Exploring mental health: a comparative study of Western and Islamic psychological approaches

Abdul Razak, Mohd Abbas and Abdul Razak, Abdul Latif and Zaroum, AbdulHamid Mohamed Ali (2024) Exploring mental health: a comparative study of Western and Islamic psychological approaches. CENTRIS-E-Journal, 1. pp. 1-32. E-ISSN 3083-9327

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Abstract

This research is both timely and crucial, as the world grapples with a growing mental health crisis. As society embraces a more modern lifestyle, it also faces an increase in mental health challenges. Despite efforts by various organizations and concerned parties worldwide, a permanent solution remains elusive. This study explores the connection between human nature, mental health, and psychotherapy, comparing Western psychological frameworks with Islamic psychology. Mental health issues often stem from a deeper understanding of human nature, and psychotherapy aims to address these concerns by improving one's relationship with oneself, others, and the environment. In Western thought, mental health and psychotherapy are generally approached in a secular, scientific context, relying on psychological theories such as those of Freud, Jung, and humanistic psychologists. These theories focus on human experience and behaviour, offering therapeutic techniques grounded in empirical evidence, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy. However, Western psychology has limitations, often overlooking cultural, existential, and spiritual factors that may be critical in treating complex mental health conditions. In contrast, Islamic psychology offers a more holistic perspective, integrating physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of human well-being. It draws on Islamic teachings, including the Qur'an, Hadith, and the wisdom of Islamic scholars, providing both preventive and remedial approaches to mental health. Islamic psychology emphasizes practices such as prayer, meditation, gratitude, and social relationships as preventive measures, fostering a sense of hope and purpose that contributes to mental well-being. This research uses a qualitative, contrastive methodology, drawing on textual analysis from books on psychology, Qur'anic teachings, and Hadith/Sunnah to comprehensively compare Western and Islamic approaches to mental health and psychotherapy.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	6588/119143
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Exploring, Mental Health, Comparative Study, Western, Islamic, Psychological, Perspectiver
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General) B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology > BF173 Psychoanalysis B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology > BF207 Psychotropic drugs and other substances B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Qur’an and Sunnah Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Fundamental and Inter-Disciplinary Studies (Effective: 5th Feb 2014)
Depositing User:	Dr. Mohd Abbas Abdul Razak
Date Deposited:	05 Feb 2025 14:12
Last Modified:	05 Feb 2025 14:14
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/119143

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