Building resilience through meaning

BUILDING RESILIENCE THROUGH MEANING

A Comparative Analysis of Secular and Islamic Psychology approach

BY: The Millennial Muslimah.

This post explores the difference in the secular and Islamic psychology approach to the existential concept of life's meaning and how understanding difficulties from the perspective of Islamic psychology can promote resilience and hope during difficult times in contrast to potentially empty secular approaches.

The statement, "the quality of your life depends on the meaning you attach to it," takes on different dimensions when viewed through secular and Islamic psychological lenses. Secular psychology emphasizes an individualized meaning, which may not always suffice in the face of profound adversity. In contrast, Islamic psychology grounds life's meaning in a higher purpose, fostering resilience and hope by helping individuals understand their difficulties as part of Allah's perfect plan. This perspective offers a profound sense of meaning that transcends individual circumstances and promotes enduring well-being.

Secular Psychology's Approach:

Individual-Centric Meaning:

In secular #psychology individuals are encouraged to find meaning in life through personal achievements, #relationships and self-fulfillment. The emphasis is on personal goals and subjective happiness.

Struggle for Meaning:

When individuals face difficulties, secular psychology often suggests that they create their own meaning in adversity, focusing on personal growth, coping mechanisms, and self-improvement.

Limitation of Individualism:

The secular approach may fall short in providing a profound sense of purpose, especially in the face of overwhelming challenges, as it often lacks a transcendent framework beyond the self.

Islamic Psychology's Approach:

Allah-Centered Meaning: Islamic psychology revolves around the belief that life's ultimate #purpose is to worship and submit to Allah. Meaning is found in aligning one's actions with Divine Will and living a life of righteousness and virtue.

Understanding Trials:

Islamic psychology views difficulties as tests from Allah. Believers are encouraged to see hardships as opportunities for spiritual growth, patience, and a means to draw closer to Allah.

Resilience through Faith: The understanding that life's difficulties are part of Allah's plan instills resilience, as believers trust that Allah's wisdom surpasses human understanding. This perspective can provide immense #comfort and hope in #adversity. The understanding that there is real meaning, that what we are going through was planned for us before we were born, that what was written for us will never miss us and that nothing will affect us except what Allah has written for us.

Aakhira focus:

Promoting #Resilience and #Hope

Secular Psychology: While secular approaches can help individuals find personal meaning, they may struggle to provide a sense of purpose during severe hardships or existential crises, potentially leading to feelings of emptiness.

Islamic Psychology: Understanding life's difficulties in the context of faith fosters resilience and hope. Believers find solace in knowing that every challenge serves a higher purpose, promoting a sense of inner peace and steadfastness.

In an Upcoming post we will explore how #Dua plays a part in developing resilience and tawakkul in sha Allah.