Reconsidering the Conceptual Scope of Mindfulness: Integrating Islamic Mindfulness into Contemporary Psychological Science

Abstract

This commentary extends Van Dam et al.'s (2018) critique of the conceptual and methodological limitations of mindfulness research. While their analysis highlights definitional ambiguity and methodological inconsistencies, this commentary argues that this ambiguity is also partly shaped by the selective incorporation of specific contemplative traditions within psychological science. In particular, the limited engagement with non-Western religious frameworks, including Islamic traditions, restricts the conceptual scope of mindfulness. Drawing on existing theoretical and empirical literature, this commentary introduces Islamic mindfulness as a structured and culturally embedded framework in which attentional processes are integrated with ethical orientation and spiritual practice. It argues that such a framework may clarify conceptual distinctions, support more contextually grounded measurement approaches, and enhance ecological validity through practice-based and behaviorally embedded forms of mindfulness. In addition, the commentary reconsiders empirical findings by emphasizing how cultural context shapes the effectiveness and interpretation of mindfulness practices. Rather than proposing a replacement for existing models, the analysis extends them by situating mindfulness within a broader epistemological and cultural perspective. This approach aligns with ongoing efforts to refine definitions, improve methodological rigor, and promote greater inclusivity in the scientific study of mindfulness.