Integrating Spiritual Elements in Disability Intervention: A Study Based on Risalah Nur

Abstract

Persons with Disabilities (PWD) often encounter complex challenges that extend beyond physical and social limitations to include emotional and spiritual struggles. In Malaysia, while efforts have been made to address the physical and social needs of PWDs, the spiritual dimension remains significantly underexplored in both policy and practice. This gap presents a critical issue, as spiritual well-being plays a central role in fostering resilience, inner peace, and a meaningful approach to life’s trials, particularly for individuals facing long-term adversity. Despite this, current intervention models tend to lack a structured integration of spiritual elements grounded in Islamic teachings. This study addresses the problem of inadequate spiritual support in existing disability intervention frameworks by exploring the spiritual insights found in Risalah Nur, a seminal work by Badiuzzaman Said Nursi. Through a thematic analysis of key texts, the study aims to identify spiritual concepts and values relevant to the experiences of PWDs. The objective of this research is to propose a spiritually grounded framework that may enhance the quality of psychosocial support for PWDs in a holistic and faith-integrated manner. It is hoped that the findings will contribute to the development of more inclusive, compassionate, and contextually relevant intervention models within Islamic social work and rehabilitation practices.