Elements of a Psychotherapeutic Approach in the Legacy of Imam Al-Ghazali: Counsel, Spiritual Guidance, and Practice

This article analyzes elements of a psychotherapeutic approach present in the intellectual and spiritual legacy of Abu Hamid al-Ghazali. In particular, the concepts of counsel (ethical advice and psychological guidance), the spiritual mentor (murshid), and practice (disciplines aimed at self-regulation and purification of the soul) are examined through a comparative framework aligned with contemporary psychotherapeutic theories. The study argues that al-Ghazali’s model of inner transformation demonstrates methodological parallels with cognitive-behavioral therapy, existential therapy, and approaches to moral-psychological rehabilitation. The paper further explores the theoretical intersections between classical Islamic Sufi psychology and modern clinical psychology, highlighting shared principles of self-awareness, behavioral refinement, and value-oriented development.