Why an Islamic Perspective in Psychology?
Is it necessary to study psychology from an “Islamic” perspective? Let us answer this question by explaining the reasons. First, let us consider the place of psychology among the sciences. Psychology falls within the category of social sciences. Why is this important? Because, unlike natural sciences, social sciences are influenced by the culture and values of the geography in which they exist. While the results reached by natural sciences such as mathematics or physics are universally valid, this is limited for disciplines concerned with human beings and society.
Psychology aims to understand the human being; sociology focuses on society, while philosophy deals with systematic thinking on existence, knowledge, values, and the meaning of life. All of these fields develop within the cultural contexts in which they emerge. A researcher engaged in psychology arrives at questions such as “What is a human being? What constitutes a healthy or unhealthy state?” by observing the people around them. However, what is considered “healthy” or “normal” is determined according to the norms of each society. So what kind of problem might we encounter here?
Definitions and criteria developed in one culture may appear problematic or insufficient in another geography. Moreover, this is not limited to a cultural issue; it also includes a dimension of belief. Why? Because societies generally form their values and behavioral standards based on a worldview—often a religion. A researcher, often unconsciously, carries traces of this worldview into their theories.
There is always a belief behind human behavior. When a person adopts a behavior, they also, consciously or unconsciously, adopt the underlying assumptions of that behavior. Over time, these assumptions settle into their mind and heart. In the context of psychology, this demonstrates the necessity of considering the cultural and belief-based foundations upon which modern approaches or theories are built. This is because the therapeutic practices suggested by these theories will carry the principles of the belief systems on which they are based.
At this point, another question arises: Where was modern psychology developed? Modern psychology has largely been developed in Western societies. The pioneering figures of this field were raised in environments where Christianity, Judaism, or secular worldviews were dominant. Therefore, psychological concepts and methods are not entirely independent of this background.
This leads to another important question: Can we adopt the techniques of modern psychology without adopting the beliefs underlying them? Behavior cannot be completely separated from the belief that nourishes it. A person lives as they believe, or believes as they live. Therefore, applying psychotherapeutic methods without filtering them through an Islamic framework may sometimes lead us, unknowingly, to adopt other belief patterns as well.
On the other hand, it is not correct to reject modern psychology entirely. Within this discipline, there is much knowledge that is not contrary to Islam and is useful in understanding human beings. What needs to be done is to evaluate and select this knowledge in a way that aligns with the fundamental sources and values of Islam. This approach constitutes one aspect of Islamic psychology studies.
The other aspect requires a deeper effort: to approach psychology from the outset with an Islamic perspective. In other words, to address questions such as human nature, the criteria of healthy and unhealthy states, and the ways of psychological healing by drawing upon the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the intellectual tradition of Islam that is nourished by these sources. Psychotherapeutic practices developed within such a framework not only contribute to the resolution of psychological problems but also support the individual in developing a life aligned with their faith.
Such a therapeutic process, while seeking solutions to psychological problems, can also strengthen a person’s faith and support their closeness to Allah. This establishes a healthy bridge between mental well-being and belief.
Islam is not only a belief system but also a comprehensive way of life that encompasses all aspects of living. The word “Muslim” (Arabic: Muslim) derives from the root s-l-m (selm/teslim), meaning “one who submits, surrenders, or enters into peace.” In a religious context, a Muslim is someone who submits their heart and life to Allah, sincerely adheres to the religion conveyed through His Prophet, and lives accordingly. Establishing a psychotherapeutic process on a foundation that supports this submission and nurtures mental well-being opens a path that deepens both psychological health and servitude to Allah.
Suggested References
Badri, M. (2018). The dilemma of Muslim psychologists (İ. N. Kaya, Trans.; 2nd ed.). Mahya Publishing.
Rothman, A., & Coyle, A. (2018). Toward a Framework for Islamic Psychology and Psychotherapy: An Islamic Model of the Soul. Journal of Religion and Health, 57(5), 1731–1744.
Keshavarzi, H., Khan, F., Ali, B., & Awaad, R. (Eds.). (2020). Applying Islamic principles to clinical mental health care: Introducing traditional Islamically integrated psychotherapy. Routledge.
Written By: Clinical Psychologist Zeynep Ebrar PAŞA