اسلامی نفسیات اور جدید مغربی نفسیاتی تھیوریز کا تقابلی مطالعہ: سیرتِ نبوی ﷺ کے تناظر میں

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ISLAMIC PSYCHOLOGY AND MODERN WESTERN PSYCHOLOGICAL THEORIES IN THE LIGHT OF THE PROPHETIC BIOGRAPHY (SEERAH OF THE PROPHET ﷺ)

Abstract

Human psychology is an exploration of the deepest dimensions of human behavior, emotions, and inner consciousness. Within this field, two major intellectual paradigms stand distinct: the modern Western psychological framework, which is grounded in materialistic and empirical principles, and the Islamic psychological perspective, which is founded upon spiritual and moral conceptions of the human being. Western psychology generally views human personality as a product of biological, mental, and social factors, often neglecting the spiritual essence of man. The theories of Freud’s psychoanalysis, Skinner’s behaviorism, and Rogers’ humanistic approach each attempt to interpret the human mind from a purely empirical standpoint, separating it from its metaphysical and moral roots.In contrast, Islamic psychology presents a holistic vision of the human being, integrating body, mind, and soul. According to Islam, true well-being lies in tazkiyah al-nafs (purification of the self), moral refinement, faith, and spiritual balance. The Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ provide comprehensive principles for psychological stability and inner reform that address the core issues often faced in modern psychological discourse. The Prophetic model offers practical guidance for managing emotions such as grief, fear, anger, despair, and anxiety through patience (sabr), trust in God (tawakkul), gratitude (shukr), forgiveness (‘afw), and hope (raja’). These values form a timeless therapeutic system that surpasses the temporary relief offered by many modern psychological interventions.This comparative study emphasizes that integrating Islamic spirituality and ethics with contemporary psychological science can produce a comprehensive framework that fulfills both the mental and spiritual needs of humankind. The Prophetic model, therefore, stands as an eternal source of balance, healing, and moral direction for modern psychology.