Mevlana Jalāl-ad-Dīn Rumi and mindfulness.
Journal of Religion and Health December 1, 2012 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-010-9430-z (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 73 |
| Key points | Proposes that Rumi's religious philosophy can provide culturally sensitive concepts and metaphors as an alternative to Buddhist-inspired mindfulness practices for Muslim clients in transcultural therapy. |
Abstract
The use of mindfulness-related methods for the treatment of a variety of psychological, somatic and interpersonal problems has increased dramatically in the last decade. Almost all mindfulness-based therapies include the practice of meditation in addition to various cognitive and/or behavioral techniques. The source of inspiration for mindfulness has traditionally been Buddhism, while Islamic thought has not been present in this development despite the similarities in philosophy and a growing need for mental health support among Muslim populations throughout the world. It is in this context that Sufism and especially Rumi's teachings seem to be promising both in terms of research on consciousness and in terms of culturally sensitive methods of healing. The aim of the present article is to highlight the commonality of mindfulness-based therapies and Rumi's religious philosophy. Introducing concepts, images and metaphors based on Rumi's universe can constitute a meaningful alternative to Buddhist-inspired practices in the transcultural clinic, especially in encounters with clients with Muslim background.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. | 2004 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Mechanisms of mindfulness | 2005 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| How Does Mindfulness Meditation Work? Proposing Mechanisms of Action From a Conceptual and Neural Perspective | 2011 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression | 2006 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-transcendence (S-ART): a framework for understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of mindfulness | 2012 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cited by 5
- Using Islamic Mindfulness-Based Interventions as a Compass for Improving Muslim Mental Health Outcomes: A Scoping Review Harvard Review of Psychiatry August 26, 2026
- Mindfulness and Forgiveness as Catalysts for Stress Reduction and Social Cohesion: A Mixed-methods Study in Multicultural Binh Duong, Vietnam The Open Psychology Journal October 14, 2025
- Prayers and Mindfulness in Relation to Mental Health among First-Generation Immigrant and Refugee Muslim Women in the USA: An Exploratory Study. Journal of Religion and Health June 24, 2022
- “Jewish Mindfulness” as Spiritual Didactics Teaching Orthodox Jewish Religion through Mindfulness Meditation Religions December 25, 2019
- Muraqaba as a Mindfulness-Based Therapy in Islamic Psychotherapy. Journal of Religion and Health August 1, 2019
Cites 9
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2003
- Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects Psychological Inquiry October 19, 2007
- Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness Neuroreport November 7, 2005
- The meeting of meditative disciplines and western psychology: A mutually enriching dialogue. American Psychologist 2006
and 4 more in the library