Reconstruction of The Self-Regulation Concept Based on The Integration of Aql, Qalb, and Nafs in Modern Islamic Cognitive Psychology

This study aims to reconstruct the concept of self-regulation through the integration of three fundamental dimensions in Islamic psychological anthropology, namely ‘aql (reason or cognitive faculty), qalb (the center of spiritual and affective consciousness), and nafs (the dimension of human psychological drives and tendencies), in order to develop a holistic conceptual framework for self-regulation from the perspective of modern Islamic cognitive psychology. This study employs a qualitative approach using library research through a critical analysis of classical Islamic literature particularly the thoughts of Muslim scholars regarding the structure and dynamics of the human soul as well as contemporary literature in the fields of cognitive psychology and self-regulation. Data were analyzed using content analysis and an integrative-conceptual approach to identify common ground, epistemological differences, and functional relationships between the concepts of ‘aql, qalb, and nafs and modern self-regulation theory. Through this process of conceptual synthesis, this study aims to formulate a theoretical construct of self-regulation that integrates cognitive, affective-spiritual, and motivational dimensions into a unified paradigm of Islamic cognitive psychology. The results show that psychological distress stems from relational dissonance when the Nafs dominates cognitive control and blinds spiritual morality. Harmonious integration forms a "Cognitive-Psychospiritual Regulation System" that operates circularly through three interconnected stages: Activation of Qalb (spiritual awareness), Reflection of Aql (cognitive tafakkur), and Control of Nafs (tazkiyat al-nafs). This reconstructed model provides a solid and comprehensive theoretical foundation for mental health practitioners to develop holistic and contextual interventions for modern Muslim societies.