روحانیت کی جدید تعبیرات: فکرِ اسلامی کی روشنی میں تحقیقی جائزہ

Modern Interpretations of Spirituality: A Critical Study in the Light of Islamic Thought

Abstract

The contemporary discourse on spirituality has undergone significant transformation under the influence of globalization, secularism, and modern psychological paradigms. This study explores the modern reinterpretations of spirituality through the lens of Islamic thought, aiming to critically examine how traditional concepts of ruhāniyyah (spirituality) are being reshaped in present-day contexts. It investigates the tension between classical Islamic understandings rooted in the Qur’an, Sunnah, and the rich heritage of Sufi scholarship and emerging trends that often emphasize individual experience, emotional well-being, and detachment from institutional religion. Adopting an analytical and comparative methodology, the research evaluates various contemporary models of spirituality, including self-help movements, mindfulness practices, and neo-spiritual trends, in light of foundational Islamic principles such as tazkiyah al-nafs (purification of the soul), ihsan (spiritual excellence), and ma‘rifah (gnosis of God). The study highlights the risk of conceptual dilution when spirituality is detached from its theological and ethical anchors, while also acknowledging the need for contextual reinterpretation to address modern existential concerns. Furthermore, the paper underscores the role of Islamic intellectual tradition in offering a balanced framework that integrates inner spiritual development with outward moral responsibility. It argues that a coherent and authentic model of spirituality must remain rooted in revelation while engaging constructively with contemporary intellectual and social realities. The findings suggest that Islamic thought provides a comprehensive and resilient paradigm for understanding spirituality, capable of responding to modern challenges without compromising its essential principles. The study calls for a renewed scholarly effort to articulate spirituality in a manner that is both faithful to tradition and relevant to contemporary human experience.