psychology is recognised as a scientific discipline that studies behaviour and mental processes. It relies heavily on observable data, drawing from biological, environmental, and social influences. However, a critical shortcoming is its disregard for the spiritual essence of the human being. This article explores how Islamic psychology, grounded in revelation and centred on the soul, offers a more holistic understanding of human nature. It also emphasises the central role of Da’wah in guiding individuals back to this divine framework. 

1. The Absence of the Soul in Secular Psychology
Modern psychology limits itself to what can be seen, measured, or tested. It examines emotions, cognition, and behaviour through experiments and observation. The soul – the immaterial core of the human being – is omitted from its framework. 

In Islamic psychology, the soul (rūḥ) is the foundation of life itself. The Qur’an addresses this explicitly:

“They ask you concerning the soul. Say: The soul is from the command of my Lord, and you have not been given knowledge except a little” (Sūrah al-Isrā’, 17:85).

This verse affirms the existence of the soul and the limitations of human knowledge about it. Where secular science requires physical evidence, Islam affirms the existence of realities beyond human perception. This understanding is foundational to Islamic Da’wah, which seeks to restore awareness of the soul and reconnect individuals with their Creator.

2. Epistemological Foundations: Revelation and Reason
Secular psychology adheres to positivism and empiricism. These philosophies accept only knowledge gained through sensory experience. As a result, belief in the unseen – such as the soul, angels, or divine will – is excluded. 
Islamic psychology rests on a three-fold epistemology rooted in the Qur’an: revelation (hearing), empirical observation (sight), and reason (intellect). Allah states:

“And Allah brought you out of the wombs of your mothers not knowing a thing, and He made for you hearing and vision and intellect so that you may be grateful” (Sūrah al-Naḥl, 16:78).

Revelation remains the primary source of guidance, with reason and observation assessed in its light. Da’wah, in this context, becomes a means to revive the authority of revelation in people’s lives and correct the imbalance caused by an overreliance on human intellect.

3. Human Nature in Islamic Thought
Mainstream psychology regards human beings as physical organisms governed by instincts or environmental conditioning. Psychoanalytic theory, behaviourism, and cognitive models all share this underlying materialism. 
Islam defines the human being as a unity of body and soul. Allah says: “Then He proportioned him and breathed into him from His [created] soul…” (Sūrah al-Sajdah, 32:9). The body is the vessel; the soul is the true self.

Every individual is born with a fitrah – a natural inclination to recognise and worship Allah. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) stated: “Every child is born upon the fitrah; then his parents make him a Jew, Christian, or Magian” (Recorded by al-Bukhārī and Muslim). Da’wah seeks to awaken the fitrah in individuals, guiding them back to the truth that has been obscured by environment, culture, or neglect.

4. The Purpose of Life
Contemporary psychology seldom engages with the question of life’s purpose. Human existence is generally portrayed as purposeless or self-defined. 
Islam provides a clear objective:

“I did not create jinn and mankind except to worship Me” (Sūrah al-Dhāriyāt, 51:56).

Worship in Islam encompasses belief, conduct, emotions, and intention. It brings coherence and meaning to life, linking spiritual well-being with mental health. The role of Da’wah is to articulate this divine purpose clearly and to call people to a life of worship and submission to Allah.

5. The Role of the Heart and Soul
In Islamic teachings, the heart (qalb) is not merely emotional but intellectual and spiritual. It is the centre of understanding and moral direction. Allah says: “Do they not travel through the land, so that their hearts may reason?” (Sūrah al-Ṣajj, 22:46). 

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “There is a piece of flesh in the body; if it is sound, the whole body is sound; and if it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt. Indeed, it is the heart” (Recorded by al-Bukhārī and Muslim).

Islamic psychology describes three levels of the soul:

Commanding soul (al-nafs al-ammārah) – inclined towards sin.

Self-reproaching soul (al-nafs al-lawwāmah) – conscious of faults and seeks repentance.


Tranquil soul (al-nafs al-muṭma’innah) – content and devoted to Allah (Sūrah al-Fajr, 89:27–30).

Da’wah aims to support individuals in moving from the lower states of the soul to tranquillity by nurturing a sound heart and guiding moral transformation.

6. Moral Responsibility and Free Will
Secular theories often reduce behaviour to deterministic forces, whether biological or social. Moral accountability is thereby weakened. 
Islam upholds free will and accountability. “By the soul and He who proportioned it and inspired it [with discernment of] its wickedness and its righteousness, successful is the one who purifies it, and failed is the one who corrupts it” (Sūrah al-Shams, 91:7–10). This affirms personal responsibility and the capacity to choose the path of righteousness. Da’wah reminds people of their moral agency and the consequences of their choices in this life and the next.

7. The Qur’an as a Source of Psychological Insight
The Qur’an addresses human emotions such as fear, sadness, pride, and despair. It offers narratives and guidance that comfort, warn, and instruct. Allah says: “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest” (Sūrah al-Ra‘d, 13:28). This provides a spiritual foundation for emotional regulation and inner peace. 

These insights are not metaphorical but practical. Regular remembrance (dhikr), prayer, and reflection are prescribed as means to stabilise the soul and promote contentment. Da’wah must emphasise the therapeutic and restorative power of the Qur’an as a living guide for modern psychological struggles.

8. Application to Counselling and Da’wah
Islamic psychology has direct implications for counselling and Da’wah. Its principles guide the treatment of emotional and behavioural issues through spiritual and ethical means. Techniques include prayer, repentance, dhikr, and moral realignment. 

Islamic counselling recognises the impact of sin, heedlessness, and despair on mental health. It promotes healing through reconnection with Allah, sincere repentance, and reliance upon divine guidance. It also encourages patience and gratitude during trials, viewing them as means of purification.

Da’wah, when properly rooted in Islamic psychology, becomes a healing process. It offers people clarity, purpose, and a roadmap to reform their inner selves in accordance with divine guidance.


While secular psychology offers valuable insights, its neglect of the soul leaves a significant gap. Islamic psychology fills this void by centring its understanding of the human being on revelation, moral accountability, and spiritual purpose. It integrates reason, observation, and divine guidance to offer a complete model of human nature. Reclaiming the soul through the Islamic framework is not just a theoretical exercise, but a practical path to individual well-being and societal harmony. Effective Da’wah is inseparable from this process - it is the means by which people are invited to rediscover their true selves and return to their Creator.