Sufi meditation and mental health: a phenomenological study of naqshbandi haqqani order followers in Indonesian

Sufi meditation practices within the Naqshbandi Haqqani Order—dhikr (remembrance of God), muraqabah (spiritual mindfulness), and muhasabah (self-reflection)—foster mental well-being in three adolescents in Klaten, Indonesia. These practices promote emotional regulation, inner peace, catharsis, and resilience, integrating spiritual and psychological health. Dhikr and muraqabah deepen spiritual connectedness and renew life meaning, while muhasabah facilitates cognitive restructuring and self-awareness. The findings suggest that Sufi meditation serves as a culturally grounded psychological intervention for improving life satisfaction and psychological stability.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This study examines the lived experiences of followers of the Naqshbandi Haqqani Order, focusing on Sufi meditation practices and their influence on mental health. Adopting a qualitative phenomenological design, data were gathered through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving three adolescents engaged in Sufi meditation in Klaten, Indonesia. The study reveal that three core practices—dhikr (remembrance of God), muraqabah (spiritual mindfulness), and muhasabah (self-reflection)—play a pivotal role in fostering mental well-being. These practices promote emotional regulation, inner peace, catharsis, and resilience, thereby integrating spiritual and psychological dimensions of health. Dhikr and muraqabah deepen spiritual connectedness and renew a sense of meaning in life, while muhasabah facilitates cognitive restructuring and enhances self-awareness. Collectively, these elements contribute to sustained psychological stability and improved life satisfaction. The study underscores that Sufi meditation within the Naqshbandi Haqqani tradition not only enriches spiritual life but also serves as a culturally grounded and effective psychological intervention, offering valuable implications for incorporating faith-based approaches into contemporary mental health promotion. Penelitian ini mengeksplorasi pengalaman subjektif para pengikut Tarekat Naqshbandi Haqqani, dengan fokus pada praktik meditasi sufi dan dampaknya terhadap kesehatan mental. Studi ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif fenomenologis, data dikumpulkan melalui observasi, wawancara mendalam, dan dokumentasi terhadap tiga remaja yang mengikuti praktik meditasi sufi di Klaten, Indonesia. Temuan penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tiga praktik inti—zikir (mengingat Allah), muraqabah (kesadaran spiritual), dan muhasabah (refleksi diri)—memegang peran sentral dalam membentuk kesehatan mental. Praktik-praktik ini menumbuhkan kontrol emosi, kedamaian batin, katarsis, dan resiliensi, sehingga mencerminkan integrasi antara kesehatan spiritual dan psikologis. Zikir dan muraqabah memfasilitasi hubungan spiritual yang lebih mendalam serta pembaruan makna hidup, sedangkan muhasabah mendorong restrukturisasi kognitif dan peningkatan kesadaran diri. Secara keseluruhan, elemen-elemen ini berkontribusi pada stabilitas psikologis yang berkelanjutan dan peningkatan kepuasan hidup. Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa meditasi sufi dalam tradisi Naqshbandi Haqqani tidak hanya memperkaya kehidupan spiritual, tetapi juga berfungsi sebagai intervensi psikologis berbasis budaya yang efektif, sekaligus menawarkan wawasan penting bagi integrasi pendekatan berbasis iman dalam kesehatan mental.