“Whomsoever knows his Creator, knows himself and whomsoever knows himself knows his Creator” is the understanding of the relationship between science of psychology and religion is concerned. The science of psychology is very unique in which the relationship between spiritual and science may be thoroughly explored.
‘Know his Creator and Know himself’ is a metaphysical assertions and it explains man existence. It also asserts the broadest levels of human conceptions and the remedy for human dilemma, problems or difficulties. In relation to Spiritual Psychology, ‘Sufi psychotherapy’ may play its role. According to Amjal (1986) ‘Sufi psychotherapy’ is made of psychological treatment which is based upon such a metaphysics which employs Islamic traditions. The basic aspects of human being, according some discipline in ‘Sufi psychotherapy’ comprises these three aspects:
i. al ruh (spirit)
ii. al qalb (heart)
iii. al nafs (soul)
In Sufi Psychotherapy, symptoms of the diseases of al ruh, al qalb and al nafs are related to doubt and dissociation – The first is related to alienation from self, from society, from his/her own victory and cultural roots. The latter is when a person is unable to perceive and experience the sacred and the third is the crises of identity.
Al-Ghazali is one of the individuals who practiced this technique. Al-Ghazali’s favourite therapy is based on the integration of action and thinking. Specific guidelines in the Holy Quran that suggests to hold a positive attitude of life, which includes patience, prayer, appealing to Al-Mightly God and trusting Him for His help and assistance.
Self introspection, as a term in psychology, is used in Sufi Psychotherapy and is also known as ‘muhasabah’ – some Sufis have advocated a dialogue with the al-Mighty God every night before going to sleep – verbalizes the weaknesses and ask for forgiveness. This is generally considered as religious duties but yet, has spiritual meaning in psychology. All spiritual activities, particularly the science of Islamic teachings should considered faith as most important in therapeutic process. This will help man to understand the impact of faith will create normal development of his/her relation with The Creator, his/her relation with the nature, his/her socialization and his/her relation with thyself.
Reference:
Ajmal, M. (1986). Muslim contributions to Psychotherapy and other Essays. Islamabad:National Institute of Psychology.
