Patience in the Perspective of Sufism: Spiritual Strategies for Students to Prevent Mental Health Issues

Casmini Casmini; Pihasniwati Pihasniwati; Nuristighfari Masri Khaerani; Aurora Kholiev Nabila

doi:10.21580/tos.v14i1.27087

Authors

Casmini Casmini Department of Islamic Guidance and Counseling, Faculty Da’wa and Communication, Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7136-4640
Pihasniwati Pihasniwati Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Nuristighfari Masri Khaerani Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Aurora Kholiev Nabila Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21580/tos.v14i1.27087

Abstract

Abstrak: The high prevalence of mental health disorders among university students highlights the need for a holistic approach that includes not only medical and psychological care but also spiritual support. This study examines the concept of ṣabr (patience) in Sufism as a practical spiritual strategy for coping with mental pressure. Using a qualitative phenomenological method, it explores the subjective experiences of eight students through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Findings indicate that students who consistently embody ṣabr through Sufi practices such as dhikr, tafakkur, and night prayer develop enhanced emotional regulation, inner calm, and spiritual resilience. Rather than mere endurance, ṣabr functions as a spiritual framework that helps students reframe academic stress as divine tests, fostering steadfastness and a deeper sense of purpose.

Contribution: This study contributes to the discourse on Islamic spirituality in psychology, offering an integrative, culturally rooted approach to student mental health. It also adds practical insight into applying Sufi teachings in modern contexts.

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Author Biography

Casmini Casmini, Department of Islamic Guidance and Counseling, Faculty Da’wa and Communication, Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta

Scopus ID: 57216411662

Google Scholar: ozxxK8EAAAAJ

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