The Epistemology, Ontology and Axiology of Psychology from Islamic Perspectives (Imam Nursi as a Model)

Abstract

Background:  Scholars have been found to use various approaches and methods when studying subject matters in Psychology, and the subject matter-in questions differ from one scholar to another. It has been found that both the former, which concerns the epistemological aspect of Psychology; and the latter (ontological aspects) have been influenced by cultural factors, including the belief systems of the scholars and their disciples (axiological aspects).

Objectives: The objective of this paper is to discuss the nature of human characteristics (ontological aspects); the ways to study them (epistemological aspect), and the underlying principles which govern the process to, and scope of, the study of human characteristics (axiological aspects) by highlighting the contributions of Muslim scholars, and specifically, Bediuzzaman Said Nursi to the field of Psychology.

Method: This paper attempts to address the objectives by reviewing available information on various Muslim scholars whose contribution have been deliberated in the literature. It helps the authors to analyze relevant information which feature the scholars’ work.

Significance: This paper highlights the contribution of Muslim scholars, especially Imam Said Nursi, in the study of Psychology, offering an alternative avenue to the Western perspective of Psychology. It also features the roles of Muslim scholars in describing the nature of human being and the ways they derive the knowledge.