A Sufi Interpretation of Sleep Paralysis: Al-Ghazali’s Perspective on Psychological and Spiritual Wellbeing
Journal of Islamic Philosophy and Contemporary Thought December 1, 2024 Robiatul Adawiyah, Limas Dodi
Sleep paralysis, known in Indonesia as 'ketindihan,' is interpreted through the Sufi philosophy of Imam al-Ghazālī as a manifestation of a person's psychological condition, where negative traits like worldly desires and immoral behavior dominate the heart, leading to nightmares or sleep disturbances. Al-Ghazālī emphasizes purifying the heart, practicing remembrance of God (dhikr), and controlling desires to achieve inner peace and quality sleep. This holistic interpretation integrates mental health, spirituality, and culture, offering an alternative to purely biomedical explanations and enriching interdisciplinary thought between psychology, Sufism, and cultural studies.