The Development Theory of Al-‘Aql, Al-Qalb and al-Nafs in Islamic Psychotherapy

Abstract

Islamic psychotherapy is an application of treatment methods for patients or clients through responses of the soul, spiritual, mental, emotional and behaviour to obtain calmness in life. It is a form of psychological intervention to treat and cure emotional, spiritual, cognitive and behavioural disorders. Islamic psychotherapy has integrated spiritual elements with particular focus given on the development of al-Ruh, al-'Aql, al-Qalb and al-Nafs in the quest to obtain contentment in life. As such, this study serves to highlight the developmental theories of al-'Aql, al-Qalb and al-Nafs based on reviews of past writings and research. These theories can be applied as a research base when formulating models or modules of Islamic psychotherapy. The research method adopts the qualitative approach based on document analysis conducted through library research to attain data on the position of Islamic psychotherapy as a supportive treatment or to complement mental health and development theories that can be applied in treatment procedures. Research findings indicate that development theories include the reinforcement of aqidah, the practicality of aqidah, perfection of the akhlak (morality), targhib tarhib, ibrah, repentance (taubat), sincerity, strengthening of faith (iman), strengthening of belief in qada' and qadar and so on.

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