Psycho-social benefits of the principles of faith according to Imam Māturīdī

Man, who is composed of body and soul, meets his physical needs with worldly blessings and needs religion for his spiritual needs. Islam provides the most satisfying response to this need of human beings; it builds a belief system that is in accordance with the human nature and provides psychological and sociological benefits to human beings. In this study, the psychological and sociological benefits of the principles of belief to human life are analyzed in the case of Māturīdī. Māturīdī's Kitāb al-Tawḥīd and Ta'wīl al-Qur'ān contain important psychological and sociological analyses of this issue. In particular, since al-Ta'wīl al-Qur'ān is a work of exegesis, it exegetes the verses regarding the benefits of the principles of faith in the world, and in this respect, it constitutes the main source of our study. In the first part of the thesis, Māturīdī's life is discussed in general terms, followed by explanations on what the principles of belief are and how they are determined. In the second part of the thesis, the impact of the principles of faith on individual life is discussed from various perspectives, and the abilities they bring to human beings are emphasized. In the third part, the impact of faith on social life for human beings as a social being is emphasized. Man is in search of meaning in his life on earth. The Islamic faith, which offers an answer to this existential void of meaning, provides spiritual comfort and explains the purpose of life. People face many problems in their lives in this world, and their belief in the hereafter makes it easier for them to overcome these problems with patience. However, people who believe in the hereafter know that they are responsible for every action they take and regulate their behavior accordingly. Individuals who strive to be moral as a requirement of their faith build societies based on peace and trust. Faith, when reflected in people's individual and social lives, provides them with peace and happiness in the world.