Living Sufism: Journal of Sufism and Psychotherapy

THE EFFECT OF QANÂ’AH ON THE TENDENCY TOWARD BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER AMONG SANTRI AT PESANTREN ANNUQAYAH LATEE II

2026-08-17T23:50:49+00:00

Tendencies toward body dysmorphic disorder are a common phenomenon, particularly among females. This study aims to examine the effect of qanaah attitudes on the tendency toward body dysmorphic disorder among students at Annuqayah Latee II Islamic Boarding School. This research employs a quantitative approach with a correlational design. The sample consisted of 47 students selected using purposive sampling techniques. The research instruments used were the body dysmorphic disorder scale based on Phillips’ theory and the qanaah scale based on Buya Hamka’s theory. The results showed no significant effect between qanaah attitudes and tendencies toward body dysmorphic disorder (Sig. 0.256 > 0.05). The contribution of qanaah attitudes to body dysmorphic disorder tendencies was only 2.9%, indicating that other factors play a more dominant role. These findings provide important implications for developing Sufi and psychotherapy approaches to address body perception issues.

THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF STRESS MANAGEMENT THROUGH CALLIGRAPHY ART THERAPY: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL APPROACH

2026-08-18T00:42:06+00:00

Stress is the inability of individuals to cope with stressful conditions in their environment. Each individual has different ways of dealing with it, one of which is through art therapy. This method is a therapeutic practice often used by several members of the PP. Annuqayah Lubangsa Putri Calligraphy Institute. In addition to being a routine activity, several members report that calligraphy has therapeutic benefits in reducing stress levels. This study aims to explore two aspects: first, how members of the Calligraphy Institute experience stress, including both stressors and stress symptoms; and second, the significance of calligraphy as art therapy for members of the Calligraphy Institute who experience stress. The researcher employs a phenomenological method, incorporating two theories—Farid Mashudi’s stressor theory and Sarafino’s stress symptom theory—as well as Malchiodi’s art therapy perspective theory, to uncover the therapeutic significance of calligraphy art for members of the Calligraphy Institute. This study concludes that there are three types of stressors experienced by members of the Calligraphy Institute, namely: psychological stressors such as negative thinking and frustration; biological stressors such as dissatisfaction with body shape; and social stressors such as social conflicts and a busy schedule. The identified symptoms encompass both psychological and biological aspects. Psychological symptoms include difficulty concentrating and reduced focus, while biological symptoms include headaches, eating disorders, and digestive problems. Furthermore, the informants conveyed several meanings of calligraphy art, including: calligraphy as a medium of expression and communication; a source of meditation and relaxation; a means to enhance self-understanding; a way to create personal- al satisfaction; a contributor to psychological well-being; and a support for strengthening spiritual aspects.

A PRE-SYMPTOMATIC MODEL OF PSYCHOSPIRITUAL DISTRESS: AN INTERPRETATIVE PHENOMENOLOGICAL ANALYSIS BASED ON AL-MUHASIBI’S CONCEPT OF KHĀṬIR

2026-07-08T23:28:16+00:00

Psychological distress today manifests not only in clinical disorders but also in everyday experiences such as anxiety and emotional instability. Contemporary psychological approaches tend to focus on symptoms (symptom-based), thus often failing to fully capture the deeper dynamics of the inner self. This study aims to construct an interpretative diagnostic model grounded in Sufism, drawing on the thought of Al-Muhasibi, particularly the concepts of khāṭir and amrāḍ al-qulūb. Using a qualitative approach with an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) design, the study involved six participants through in-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The findings indicate that psychological distress develops through a layered process: khāṭir (initial thought impulses), cognitive distortions, amrāḍ al-qulūb (diseases of the heart), and ultimately the manifestation of symptoms such as anxiety and emotional reactivity. This study proposes a pre-symptomatic model that positions inner dynamics as the primary basis for analyzing psychospiritual distress. Theoretically, it extends psychological inquiry from a symptom-based approach toward a process-oriented understanding of the inner self. Practically, the model offers implications for the development of more contextual psychospiritual assessment and intervention, particularly through the management of khāṭir.

THE RECONSTRUCTION OF RELIGIOUS HUMANISM IN THE THOUGHT OF EMHA AINUN NAJIB

2026-07-08T23:34:17+00:00

An understanding of the human self-concept reveals the essence and existence necessary to attain the noble status of a cultured individual. However, for humans to achieve this status, they must recognize the primary purpose of creation. The challenge of understanding one’s position and duty as a servant (abdun) and vicegerent (khalifah) requires the interpretation of religious scholars. Emha Ainun Najib, as a central figure in religion, culture, and the arts within his ma’iyah community, discusses the concept of the self from a Sufi perspective. Through a descriptive qualitative research approach using a literature review method, this study explores Cak Nun’s thoughts as he articulates and situates classical Sufi teachings regarding self-identity within the context of contemporary Indonesian socio-cultural reality. Through a critical analysis of his works, this study produces a comprehensive examination. The conclusion of this research indicates that Emha Ainun Najib defines the concept of self as a consciousness possessing two dimensions: servitude (ubudiyah) and stewardship (khilafah). Transforming the self from the inauthentic self (nafs ammarah) toward the peaceful self (nafs mutmainnah) through spiritual purification (tazkiyatun nafs) and consistent remembrance of God (dzikir). True self-knowledge is the gateway to knowing God (ma'rifatullah). Cak Nun translates these profound Sufi concepts into a more accessible cultural form through poetry, essays, and the Maiyah forums. This research contributes to contemporary Islamic psychology and Sufi studies by demonstrating how traditional spiritual wisdom can address the modern identity crisis while remaining connected to real-world social experiences, offering practical guidance for cultivating a strong spiritual identity amidst modern challenges.