Self-Awareness Therapy as the Divine Image: Recognizing the Divine Potential Within Oneself

Abstract

This article explores the concept of self-awareness therapy from a Sufi perspective as an integrative approach combining Islamic spirituality and modern psychotherapy. The study is motivated by the increasing prevalence of mental health issues, emphasizing the need for a therapeutic approach that addresses not only cognitive and biological aspects but also the spiritual dimension. Employing a qualitative library research method, this study examines the notion of self-awareness as the Divine Image (citra Ilahi), rooted in the Sufi principle of ma‘rifah al-nafs (true self-knowledge). Within this framework, humans are viewed as beings reflecting the Divine attributes through intellect, heart, and behavior. The therapy encompasses five essential dimensions: (1) awareness of the manifestation of Allah’s attributes within oneself, (2) awareness of Allah’s presence in every moment (muraqabah), (3) tranquility with the Divine element (itmi’nān), (4) longing to return to God (istirjā’), and (5) the awareness that loving God means loving oneself. The findings reveal that self-awareness therapy based on the Divine Image serves as a holistic spiritual model that fosters inner peace, psychological balance, and ethical behavior aligned with Divine values. Therefore, self-awareness as the Divine Image represents a transformative path toward spiritual and psychological perfection, embodying the ideal of insān kāmil (the Perfect Human).

Keywords: Self-awareness, Divine image, Sufism, spiritual therapy, ma‘rifah al-nafs