Transcendental Communication Through Dhikr for Mental Well-Being: A Phenomenological Study
Susmya Mutiara Hati, Fatih Zaidan
Journal of Islamic Communication and Counseling July 31, 2026 DOI: 10.18196/jicc.v5i2.162 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Regular dhikr practitioners |
| Intervention | Dhikr |
| Key findings | Argues that dhikr functions as a transcendental communication process marked by intrapersonal reflection, spiritual awareness, and connection with Allah, redirecting attention from worldly anxiety to divine presence. The authors report that this fosters inner peace (ṭumaʾnīnah), emotional regulation, psychological resilience, and spiritual insight (maʿrifah), and conclude that dhikr supports holistic mental well-being through integrated spiritual, psychological, and social dimensions. |
Abstract
This study examines dhikr as a form of transcendental communication in promoting mental well-being among its practitioners. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach within a constructivist paradigm, data were collected through in-depth interviews with regular dhikr practitioners and analyzed using descriptive-interpretive analysis informed by irfani epistemology. The findings reveal that dhikr functions as a transcendental communication process characterized by intrapersonal reflection, spiritual awareness, and deep connection with Allah. Rather than merely a verbal ritual, dhikr redirects attention from worldly anxiety to divine presence, fostering inner peace (ṭumaʾnīnah), emotional regulation, psychological resilience, and meaningful spiritual insight (maʿrifah). Internal factors, including spiritual consistency and heart consciousness, together with external influences such as religious environments and modern social pressures, shape the depth of transcendental experience. The study concludes that dhikr serves as a spiritually grounded communication practice that supports holistic mental well-being through the integration of spiritual, psychological, and social dimensions.