Inner Peace from the Perspective of Muhammad Ali al-Sabuni’s Exegesis and Its Relevance to Contemporary Mental Health (A Study of Safwat al-Tafasir)

Abstract

The demands of digital life have precipitated a mental health crisis among modern society, manifesting in issues such as existential anxiety and the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). Unfortunately, strict adherence to formal religious routines does not always translate into genuine inner peace. This study aims to evaluate the concept of inner tranquility through the exegesis of Sheikh Muhammad Ali Ash-Shobuni in his work, Safwatu at-Tafasir. Employing a qualitative library research design, the study utilizes content analysis within a thematic exegesis (maudhu'i) framework. The findings demonstrate that inner tranquility is constructed in stages through the concepts of al-sakinah (an initial gift of serenity), al-thuma'ninah (inner strengthening through dhikr or remembrance of God), and nafs al-muthma'innah (the pinnacle state of a contented soul). This psycho-spiritual state rests on three pillars: the spiritual (transcendental dhikr), the mental (active patience), and the theological (steadfast faith). The research contributes a new theoretical foundation to Islamic psychology, reframing dhikr as a spiritual-cognitive therapeutic method that liberates the soul from a false reliance on worldly validation. A limitation of this study is its reliance on a text-based, theoretical-conceptual approach. Consequently, further research is recommended to transition this three-pillar concept into the realm of field studies or practical clinical experiments to empirically measure its effectiveness in reducing stress levels within digital society.