Extended Abstract

1. Abstract

Spirituality is one of the fundamental elements of human mental and social health and plays a significant role in improving quality of life. This article aims to analyze and compare the spiritual approaches of humanistic and Islamic perspectives. In the humanistic approach, the focus is on personal experience, self-awareness, and independent meaning-making without a defined religious framework, which may lead to spiritual and psychological crises (Smith, 2001, 47, Frankl).

Islamic spirituality, on the other hand, is based on religious and ethical teachings, strong beliefs, and a balanced lifestyle, and it enhances the individual’s mental and spiritual health (Jafari, 1375, 23, Khosrowpanah, 1397, 56). Findings indicate that Islamic spirituality, through practical guidance and moral teachings, creates balance among body, mind, and soul, promotes social participation, and increases life satisfaction. The article also provides suggestions for developing spiritual health in society based on Islamic teachings.

2. Introduction

Cultural, social, and technological transformations in the contemporary world have led to a crisis of meaning and the absence of ethical frameworks in human life. Western psychologists and philosophers have proposed humanistic approaches to address human spiritual needs, while religious teachings, particularly in Islam, provide a comprehensive framework for mental and spiritual health (Tabatabaei, 1362, 123, Pourhossein, 1398, 68).

·        Main Problem

Despite fundamental differences, a systematic comparative analysis of the effects of humanistic and Islamic spirituality on individual and social health has not yet been fully conducted.

·        Sub-questions

1.      What are the fundamental characteristics of humanistic and Islamic spirituality?

2.      How do these approaches influence the individual’s spiritual and mental health?

3.      What are the social and individual consequences of each approach in contemporary society?

4.      What strategies can be used to promote spiritual health based on Islamic teachings?

3. Research Methodology

This article employs a library-based and comparative study method, allowing a comprehensive examination of both theoretical frameworks and practical implications of spirituality. The sources include reliable Persian and English works, peer-reviewed scientific articles, and primary religious and psychological texts (Smith, 2001, 47, Maslow, 2012, 65, Jafari, 1375, 23).

The methodology involves content analysis, thematic coding, and comparative evaluation, ensuring a systematic assessment of both conceptual and practical dimensions of spirituality. Data were collected from diverse sources, including classical Islamic texts, contemporary humanistic psychology literature, and studies examining the intersection of religion, ethics, and mental health. This multi-source approach provides a comprehensive understanding of the similarities and differences between Islamic and humanistic spirituality, and findings are presented descriptively and analytically, focusing on individual mental health, social well-being, and strategies for promoting spiritual health in society.

4. Research Findings

·        Characteristics of Humanistic Spirituality

Humanistic spirituality emphasizes personal experience, self-awareness, and individual meaning-making, with the individual actively seeking purpose in life without necessarily relying on religious teachings (Frankl, 1959, 33, Rogers, 2015, 92). This approach focuses on self-reliance, personal growth, and self-actualization, encouraging individuals to define their own ethical and spiritual frameworks.

However, in the absence of moral guidance and a spiritual community, this approach may lead to spiritual and psychological challenges, such as feelings of emptiness, existential anxiety, and social disconnection. Humanistic spirituality often requires conscious self-reflection, journaling, meditation, and psychotherapy techniques to maintain balance. Individuals may experience temporary satisfaction through professional or creative achievements but remain vulnerable to deep existential crises.

·        Characteristics of Islamic Spirituality

Islamic spirituality emphasizes adherence to religious principles, ethical teachings, prophetic guidance, and a balanced lifestyle (Jafari, 1375, 23, Khosrowpanah, 1397, 56). It provides a comprehensive framework for life, addressing the spiritual, emotional, and social dimensions of human existence.

Key elements include prayer, remembrance of God, ethical conduct, charitable actions, and the cultivation of virtues such as patience, gratitude, and compassion. Islamic spirituality strengthens individual mental and spiritual health and promotes social cohesion. By fostering a connection with a higher purpose and divine guidance, Islamic spirituality helps individuals resist anxiety, depression, and moral confusion. Devout individuals experience inner peace, life satisfaction, and increased hope for the future, while simultaneously enhancing their social responsibility and commitment.

·        Impact on Individual Health

·        Islamic spirituality reduces anxiety, increases hope, and improves life satisfaction (Maslow, 2012, 65, Singh, 2017, 52) and strengthens mental resilience in facing life challenges.

·        Humanistic spirituality, in the absence of spiritual and ethical frameworks, may lead to feelings of emptiness, confusion, and identity crises (Davis, 2013, 73).

·        Impact on Social Health

§  Islamic spirituality promotes social participation, responsibility, and empathy, encouraging engagement in collective and charitable activities (Pourhossein, 1398, 75, Frankl, 1959, 33).

§  Humanistic spirituality, without collective norms and values, may weaken social cohesion and reduce a sense of belonging.

·        Strategies for Promoting Spiritual Health

§  Religious education and spiritual counseling to guide individuals toward a balanced lifestyle

§  Promotion of an Islamic lifestyle and practical implementation of moral teachings in daily life

§  Community programs based on ethical teachings to enhance social cohesion and responsibility

§  Combination of individual and collective activities to achieve balance among mental, physical, and spiritual health

§  Workshops and educational programs for self-awareness and practical spirituality

5. Acknowledgement & Funding

· The manuscript did not receive a grant from any organization.

6. Conflict of Interest

·        The authors declare no conflict of interest.

7. Author contribution

This manuscript was prepared by a single author who conducted all related tasks.

Jalil Jalili; Email: mahdijalili8890@gmail.com; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2148-5275

8. References

·        Al-Karim, Mohammadreza, 1400, Spirituality in the Contemporary World: Religious and Secular Approaches, Tehran, Nashr-e Ney

·        Pourhossein, Rasoul, 1398, Psychological Dimensions of Spirituality in Islam and the West, Qom, Research Institute of Hawzah and University

·        Jafari, Mohammad Taghi, 1375, Human in Islam, Tehran, Elmi va Farhangi Publications

·        Khosrowpanah, Abdolhossein, 1397, Islamic Philosophy and Mysticism and the Challenges of Modern Spirituality, Tehran, Research Institute of Culture and Islamic Thought

·        Smith, Huston, 2001, Religions and Spirituality in the Contemporary World, New York, HarperOne

·        Rogers, Carl, 2015, On Becoming a Person, Boston, Houghton Mifflin

·        Maslow, Abraham, 2012, A Theory of Human Motivation, New York, Harper & Row

·        Frankl, Viktor, 1959, Man’s Search for Meaning, Boston, Beacon Press

·        Singh, R., 2017, Spiritual Psychology: East and West Perspectives, London, Routledge

·        Davis, K., 2013, The Role of Spirituality in Mental Health, New York, Springer