Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind, behaviour, and emotions. It attempts to establish why people think and act as they do. Though it is a science today, it began several thousand years ago under the context of understanding human beings.
Ancient civilizations, including the Greeks, Indians, and Egyptians, examined mind and soul. However, psychology was never known as a field of study until a couple of centuries ago. One of the most overlooked contributions to this emergence is that of Islamic scholars.
Under the Islamic Golden Age (8th-14th century), Muslim scholars attained breakthrough work in the history of psychology. These scholars incorporated philosophy, medicine, and spirituality to understand human behaviour. This article analyzes the psychology origin and the role of Islamic scholars in shaping its development.
The history of modern psychology stretches back thousands of years. Most early philosophers attempted to explain human thought and emotions.
The Greeks played a significant role in these early discussions. Two famous philosophers, Plato and Aristotle, talked about soul and consciousness. Plato believed in a division between the mind and body, while Aristotle believed the soul and body were closely connected.
For centuries, psychology was a branch of philosophy. However, during the Renaissance and Enlightenment, interest in human behaviour grew. Scientists began to question traditional beliefs and sought scientific explanations.
By the 19th and 20th centuries, psychology was an independent field. Scientists like Wilhelm Wundt established the first psychology laboratory, and Sigmund Freud established psychoanalysis. Behaviorism, cognitive psychology, and neuroscience followed, and psychology was a diverse and evolving science.
Despite these gains, many of the contributions of early Islamic scholars remain underestimated. These thinkers played a crucial role in the development of psychology centuries before its establishment as a separate science.
Islam encourages gaining knowledge to the extent of travelling the world for it. During the Islamic Golden Age, scientists made noteworthy progress in medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and psychology.
The Muslim philosophers combined philosophy, medicine, and spirituality to study the human mind. They classified mental illnesses, developed treatment methods, and put forward concepts that are relevant even today. Here, we have mentioned some of the key figures in the history of Islamic Psychology.
Al-Farabi was a philosopher and scientist. His work is mainly focused on intelligence, emotions, and reasoning. He believed that mental well-being was essential for a society to function properly.
Avicenna is one of the most influential figures in psychology. His book, The Canon of Medicine, became a medical reference in Europe and the Middle East.
He studied mental health and classified various psychological disorders. Avicenna also introduced early forms of psychotherapy. He emphasized that mental illnesses, like physical ones, required proper treatment.
Al-Razi, known in the West as Rhazes, was a physician and psychologist. He believed mental health was as important as physical health.
He categorized different mental disorders and advocated for humane treatment of patients. Unlike some European practices of the time, he opposed torture and mistreatment of mentally ill individuals.
Ibn Khaldun was a historian and social scientist who studied human behaviour in society and how the environment shapes personality.
His ideas on social psychology and group dynamics were ahead of his time. Many of his theories still apply to modern psychology.
Islamic psychology, or the psychology of Islam, is interested in the relationship between the mind, body, and soul. It focuses on the significance of spirituality, faith, and emotional well-being.
Mental health is an important aspect of Islamic teaching. Islam encourages self-reflection, perseverance, and seeking help when needed. Most modern psychological theories, such as mindfulness, self-control, and cognitive therapy, are consistent with Islamic teachings.
Muslim scientists viewed mental illnesses as medical conditions, not supernatural possessions. They promoted therapy, diet, and lifestyle changes to improve mental health. This is similar to modern holistic therapy.
Nowadays, Islamic psychology is becoming more accepted in mental healthcare. Islamic principles are incorporated into counselling by many therapists, and Muslim patients are able to find solace in faith-based treatment.
The history of psychology is rich and complex. Modern psychology is often traced to European and Greek origins. Later on, Islamic psychologists and thinkers also had a significant influence.
Thinkers like Ibn Sina, Al-Razi, and Ibn Khaldun studied human behaviour centuries before psychology was recognized as a science. Their ideas about mental health, therapy, and human behaviour remain relevant today.
As we learn about human behaviour, it is essential to acknowledge and learn from every contribution in the past—including the Islamic contributions to psychology.
The psychology of Islam is the manner in which Islam affects the thoughts, emotions, and behaviours of people. The influence of spirituality, prayer, and belief on mental health is what is discussed in the psychology of Islam. Islam teaches self-reflection, patience, gratitude, and emotional resilience to build happiness.
Psychology has its foundation in ancient medicine and philosophy and is influenced by Greek, Indian, and Islamic scholars. Psychology evolved to become a science during the Enlightenment. Psychology became its own unique field in the 19th century through the efforts of Wilhelm Wundt and the birth of modern branches of psychoanalysis, behaviourism, cognitive psychology, and humanistic psychology.
Islamic psychology is important because it provides a culturally and spiritually relevant approach to mental health. It supports Muslims in dealing with mental illnesses while staying connected to their faith. It also enriches modern psychotherapy with other perspectives on emotional and behavioural health.
We are here to guide you toward healing, peace, and understanding through the wisdom of Islam. At Sakeena Academy, we combine Quranic knowledge with compassionate support for Muslims facing mental health challenges.
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