Complementary Views of Western and Islamic Psychology of Religion

Abstract

Publications about Islam and psychology have increased in number over the past few decades. Empirical research and therapy practices for Muslims have attracted academic attention. However, the theoretical basis of studying in both Western and Islamic psychologies is not clear yet. Taking a step back, this monograph presents the emergence, first contact, and coexistence of the human theories of Western psychology and the human model of Islamic psychology in general and Sufi psychology in particular. Then it suggests a complementary approach method on how to utilize both by considering the background of each. The approach is discussed in detail with examples, from the stories of Rumi to psychotherapy practices.