Psycho-Spiritual States of Emotions and Their Interventions within Qur’ānic Narratives

Abstract

This article highlights different challenging emotional states exhibited by several prominent figures as narrated in the Qur’ān, and the approach taken by the Qur’ān in presenting and intervening with particular psycho-spiritual processes, which triggered such emotions. Materials and method: Anger (Q.12:84; Q.21:87), sadness (Q.12:86; Q.28:7), hopelessness (Q.19:23), trepidation (Q.19:24), and self-rumination/condemnation (Q.18:6) are among the conditions adversely affecting the emotional states of particular individuals, as exhibited in several Qur’ānic stories. Qualitative in nature, the article employs both content and textual analyses on selective verses of qaṣaṣ (narratives/stories) in the Qur’ān. Content analysis probes deeper into the context of the whole qiṣṣah (story) to examine the underlying causes that triggered certain state of emotion. Whilst textual analysis assists in the clear understanding of the verses in terms of meaning, linguistic value and coherence between verses surrounding the focal issue. Conclusion: The finding suggests that challenging emotions and their interventions as portrayed by Qur’ānic narratives are outcomes of both contextual implications, as well as psycho-spiritual states. These are normal human responses, even by prominent Qur’anic figures. Thoughts, psychological patterns and spiritual awareness pose as major contributing factors towards certain exposition of challenging emotional states. The significance lies in the way that their psycho-spiritual wakefulness has fortified them, enabling them to garner positive coping mechanisms to cope successfully.