Restoring Inner Balance through an Al-Balkhī-Informed Qur’anic Framework for Youth Mental Health
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Objective: This article aimed to develop an Al-Balkhī-informed Qur’anic conceptual framework integrating psychological well-being, bodily health, self-regulation, relational support, and spiritual meaning in youth mental health care.
Methods and Materials: A conceptual analysis and purposive narrative synthesis were conducted using Al-Balkhī’s psychological treatise, Qur’anic references, and contemporary literature on Islamic psychology, youth mental health, psychotherapy, and digital-care ethics. Sources were identified through targeted searches of PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar, primarily covering 2015–2025. Historical interpretations, conceptual parallels, and proposed clinical applications were distinguished. No empirical data or interventions were involved.
Findings: The synthesis produced a four-domain framework organized around bodily needs, cognition and emotion, relationships and action, and spiritual or existential meaning. Two complementary pathways were proposed: an internal pathway emphasizing reflective awareness, cognitive reappraisal, self-regulation, and optional spiritual practices; and an external pathway involving professional counseling, supportive relationships, and practical assistance. The concepts of iʿtidāl (balance) and tadbīr al-nafs (self-governance) informed the framework, while amānah, raḥmah, and ḥikmah provided ethical principles for voluntary, culturally responsive digital support. A conceptual model, mapping table, platform outline, and illustrative anxiety module specified potential applications without establishing therapeutic efficacy.
Conclusion: The proposed framework offers a culturally grounded approach to youth mental health conceptualization and intervention development. Its acceptability, feasibility, safety, and clinical effectiveness require empirical validation.
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