Conceptual recognition of the psychological components of mindfulness in Nahjul-Balagha; a response to the trivialization of Western mindfulness

This study aims to conceptually explore the psychological components of mindfulness within the text of Nahj al-Balagha and examine its alignment with Islamic religious teachings. While mindfulness is widely recognized in third-wave psychology as a core component of mental health, it is often presented in a secular and individualistic framework, detached from its spiritual roots. In contrast, Islamic tradition—particularly the teachings of Imam Ali (a.s.)—offers a rich foundation for interpreting mindfulness within a theological, ethical, and spiritual context.

This research adopts a qualitative approach using conceptual analysis. Initially, five key components of mindfulness were identified from contemporary psychological literature: present-moment awareness, nonjudgmental acceptance, mental observation, emotional self-awareness, and compassion toward self and others. These components were then comparatively examined within the discourses of Nahj al-Balagha, using a directed content analysis framework to identify, code, and interpret relevant passages. Findings indicate that the core concepts of mindfulness are not only compatible with Nahj al-Balagha but are also explicitly or implicitly embedded within the sayings of Imam Ali (a.s.). The study concludes that mindfulness, in the Islamic tradition, is not merely a psychological technique but a moral and spiritual discipline. These insights can inform the development of culturally grounded therapeutic interventions and value-based educational models rooted in Islamic sources.