Islamic psychology

An overview on theoretical models and conceptions of the human psyche

Abstract

The search for new paradigms and epistemologies that meet the demands of different ethnic-cultural groups has been a growing trend in the field of Psychology. The use of hegemonic universalizing theories that for so long dominated Science, disregarding the influence of religion and spirituality on the cognitions, emotions, and behaviors of the individual, creates the need for new epistemological proposals in order to encompass such singularities. The inclusion of religiosity/spirituality (R/S) in therapeutic practices and interventions has been encouraged by the positive results described in the literature, both in the physical and psychological spheres, inspiring the continuous expansion of knowledge in this field. This scenario opens space for the combination of different knowledge in a multidisciplinary perspective, among which Islamic psychology has stood out. This is a literature review that aims to present the bases, landmarks, and elements that contributed to some of the Islamic Psychology theoretical models, discussing the advances and challenges faced in this field of study. In view of this, it is concluded that, although religious knowledge does not offer answers to all the questions of psychological science, it adds information that can contribute to a better comprehension of the human psyche and the study of the soul. Despite being a little-explored field in current Science, Islamic psychology is an epistemology that has its roots in ancient Islamic religious and philosophical knowledge, having as the main proposal the construction of a holistic approach to the human psyche that integrates the physical, mental and spiritual dimensions.