The connection of the understanding of ascetism in sufism with sufi and psychological concepts

The way for a person to prevent his desire for the world is to live an ascetic life. The life of asceticism, which can strengthen the closeness with Allah Almighty in this worldly life, is a life that helps a person progress on the path of perfection. Considering that this is the real purpose of life, asceticism becomes a ladder that one must climb. In our research, the understanding of asceticism is explained and its relationship with some Sufi and psychological concepts is included. In particular, the spiritual therapeutic feature of Sufism has been highlighted by establishing a connection with psychology, which is a separate field. This situation has been proven through interviews. In our study, first of all, the understanding of asceticism is explained in general terms and its place in Sufism is mentioned; Thus, by examining the understanding of asceticism from past to present, it has been revealed that it has become an essential need in the modern world. In our research, the important impact of the concept of asceticism on human life was discussed by establishing a connection with two different fields, Sufism and psychology. From the Sufi perspective, asceticism has been associated with the concepts of knowledge, love, tabettul, taqwa, wara', fakr, asceticism, repentance, trust and consent in the science of Sufism, and it has been discussed that those who live an ascetic life are in harmony with these concepts. On the other hand, when asceticism is evaluated from a psychological perspective, its relevance to self-discovery, self-transcendence, consistency of words and behavior, responsibility, narcissism, anxiety disorder, staying in the moment, love and belonging is touched upon, thus reflecting the positive effects of asceticism on psychology. These effects were made concrete through the interview. As a result, the importance of the understanding of asceticism in human life was emphasized by establishing connections with different disciplines, and this was supported by the interviews. Keywords: Fakr, Taqwa, Sufism, Sufi Psychology, Asceticism.