The Concept of Fitrah in Islamic Psychology and Its Application to Mental Health Interventions for Pakistani Adolescents

Abstract

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This article explores the Islamic psychological construct of fitrah—the primordial human disposition toward recognizing divine truth and moral goodness—and examines its potential as a theoretical and therapeutic framework for adolescent mental health interventions in Pakistan. Grounded in Qur’anic revelation, Prophetic tradition, and classical Islamic thought, fitrah offers a holistic understanding of human nature that integrates spiritual, cognitive, emotional, and social dimensions. In a Pakistani context marked by rising rates of anxiety, depression, and identity confusion among adolescents—exacerbated by socio-economic stressors, digital overexposure, and cultural dislocation—fitrah-based approaches provide culturally resonant alternatives to purely secular models of mental health care. This study analyzes the epistemological foundations of fitrah, its relevance to developmental psychology, and its practical applications in school-based programs, family counseling, and community resilience initiatives. Drawing on interdisciplinary scholarship and local empirical realities, the article proposes an integrative model that aligns clinical best practices with Islamic ethical principles, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy and cultural acceptability.