Ninth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between Sufi spirituality and mental well-being. It is a qualitative research project involving in depth interviews as part of a series of focus groups. Previous published studies have focused on exploring the effects of spiritual practice on different well-being variables. This large body of research has predominantly concentrated on practice as a key element of spirituality. In this proposed research, an empirical study of spirituality will be undertaken in order to identify the relationships that exist between Sufi practice and mental well-being. The study will interview British Sufis in different contemporary groups. Previous research into spirituality has been derived from Christian or Buddhist religious norms and beliefs. Sufi groups have not featured in these inquiries into spiritual well-being and this absence will be the focus of the proposed study. In particular there will be a focus on how Islamic-based spirituality as expressed by British Sufis may contribute to their well-being.