The relationship between sufism and psychology: In the framework of existential, humanistic and transpersonal psychology (XXI. century)

In this interdisciplinary study, the relationship between sufism and psychology has been evaluated from the viewpoints of existential, humanistic, and transpersonal psychology. A holistic method of comprehending and interpreting human being has become more popular in modern times. To comprehend human being and find solutions to his/her issues has led some psychologists to sufism. As a result, the integration of sufism into psychology has become an important subject of study. In these studies, sufi practices and approaches have a good impact on people's wellbeing. However, research conducted in the West has primarily focused on traditions such as Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism. However, some psychologists believe that Sufism can also make valuable contributions in this regard. Based on the research of psychologists who hold this concept, this study explores the link between sufism and psychology within the framework of existential, humanistic, and transpersonal psychology. Within the framework of current research, the theoretical and practical relationship between sufism and psychology has been assessed, and well-known figures have been included in this context. First, human nature (fitrah) is described in the context of the relationship between sufism and psychology. Sufism and existential psychology are used to study ideas like freedom, death, ontological isolation, self-knowledge, and the pursuit of meaning. Self-actualization, peak experiences, sufi experiences, and integration are assessed in relation to humanistic psychology and sufism. Regarding the relationship between transpersonal psychology and sufism, concepts such as spiritual crisis, mystical experience, spiritual guidance, and spiritual journey are discussed. The contributions of transformative sufi practices such as dhikr (remembrance of God), contemplation, meditation, and seclusion to psychological well-being are also examined. The positive effects of sufi values like patience, gratitude, taqwa, faith in God (tawakkul), humility, poverty, and consent have also been highlighted as well as the use of sufi texts in bibliotherapy as a tool in coping. Western Muslim psychologists are currently working to analyze the human definition, practices, and virtues of sufism from a psychological viewpoint in an effort to to draw lessons from the ancient tradition for the issues facing modern man. In this regard, it has been sought to provide a solution to the question of how much sufism might help modern men with their problems. This study aims to ascertain the opinions and methods used by psychologists who consult sufi texts with regard to the connection between sufism and psychology. The literature review methodology, a qualitative research method, has been used. As a consequence, it has been concluded that sufism may be used to help modern people with their problems because of its therapeutic impact and can be integrated with psychology. This study makes a contribution to the discipline by highlighting the potential emotional and psychological assistance that sufism might provide to modern people. Key Words: Sufism, Transpersonal Psychology, Sufi-Based Psychology, Spiritual Coping Methods, Sufi Virtues, Sufi Transformative Practices.