Reliance on God as a Core Construct of Islamic Psychology

Abstract

“Reliance on God” is one of the spiritual virtues and a major stage in the ascension toward God's proximity. Its practice is highly recommended for believers (Kor.26:217). Prophet Mohammad is told: “Put your trust in God, He suffices as a guardian” (33:3). Allah also mentions that true believers put their trust in their Lord (Kor. 8:2). God calls Himself dependable, trustworthy, and manifests Himself throughout the Koran accordingly. Stories from the Koran demonstrate that God was sufficient for Prophets and believers who put their trust in Him, and relied on His support. Empirical studies demonstrated the significance of reliance on God as a coping strategy in the reduction of anxiety, depression, and restitution of hope (Bolhari et al., 2000; Ghobari et al., 2004). In the current paper, the process of developing a conceptual model to define and delineate reliance on God is illustrated; procedures for the operationalization of this construct by utilization of semi structure interviews, and a Likert type scale are reviewed. Moreover, the results of some findings in regard to the relationship of mental health status of college students with degrees of their reliance on God are explored. Finally, the significance of reliance on God for spiritual maturation and psychological wellbeing is explored.