A Comparative Study of God-Centered Spirituality Based on the Holy Qur’an and Al-Ṣaḥīfa al-Sajjādiyya and Non-Theistic Emerging Spiritualities in the Contemporary Era

Abstract

The present article conducts a comparative examination of God-centered spirituality, as grounded in the Holy Qur’an and Al-Ṣaḥīfa al-Sajjādiyya, with contemporary non-theistic emerging spiritualities. The study first defines spirituality and its various types, analyzing the major differences between divine (theistic) and non-divine (non-theistic) forms of spirituality. God-centered spirituality, rooted in revelation and religious teachings, ultimately aims at deepening one’s connection with God and elevating individual and social moral conduct. This form of spirituality is articulated in the Holy Qur’an and Al-Ṣaḥīfa al-Sajjādiyya through emphases on servitude (ʿubūdiyya), faith in God, and piety. In contrast, emerging spiritualities are primarily shaped by individual and relativistic experiences and often lack a stable religious foundation. This article investigates the effects of different types of spirituality on individual psychology, social ethics, sustainability, and their long-term influence, thereby explaining the fundamental distinctions between these two categories of spirituality. To complement the findings, a qualitative component was conducted through interviews with five experts in the fields of religious studies and psychology. The thematic analysis of the interviews revealed that God-centered spirituality—grounded in revelation, divine unity (tawḥīd), and continual connection with God—produces profound and lasting psychological and ethical effects. Conversely, emerging spiritualities often diminish or eliminate the place of God, emphasizing individual experience and resulting in effects that are typically short-lived. Participants also highlighted the crucial role of the Holy Qur’an, Al-Ṣaḥīfa al-Sajjādiyya, and the importance of teaching spirituality from early childhood. The findings indicate that God-centered spirituality, due to its rootedness in and connection to divine revelation, not only fosters personal growth and inner tranquility but also contributes to social and moral balance. In contrast, emerging spiritualities—because they lack stable religious principles and rely predominantly on personal experiences—tend to have short-term impacts and are less capable of producing lasting transformation in individuals and society. Ultimately, the article offers recommendations for promoting and strengthening divine forms of spirituality in the contemporary world, so that in addition to addressing the spiritual and psychological needs of society, the path of individual and social transcendence can be properly pursued.