A Study on Love-Related Mental Illness and its Therapeutic Interventions: Examining Ibn Qayyim Al Jawziyyah's Work

Abstract

The topic of love is an interesting discussion for researchers and laypeople. This is because love can be a driving force in daily activities, but if it is not managed properly, it can cause problems and become a manifestation of mental disorders. Love can influence various aspects of our lives, making it an important subject to discuss. This study was conducted to delve deeper into mental illness related to love, specifically based on Ibn Qayyim's thoughts about excessive forms of love, which he calls ʿishq. Ibn Qayyim discussed love with a deep view. Since the love discussed by Ibn Qayyim is about the definition of true love, the levels and types of love include mental illness related to love. In addition to explaining the definition of ʿishq, Ibn Qayyim also provides therapeutic suggestions related to ʿishq, which can be beneficial for Muslims as his works are based on the Qurʾān and the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad. Since Ibn Qayyim's thoughts as a Muslim were based on basic principles which are a source of guidance for every Muslim thus his work can be enlightening for the development of Islamic Psychology.