Nature of Man and the Psychology of the Human Soul
(Thematic Series)
Join Dr. Roslan Abd. Jelani as he explores, unravels, and clarifies thematically the terrain charted in the Prolegomena’s chapter on ‘The Nature of Man & The Psychology of the Human Soul’, and shepherds us on the journey to rediscover what we’ve forgotten for so long, The dual nature of man, of both body and soul, signals Allah’s Favor over him, above the three kingdoms. His heart, intellect, self, and spirit — acting in tandem, emerging from something of Allah’s Spirit — entwine his fitrah to the fulfilment of the Primordial Covenant. In submitting to His Lord, by abiding to the Shari‘ah of the Messenger ﷺ, man purifies and perfects his being through the proper use of his faculties. In doing so, he realizes the gravity of his existential indebtedness to Allah; reforms both his mind and body in due accord; and strives to rectify the corrosive damage wrought by the secular West. Only then would man truly carry himself in awe of Allah and His Messenger ﷺ, and hence awaken to the civilizational import of the dīn of Islam.
01 Western Conception of Man and Psychological Crisis
02 Western Conception of Man and Psychological Crisis (Part II)
Western Conception of Man and Psychological Crisis (Part I)
Western Conception of Man and Psychological Crisis explores the Islamic understanding of human nature and its implications for governance and societal well-being. Dr. Roslan highlights the contrast between 3 types of political authority: a "natural" kind driven by self-interest, a "rational" kind based on principles but lacking spiritual grounding, and a "religious" kind (Siyāsah Dīniyah) that balances worldly and spiritual aspects. The lecture argues that modern secular worldviews, heavily influenced by scientism and a reductionist view of humanity as mere biological animals, lead to psychological crises and societal dysfunction. Ultimately, a proper understanding of humanity's dual nature (physical and spiritual), particularly the supremacy of the rational soul, is presented as essential for true self-governance and the establishment of just social, economic, and political systems.
Western Conception of Man and Psychological Crisis (Part II)
This discourse critically examines the Western secular framework's conception of humanity, contrasting it sharply with the worldview of Islām. Dr. Roslan argues that the Western perspective, rooted in scientism and logical positivism, reduces human beings to mere physical entities, neglecting their crucial spiritual and metaphysical faculties like the intellect, soul, spirit, and heart. This limited view, driven by unbridled desires and a quest for domination over nature, leads to spiritual and psychological crises, a disconnect from divine law, and an inability to perceive the inherent beauty and order in creation. In contrast, Islām emphasises the stewardship of the self as the foundation for harmonious interaction with nature, promoting virtues such as humility, mercy, and gentleness to maintain cosmological balance and reflect the divine beauty embedded in all things.