Religious Personality: A Conceptual Comparison Between Islam and the West.

Abstract

This conceptual paper aims to explore and compare understandings of religious personality from Islamic and Western perspectives and propose a conceptual framework for forming Muslim religious personality based on Islamic teachings. Religious personality results from a person's manifestation of values, attitudes, and behaviors centered on religious beliefs and practices. In Islam, a spiritual personality is formed on three main elements: aqidah, ibadah, and akhlak. It is reinforced by the practice of tazkiyah al-nafs, such as mujahadah al-nafs and riyadah al-nafs, outlined by Imam al-Ghazali. On the other hand, the Western perspective sees religiosity in two dimensions, personal and social, emphasizing rituals and expressions of belief without absolute attachment to aspects of life as a whole. This study uses a qualitative approach through document analysis and literature review of major works related to religious personality from both perspectives. Data is analyzed thematically to identify similarities, differences, and common ground between the two frameworks of thought. The results are expected to produce a conceptual model of the formation of Muslim religious personality that is holistic and practical, considering the role of individual spiritual, social, and personal relationships. The findings from this study can potentially be utilized in developing educational modules, mentoring training, and personality interventions among Muslim students and youth. The study's implications also contribute to the discourse of integrating spiritual values in a more balanced and religiously based approach to human development.