The Model of Divine Self-Awareness: Islamic Concepts of the Soul and Their Relevance to Mental Well-Being and Resilience

Abstract

Self-awareness constitutes a fundamental foundation for mental well-being and the construction of meaning in life. From an Islamic perspective, self-awareness is not merely a psychological process but also a spiritual pathway toward divine awareness that fosters tranquility, resilience, and emotional balance. This study formulates a conceptual framework of tauhidi self-awareness through the integration of contemporary psychological theories and Islamic spiritual values. A conceptual literature-based approach was employed, drawing on primary sources from the Qur’an, Hadith, and the works of al Ghazali, as well as secondary sources from modern theories of self-awareness, emotion regulation, and development. The study proposes the Model of Divine Self-Awareness as an integrative framework combining cognitive, emotional, moral, and spiritual dimensions in promoting holistic mental well-being. The model comprises four stages: muhasabah (empirical self-reflection), tazkiyah al nafs (self -regulation and moral purification), muraqabah (awareness of God’s presence), and ma‘rifatullah (divine awareness). The findings suggest that Islamic self-awareness complements autonomy oriented approaches in positive psychology by positioning God as the central orientation of well-being, meaning in life, and psychological resilience. This model contributes theoretically to faith based mental health paradigms and offers practical implications for Islamic psychotherapy and well-being interventions.