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TOWARDS AN INTEGRATIVE PSYCHO-SPIRITUAL FRAMEWORK: EXPLORING THE COMMON GROUND BETWEEN NAFS AL-MUṬMA’INNAH AND MINDFULNESS IN THE CONTEXT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING

Ikhwan Ansori, Davik Ihsan Purnama

Almufida Jurnal Ilmu-Ilmu Keislaman December 31, 2025 DOI: 10.46576/almufida.v10i2.8120 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Qualitative study Peer reviewed
Topics Meditation
Keywords Context archaeology Meaning existential Thematic analysis Prayer State computer science Process computing Qualitative research Soul Common ground Existentialism
Key findings Nafs al-muṭma'innah is the highest form of spiritual health, similar to mindfulness but God-centered rather than self-centered.

Abstract

This study discusses the concept of nafs al-muṭma’innah in the Qur'an and its relationship with the psychology of mindfulness, which is rapidly developing in the modern world. This study aims to explore how the Qur'an explains peace of mind not merely as a stable emotional state, but as a spiritual awareness centered on Allah. Using a descriptive qualitative method based on thematic analysis of Qur'anic verses, this paper explores the process of achieving peace of mind through four main paths: tazkiyatun nafs (purification of the self), dzikrullah (remembrance of Allah), prayer (inner communication with God), and tawakkal (total surrender). This study shows that nafs al-muṭma'innah is the highest form of spiritual health that also has a direct impact on human psychological and social balance. From a contemporary psychological perspective, this state is similar to mindfulness, which is full awareness of the present reality, but differs in orientation: while mindfulness is self-centered awareness, nafs al-muṭma’innah is God-centered awareness. Through a dialogue between the Qur'an and modern psychology, this paper seeks to reaffirm the importance of spiritual values in the healing of the soul and the search for meaning in the lives of people today.

Comparable studies

Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
The varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western Buddhists Western Buddhist meditation practitioners and experts in Theravāda, Zen, and Tibetan... 2017 Qualitative study with mixed-methods
The Effects of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction on Nurse Stress and Burnout Nurses in a hospital system 2004 Implementation study with mixed methods
An exploratory mixed methods study of the acceptability and effectiveness of mindfulness -based cognitive therapy for patients with active depression and anxiety in primary care Primary care patients with recurrent depression or recurrent depression and anxiety 2006 Exploratory mixed methods study n = 13
A qualitative study of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy for depression Participants in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in a mental-health context 2001 Qualitative study n = 7
Effortless awareness: using real time neurofeedback to investigate correlates of posterior cingulate cortex activity in meditators' self-report Meditators 2013 Qualitative study using grounded theory methodology

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Meditation