THE QUEST FOR SPIRITUALITY: CONTRIBUTION OF TASAWWUF TO HUMANITY by FATIMAH BINTI ABDULLAH, Amnah Bahari

Tasawwuf is the science of the soul concerning self-knowledge and the inner dimensions of the human being to mould human personality or character. Tasawwuf is regarded as a body of knowledge that deals with Islam's inner dimension. Islam as a way of life and worldview offers its followers insights to treat the malaise of the soul in holistic, cognitive, rational and psycho-physiological ways. It is generally acknowledged that spiritual, cognitive therapy can significantly impact the treatment of emotional and spiritual disorders.

Tasawwuf literature provides integrated approaches to managing emotions. Most early Muslim scholars such as al-Ghazali al-Muhasibi and al-Balkhi were Islamic psychologists or Sufis who did their best to invigorate their disciples and refine their character spiritually. The approach of Sufi ethics or tasawwuf with its self-introspection underpins individual and societal well-being and mental health and conditions the ummah's development and prosperity.