Since psychology and religion share the same ground in terms of providing explanations about the human being, many religious teachings also contain psychological descriptions. Islamic civilization, which has existed in vast geographies for centuries, offers unique sources to explain human feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Scientific Western psychology has asserted important theories and researches in understanding human beings. Today, Western psychology needs to be enriched with new perspectives to make more comprehensive explanations about people with different cultural backgrounds. Written by Sevde Düzgüner, this book is the product of an effort to discuss the human model of Islam and the human theories of psychology with a complementary approach. This book recommends methodological points that must be considered while studying both fields. It also attempts to draw a a road map for further studies by determining the areas where Islamic psychology could contribute to Western psychology.
Sevde Düzgüner, Ph.D. (2013), Necmettin Erbakan University, is assistant professor at Marmara University. She has published books and articles on religion and spirituality, spiritual counseling and guidance, İslamic psychology and a book chapter entitled “Characteristic Themes in Psychology of Religion in Turkey” in Psychology of Religion in Turkey (Brill, 2015).
Contents
Abstract Keywords
1 A Short History of Western Psychology
2 A Short History of Islamic Psychology
3 How to Combine Western and Islamic Psychologies
4 Complementary Views of Western and Islamic Psychologies
5 Conclusion
Acknowledgments
References
Theologians, psychologists and all interested in psychological studies of religion, religious psychology, and Islamic psychology. Specifically, psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors, spiritual care givers, and social service experts who work with Muslim clients.