Restoring soul in the study of self in psychology: an applied maqasid approach to educational policies

Research Context: Preserving the soul and self is foremost among the essentials of the Maqasid al-Shari’ah. The way soul and self are conceptualised and taught in schools and universities will significantly impact how individuals perceive their being, how they experience their social reality, and how they live their life. However, contemporary psychology has stripped the soul of its approach and curricula. This poses a problem for understanding the self as it fails to provide a comprehensive explanation as to why humans behave and think. Bringing back the soul into mainstream psychology is crucial as it can inform the development of relevant educational policies and support the development of a sound human psyche. Objectives: The objectives of this study are (i) to review the works of 14 Muslim scholars and their philosophical background, religious stand, and unique contributions to the study of soul and self in psychology; (ii) to incorporate the writings and thoughts of these Muslim scholars on the development and relationship of soul in publications that will form as a basic text in the teaching of psychology and (iii) to develop a framework that may guide government and university authorities to further strengthen the psychology curricula and policy directions in the light of Maqasid al-Shariah. Method: Using a combination of document analysis and archival research method, the study identified documents related to the works of 14 Muslim scholars on the development of self and soul in two phases. In Phase I (Conceptualisation and Planning), related textual materials were searched, identified, and organised, while Phase II involved reviewing, analysing, and synthesising these materials. Findings: Three themes were noticeable from the analysis: (i) the scholars’ philosophical thoughts and approaches; (ii) the nature and development of the soul according to these scholars; and (iii) their contributions and implications to the teaching and learning of contemporary psychology. A summary of the conceptualisation, nature, and stages of the soul according to the Muslim scholars was also developed. Conclusion and Impact: The findings verify that Maqasid al- Shari’ah plays a pivotal role in preserving the minds and souls of people, both at the basic and applied levels. More specifically, in the Islamic intellectual tradition, everything starts from God, is sustained by God, and returns to God. All that exist are nothing other than His Names and Attributes, including humans. Hence, divine sources and knowledge are emphasised in understanding human, who has been created whole with body and spirit and soul lying in-between. These findings are in tandem with the current efforts of the IIIT and IIUM in advancing a balanced study of Islamic thoughts and present civilisational conditions, with the aim of re-authenticating the Islamic and human civilisation. Policymakers in education may also benefit from the findings of this study when they address the universal paradigm or foundation on which education should be developed, and humanity crisis should be dealt with, thus, fulfilling the quest of the Maqasid al-Shari'ah. Finally, the outputs and achievements of the study are discussed in terms of talent/human capital, publications and presentations, programmes and engagements, and internal as well as external collaborations