Light As a Metaphor of Consciousness: Integrating Suhrawardi’s Illuminationist Philosophy and Modern Psychology
Psikoislamedia June 12, 2026 Cut Rizka Aliana, Syamsul Rijal
Suhrawardi’s philosophy of illumination, which treats light as both a metaphysical symbol and an ontological reality connecting humans to a divine source of knowledge, offers a framework for understanding consciousness as a multilayered spiritual process rather than merely a biological phenomenon. A qualitative library-based study using philosophical hermeneutics identifies areas of convergence and divergence between this Islamic intellectual tradition and modern psychology’s neurocognitive, cognitive, and phenomenological perspectives. The concept of gradation of light parallels modern psychology’s notions of self-actualization and peak experience. Integrating these perspectives may inform spirituality-based psychotherapy, Islamic counseling, and consciousness education, particularly in Indonesia.