western modernity; where human was defined as a self closed off to his individual experience, and the relationship between the soul and the body was dismantled, and the psyche was defined by functional characteristics, linguistic structures, or neural processes.

In this introduction to the construction of a Qur'anic psychology, we have worked to overcome some of the epistemological difficulties in achieving this purpose. For instance, the verses of the Holy Qur'an cannot be subjected to systematic doubt due to their definitive divine origin. The purpose is to bring scientific research closer to the divine laws mentioned therein, and to introduce a sense of relativity into their understanding.

We then highlighted the need to establish this science and endeavored to lay down the most important foundations and principles of Qur'anic psychology, such as monotheism, the inherent dignity of humankind, humanity's role as caliphate on Earth, and his capacity to choose freely between misguidance and guidance. Due to the limited scope of this study, we have focused on analyzing a single concept from the various concepts of this science, the psyche, in its different types, states, levels, and appellations as mentioned in the Qur'an.

We have also presented some examples of psychological functions that are specifically referenced in the Qur'an, without the influence of modern psychology, such as visions, divine inspiration, contemplation, and reflection.

This paper research seeks to uncover the nature of the human psyche through the Qur'an verses, which delineate the path of the human psyche, where both the ways of good and evil are deeply ingrained. It then leaves the individual the freedom to choose, with the outcome of their choice determining the basis for their accountability.

It also highlights key points that help individuals purify their psyches by tracing Qur'anic verses that discuss the nature of the soul, how humans interact with it, and how one can either be among the successful or the misguided, according to the Qur'anic principles found in many chapters that address the fate of humanity.

Allah, Almighty created the human psyche and entrusted it with His care, charting for it the path of righteousness after providing detailed guidance within it, encompassing both good and evil. The critical points between these two paths clarify the way and illuminate the path, offering guidance on how to follow a balanced approach that purifies the human psyche in a comprehensive and clear manner.



Mental health is a crucial aspect of individual and social life, influencing human performance in all aspects of life. This article examines indicators of mental health in "Luqman" verse and compares them with the concepts of Carl Rogers' humanistic psychology theory. It also aims at demonstrate how Quranic teachings can contribute to promoting mental health and achieving individual and social success, serving as a comprehensive guide to these goals.

In the first step, the article examines the concepts of health and mental health using foundational and bibliographic studies. It then presents indicators of mental health from the perspective of humanistic psychology, before identifying and analyzing the indicators of mental health in "Luqman" verse. 

The results indicate that the religious concepts presented in "Luqman" verse have a direct impact on an individual's psychological and behavioral well-being. A comparison of mental health indicators in the Quran with Carl Rogers' humanistic psychology reveals significant similarities between these two sources. Based on this, adhering to the Quran's recommendations can reduce the occurrence of psychological disorders and guide individuals toward lasting peace in their personal and social lives.


The most important finding of this study is that remembrance of Allah, in the Quranic perspective, represents a comprehensive divine methodology for shaping psychologically, spiritually, and morally balanced individual. Remembrance of Allah, Almighty, liberates the psyche from anxiety and obsessive thoughts, granting it contentment and steadfastness, and elevating it to a state of peace and serenity, which constitutes the foundation of psychological well-being in the Quranic perspective.

In a reality suffering from spiritual emptiness and civilizational deviations, the need for remembrance becomes urgent, as it serves as a path to shaping a balanced Muslim individual, capable of contributing to the establishment of a righteous society and a just human civilization. In this way, the 'good life' promised by Allah to His believing servants is achieved, and both the individual and society are protected from falling into "depressed life".

Andrew Ripin was one of the prominent Western scholars whose Qur'anic and interpretive studies had a significant impact on Western Qur'anic research. He left behind a legacy of numerous books and articles in the fields of Qur'anic studies, interpretation [tafsir], and hadith. Given that his approach and the foundations upon which he built his studies have a considerable influence, leading to specific directions in his works, this article will clarify the foundations Ripin relied on in his Qur'anic studies.

He believed in several important issues within his Qur'anic studies, including the concept that the Qur'an was written two centuries after the passing of the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), that the Qur'an was inspired by both the Hebrew and Christian scriptures, and was compiled in an environment characterized by sectarian conflicts. He also argued that it was influenced by the Mesopotamian civilization, and that some Qur'anic concepts, such as metaphor, were borrowed from these traditions. As a result, these ideas led Ripin to pursue a path of proving these foundational assumptions, which are evident in his writings, as discussed in this article.

The study aims at explore the role of the Islamic Education teacher in promoting the jihad of clarification [Jihad al-Tabyin], among adolescents in light of the Quran and the Sunnah. The study focuses on the trials and challenges faced by this age group, as they are still in a formative stage, highly impressionable, and easily influenced by their surroundings. Therefore, the role of the Islamic Education teacher is crucial and sensitive. The teacher must be a role model in all aspects, going beyond mere instruction to impart critical and creative thinking skills based on the teachings of the Quran.

The teacher must also possess a high level of persuasion, especially when addressing contemporary theological issues, confronting atheistic ideologies, and responding with clarity, conviction, and impact. The teacher should make dialogue the foundation of both the initiation and conclusion of any discussion, drawing upon the Quran and the Sunnah of the infallibles.

In the thought of Imam Khamenei, jihad of clarification [Jihad al-Tabyin] involves clarifying truths, correcting deviations, and confronting the intellectual arrows of the enemy, making any form of awareness raising a true intellectual jihad. This requires the teacher to have strong theological, behavioral, and communicative skills, along with a deep understanding of the psychological and social needs of adolescents. Additionally, the teacher must be equipped to address doubts and provide responses with wisdom and finesse.

The article highlights the importance of critical and creative thinking in the Quran and emphasizes the need to apply these skills in educational settings, enabling adolescents to become conscious, responsible individuals capable of resisting intellectual deviations. This would ultimately help them evolve into active contributors to the development of Islamic consciousness and identity.

Psychology examines human behavior from a comprehensive perspective, focusing on an individual's responses to various stimuli in their life. It is divided into cognitive and emotional aspects. One of the main issues in psychology is identifying the factors that influence behavior, whether they are innate or acquired. This determination relies on understanding the relationship between heredity and the environment. Moreover, behaviors are classified as either normal or abnormal, based on their alignment with societal or moral standards.

In this context, the Islamic perspective emphasizes the balance between the intellect and desires in determining normal behavior. Human behavior is viewed through classifications that link psychological and intellectual aspects, including worship and moral conduct.

Regarding mental illnesses, Islam presents treatment through repentance and spiritual awareness, highlighting the importance of religious and spiritual factors in achieving psychological balance. In contrast, Western approaches rely on various therapeutic strategies, such as analytical and behavioral therapies, which focus on the psychological and social effects in treating disorders. The difference between the two perspectives is evident in their understanding of human nature and treatment, with the Islamic perspective seeking internal balance by stre


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