Revisiting Meaning in Life through Positive Psychology and the Teachings of Imam Reza (A.S.)

Tashakori Abghad, Mohammad; Moghadam, Gholam Ali

doi:10.22034/ijs.2025.517908.1416

Revisiting Meaning in Life through Positive Psychology and the Teachings of Imam Reza (A.S.)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

mohammad Tashakori Abghad ¹

gholam ali moghadam ²

¹ Ph.D. Candidate in Islamic Theology (Kalām), Department of Islamic Philosophy and Theology, Navvab Higher Education School, Mashhad, Iran.

² Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, Razavi University of Islamic Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

10.22034/ijs.2025.517908.1416

Abstract

The concept of "meaning in life" has consistently been one of the most profound and enduring concerns of human beings throughout history. In the complex and fast-paced contemporary world, with the ever-increasing spread of identity and spiritual crises, positive psychology has sought to significantly contribute to enhancing psychological well-being and imbuing human life with meaning by focusing on key concepts such as hope, inner satisfaction, existential purposefulness, and the flourishing of human capabilities. On the other hand, the rich and edifying teachings of Islam, particularly the illuminating teachings of Imam Reza (A.S.), offer a clear, logical, and practical path for explicating the ultimate purpose and meaning of life based on components such as sincere servitude (ʿubūdiyyah), true knowledge (maʿrifah), selfless service to God's creation, and the attainment of Divine pleasure. Employing a descriptive-analytical approach, this article undertakes a comparative and in-depth re-examination of the meaning of life from the perspective of positive psychology in direct comparison and contrast with Imam Riḍā's teachings. Through a meticulous analysis of the content of select traditions and invaluable statements of Imam Reza (A.S.) and their systematic comparison with the foundational theories and concepts of positive psychology, the authors clearly demonstrate the existence of a remarkable, meaningful, and constructive synergy between these two authentic and valuable sources in the domains of meaning, hope, value-centeredness, and self-actualization. The research findings indicate that the simultaneous, balanced, and judicious utilization of authentic religious sources and modern psychological knowledge can provide a comprehensive, balanced, practical, and exceptionally effective approach to imbuing meaning into the perilous and bewildered life of contemporary humanity.

Keywords

Positive Psychology

Meaning in Life

Imam Reza's Teachings

Mental Health

Faith

Spirituality

Subjects

Imam Reza (AS) and Contemporary Science

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