"A Novel Theoretical Framework of Islamic Spirituality in Enhancing Hope for Life: An Approach Based on Positive Psychology and Meaning-Seeking"

Subject Areas : Islamic positive psychology

fereshteh babaeifar ¹

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Received: 2025-06-01 Accepted : 2025-07-11 Published : 2025-07-12

Keywords: Islamic Spirituality, Hope for Life, Positive Psychology, Meaning-Seeking, Theoretical Framework,

Abstract :

طHope for life, as one of the fundamental indicators of mental health and life satisfaction, has always been a focal point for psychologists and health professionals. In Iranian society, where cultural and religious foundations significantly influence individual perspectives, examining the role of Islamic spirituality in enhancing hope for life can pave the way for the development of indigenous approaches to mental health. This study, employing a systematic analytical review based on positive psychology, analyzes domestic and international studies published over the past six years and aims to present a conceptual framework in which components of Islamic spirituality—such as reliance on God (Tawakkul), meaning-seeking, prayer, acceptance, and trust in divine will—are introduced as psychological resources effective in increasing hopefulness. The findings of this review indicate that spiritual concepts not only improve future outlooks but also enhance resilience, reduce existential anxiety, and strengthen a sense of purpose. Moreover, this article offers a set of indigenous strategies and recommendations for applying these concepts in educational, counseling, and psychotherapeutic interventions, thereby providing the necessary foundation for implementing culturally and religiously informed models to promote mental health. This paper can serve as a basis for field research, the development of native assessment tools, and the advancement of cultural policies in the mental health domain in Iran.

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