From Murāqaba to Mindfulness: Comparative Perspectives on Nahj al-Balāgha and Contemporary Psychology

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Theology and Ahl al-Bayt (AS) Knowledge, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Theology and Ahl al-Bayt (AS) Knowledge, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.

3 PhD in Islamic Theology, Teacher at Farhangian University, Isfahan, Iran.

Abstract

Murāqabah (self-vigilance) —the conscious guarding of the self and continuous supervision over one’s thoughts, intentions, speech, and actions —is one of the foundational concepts of ethics, Islamic mysticism, and Islamic education, and has been widely discussed across all spiritual traditions and religions. In Islamic tradition, Murāqabah is intrinsically linked to the concept of God-consciousness and is presented as a multidimensional strategy for safeguarding physical health, purifying the soul, refining intentions, and fulfilling social responsibilities and rights. Despite scattered references to this concept in Nahj al-Balāghah, no systematic study has yet comprehensively examined the physical, spiritual, personal, and social dimensions of Murāqabah in the teachings of Imam ʿAlī (AS) and compared them with contemporary psychological theories.The study used a descriptive–analytical approach, examining Sermons, Letters, and Aphorisms in Nahj al-Balāgha via conceptual frequency and relevance criteria, and then comparing these findings with modern psychological theories. The results were grouped into four domains: (1) physical Murāqaba; preserving bodily faculties and health; (2) spiritual Murāqaba; controlling thoughts, intentions, and cultivating inner presence; (3) individual Murāqaba; time-management, self-assessment, and self-discipline; and (4) social Murāqaba; upholding others’ rights and collective responsibility. Imam Ali’s teachings on Murāqaba, anchored in piety, extend beyond secular meditation and psychological constructs such as mindfulness and self-regulation, offering a framework that integrates moral growth, well-being, and social responsibility. This highlights both the overlaps and unique aspects of Nahj al-Balāghah compared to modern psychology, and suggest that such a framework can guide self-care programs and interventions for spiritual elevation, resilience, and social cohesion.

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References

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Hadith Studies and Researches
Volume 2, Issue 4 - Serial Number 8
November 2025
Pages 87-122

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History

  • Receive Date: 07 May 2025
  • Revise Date: 03 October 2025
  • Accept Date: 15 November 2025
  • First Publish Date: 22 November 2025
  • Publish Date: 22 November 2025

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