Interpretation of Qur’anic Tasliyah Verses: A Study of Alternative Psychotherapic Treatment for Neurosis

Abstract

As the exemplary figure and model for all human beings, the Messenger of God underwent various forms of tests, challenges and pressure. It is mentioned in the Qur’an that the Messenger of God used to experience anxiety and distress, which is categorised as neurosis, a type of mental disorder. The condition is due to the challenges encountered by the Prophet in spreading da’wah throughout his life. The mental disorder such as neurosis occurs when individuals have to deal with calamity, either internally or externally. The calamity affects their behaviour and thought, causing the patients to end up in suffering. In this case, the Qur’an offers al-tasliyah verses as the psychotherapy treatment mechanism with the concept of rabbānī for the Prophet. This study was conducted to examine the interpretation of the collection of al-tasliyah verses as the guidance to the psychotherapy treatment alternative for neurotic patients based on the Qur’an. This study applied qualitative method via re-descriptive approach. The findings of the study demonstrate that the Qur’an is a treasure of complementary psychotherapy methods, which are suitable in treating neurotic patients. The findings illustrate that the Muslims have alternative mechanisms for psychotherapy treatment that are applicable according to the Qur’an and the Sunnah.