Psycho-Educational Affirmations from the Qur’An on Sadness to Prevent/Treat Depression for Muslim Clients of Cognitive Behavior Therapy Approach

Abstract

Introduction: This study accommodates existential crisis provoked by the Covid-19 pandemic as observed in previous plagues. It is filling the gap of underrepresentation by academics of Islamic Studies in Islamicizing Psychology, in general. Furthermore, it specifically becomes a collective duty (farḍ al-kifāyah) to deliver Muslims’ spiritual existential needs during pandemic and preparing for anticipated post-pandemic breakdown. Methods: The main keyword of sadness (Ar: Al-ḥuzn) are searched throughout the Holy Qur’an as it frequently pairs with stressing life events. The compiled Qur’anic verses from Mushaf Uthmani, English translation by Dr. Mustafa Khattab - The Clear Qur’an, and exegesis for each verse from the renowned Andalusian Exegete: Al-Qurtubi’s Exegesis (Tafsīr al- Qurtubī) are thematically analyzed based on the Qur’anic Thematic Exegetical Analysis (al- Tafsīr al-Mawḍuᶜi) method. Results: The interpretation of the analysis are converted into Qur’anic culturally adapted psychoeducational affirmations on sadness as an integration into the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for depression among Muslim clients. Conclusion: The Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is compatible with the nature of Islam according to the late Prof. Malik Badri, e.g. the idea of fixing the ‘beliefs’ (Iṣlāḥ). Thus, theoretically, this set of Qur’anic psychoeducational affirmations should offer an effective integration for either preventing or treating depression. Essentially, it is more important for all Muslims to be psycho-educated about this from their childhood to develop their existential resilience in facing the challenges of life in general, specifically during and post-pandemic.