Contemplation in Two Muslim Countries: A Comparative Qualitative Study in Türkiye and Bosnia-Herzegovina

Contemplation (tafakkur) is perceived not only as a mental activity but also as a multi-layered process encompassing existential and religious dimensions among Muslim participants in Türkiye and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Turkish participants predominantly associated contemplation with positive emotions, while those from Bosnia and Herzegovina reported experiencing both positive and negative emotions simultaneously. In both cultures, contemplation increases individual awareness, strengthens psychological resilience, and contributes to meaning-making processes. The practice supports spiritual well-being and is viewed as an important part of religious life. Despite cultural differences, contemplation essentially possesses a constructive and transformative function.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the perceptions of contemplation among Muslim participants in Türkiye and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this study, which employed a basic qualitative research design, the semi-structured interview technique was used. The obtained data were analyzed through content analysis using the NVivo 15 software. The study included a total of 26 participants—15 women and 11 men—aged between 25 and 40, living in Türkiye and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The participants were selected using the criterion sampling technique, one of the purposeful sampling methods. The findings indicate that in both countries, contemplation (tafakkur) is perceived not only as a mental activity but also as a multi-layered process encompassing existential and religious dimensions. While Turkish participants predominantly associated contemplation with positive emotions, those from Bosnia and Herzegovina reported experiencing both positive and negative emotions simultaneously during the process. It was determined that in both cultures, contemplation increases individual awareness, strengthens psychological resilience, and contributes to meaning-making processes. Furthermore, it was understood that this thinking practice supports spiritual well-being and is viewed as an important part of religious life. The research findings reveal that, despite cultural differences, contemplation essentially possesses a constructive and transformative function.