SPIRITUAL DEFICIENCY AND COGNITIVE DISTRACTION IN YOUTH: AN ISLAMIC PSYCHOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK

Abstract

This research explored the influence of spiritual deficiency on cognitive distraction in Muslim youth, by offering an Islamic psychological approach that bridges traditional Islamic thought with modern cognitive science. The study used a qualitative-analytical approach, primarily relying on Qur’an, Hadith and writings of the classical Muslim scholars, such as Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, Imam al-Ghazali and Ibn Taymiyyah to develop a conceptual framework of attention disruption based on Islamic ethics and spiritual psychology. Five key spiritual deficiencies; forgetfulness of the purpose of life (ghaflah), worldly attachment (hubb al-dunya), confusion between good and evil, fixation on immoral desires (shahawat) and neglect of worship were identified as key internal distractions. The findings indicated that these spiritual states were not only moral issues but also acted as psychological barriers to sustained attention, motivation and mental focus. The model framed Islamic framework of self (nafs), heart (qalb) and mind (aql) alongside a trinity of cognitive unity that suggested that spiritual health and cognitive focus were interconnected in Islamic psychology. It also found Qur’anic and Sunnah-based solutions such as purification of the self (tazkiyah al-nafs), remembrance of Allah (dhikr) and good intention (niyyah) provided practical solutions to restore mental focus. The results provided a theological and academically rigorous account of cognitive dysfunction among Muslim youth that had been lacking in the existing literature.