HUMAN NATURE BASED ON THE HOLY QUR’AN AND SUNNAH: INTERPRETATION OF THE FITRAH AND SELF IN ISLAM

Abstract

The study on the origins and existence of man has been the subject of investigation since ancient times. The objective of this paper is to discuss human nature from an Islamic perspective. In addition, the author has engaged in discussions about how man is perceived in both Western and Islamic psychologies. Islamic psychology is the psychology of spirituality specifically the psychology of the self (An-Nafs). The author has attempted to derive the meanings of fitrah from the Qur’an and Hadith as well as some of its elements like akhlaq (exemplary conduct) and ibadah (worship of Allah). Qualitative research was utilized using different literature materials and a content analysis model was used to analyze the data. Since the fitrah system includes several interconnected psychological components, including the Self (An-nafs), heart (qalb), intellect ('aql), and spirit (ruh) which have also been elucidated. In concluding the paper, the author has anchored the discussion as to why the study of human nature is important and how Islamic concepts might be useful for the future development of human nature.