Fundamental concepts and methods of spiritual counseling and guidance in the framework of hârith al-Muhâsibî's Risālat al-Mustarshidīn

This thesis aims to evaluate the work of Hâris al-Muhâsibî, one of the important names of the Islamic thought tradition, named Risâletü'l-Müstershidîn, in the context of spiritual counseling and guidance. In this context, the individual's soul, spiritual and psychological development has been comparatively addressed in the light of both classical Sufi literature and modern psychological approaches. The titles such as self-discipline, patience, gratitude and contemplation in the work have been gathered in three main planes according to their subjects and contexts. The concepts included in the classifications have been evaluated in relation to both their classical Sufi meanings and modern psychology. In the research, the individual's psychological development, inner maturation and self-realization process have been analyzed on the basis of both Islamic thought and contemporary psychological approaches. In particular, Humanist Psychology, Positive Psychology and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy approaches have been compared with Muhâsibi's concepts. In this respect, the study aims to provide an original contribution to spiritual guidance services by establishing a bridge between Islamic sciences and the field of psychological counseling. This journey into the depths of the human soul is intended to provide theoretical and practical contributions to spiritual counseling and guidance services in particular and psychological counseling and guidance services in general, both in academic and practical fields.