Thesis
Published
AL-IMAM AL-GHAZĀLĪ ON SA’ĀDAH AND MARTIN SELIGMAN ON WELL-BEING (A Comparative Study)
Abstract
The concept of the soul is very important to be studied in depth, because the soul or nafs is
the most important element of the human being, which currently has many problems in its
treatment. Because, psychotherapy developed through increasing human potential by increasing
happiness turns out to only focus on aspects of the mind and emotions, without touching the deeper
dimensions of the human soul.
This research aims to analyze the concept of sa'ādah (happiness) according to al-Ghāzalī and
compare it with the concept of well-being proposed by Martin Seligman, a contemporary positive
psychology figure. The urgency of this study lies in the effort to understand whether the concept of
happiness (well-being) through human self-improvement called positive emotion by Seligman has
reached the essence of the soul as described by al-Ghāzalī.
This research uses a comparative analysis method with a qualitative approach, examining al�Ghazālī's thoughts on sa'ādah and Martin Seligman's concept of well-being in depth. Primary data
sources are taken from the main works of both figures, such as Kimya al-Sa'ādah by al-Ghāzalī and
flourish: Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being. by Seligman, as well
as several other relevant works. Secondary sources include journal articles and scientific works from
scholars who discuss the thoughts of the two figures. Data analysis is conducted through content
analysis and comparative analysis techniques to reveal the similarities, differences, and implications
of the two concepts.
The results showed three main findings. First, Seligman explains that happiness (well-being)
can be achieved by cultivating positive emotions and performing actions that benefit others. Second,
al-Ghazālī distinguishes happiness into two types: temporary happiness related to the fulfillment of
bodily needs, and ultimate happiness which is eternal through ma'rifatullah (knowledge of Allah).
This ultimate happiness is the highest level achieved through the purity of the soul. Third, there are
significant similarities and differences between the thoughts of Seligman and al-Ghāzalī. Both
discuss the concept of happiness that is worldly ortemporal, while al-Ghāzalī formulates his concept
based on an in-depth analysis of the Qur'an, which includes the concept of spirit and soul. The
implication of this research is a more comprehensive understanding of the limitations of Seligman's
positive psychology concept that focuses on the symptoms of the soul, not on its substance. In
addition, this research opens up opportunities to reformulate al-Ghazālī's metaphysical concept of
the soul into a psychotherapeutic approach that is more scientific and relevant to the modern
context.
This research is expected to make a significant contribution to the development of Islamic
psychology and bridge the gap between Western psychology and classical Islamic thought on
happiness and mental well-being.
Publication Details
InstitutionUniversitas Darussalam Gontor
DepartmentMaster Aqidah dan Filsafat Islam
Subjects23rd Dewey Decimal Classification > 100 - Filsafat dan Psikologi > 100 - Filsafat > 100 Filsafat dan psikologi
23rd Dewey Decimal Classification > 100 - Filsafat dan Psikologi > 100 - Filsafat > 101 Teori filsafat
23rd Dewey Decimal Classification > 200 – Agama > 210 - Filsafat dan teori agama > 210 Filsafat dan teori agama
23rd Dewey Decimal Classification > 100 - Filsafat dan Psikologi > 100 - Filsafat > 101 Teori filsafat
23rd Dewey Decimal Classification > 200 – Agama > 210 - Filsafat dan teori agama > 210 Filsafat dan teori agama
Keywordsal-Ghazālī, Martin Seligman, sa’ādah, positive psycology, and well-being.
Item ID3417
Deposited17 Oct 2024 01:44