Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Comparative and Interdisciplinary Analysis of Modern Clinical Psychology and Islamic Jurisprudential Principles Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a multiface

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a multifaceted psychological condition and a significant contributor to global disability. In Muslim societies, its manifestations often intersect with religious beliefs and legal caution, resulting in a distinct clinical form known as scrupulosity.

This conceptual and analytical study conducts a systematic literature review, comparing contemporary clinical psychology, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), with Islamic scholarly traditions, emphasizing jurisprudential principles and Islamic psychology. The objective is not solely comparative, but to propose an integrated theoretical framework that combines neuroscience, CBT, and Islamic legal principles such as “treatment through opposites” (Ilaj bil Didd) and “non-consideration of excessive doubt”. Findings indicate that despite differences in terminology and metaphysical foundations, both systems exhibit substantial practical alignment at the treatment level. The study concludes with a proposed four-dimensional model facilitating culturally and religiously sensitive clinical interventions.

1. Introduction

In contemporary psychology, OCD is identified as a chronic disorder characterized by intrusive, repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and compulsive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety (APA, 2013). According to WHO (2019), OCD is among the top ten causes of global disability. Neuroscientific studies associate OCD with dysfunction in the Cortico-Striato-Thalamo-Cortical (CSTC) circuit (Pauls et al., 2014).

Conversely, the Islamic intellectual tradition has long addressed the concept of waswasa (intrusive whispers). The 9th-century scholar Abu Zayd al-Balkhi described it as a psychological condition treatable through Ilaj bil Didd acting contrary to intrusive thoughts (Badri, 2013).

This study addresses a significant gap: modern psychotherapies are primarily developed within secular Western frameworks and often do not adequately address religious doubt in Muslim patients, especially concerning issues like purity and prayer (Abramowitz et al., 2009).

2. Problem Statement

Modern clinical psychology perceives OCD as a neurocognitive disorder, whereas Islamic tradition considers it within spiritual and psychological contexts.

In Muslim societies, symptoms are often interpreted as a sign of weak faith or satanic influence, leading individuals to rely heavily on ritual repetition rather than seeking clinical assistance (Mirza, 2022). There is a lack of an integrated model that combines scientific rigor with Islamic spiritual depth.

3. Research Objectives

1. Critically review OCD etiology, diagnosis, and treatment (especially ERP).

2. Examine the concept of waswasa in Islamic jurisprudence and psychology.

3. Compare ERP with Islamic principles like Ilaj bil Didd.

4. Propose an integrated treatment framework for Muslim patients.

   
   

4. Research Questions

1. What are OCD’s nature and treatment protocols in modern psychology?

2. How is waswasa defined in Islamic jurisprudence?

3. What similarities exist between ERP and Islamic legal principles?

4. How can a culturally sensitive therapy model be developed?

   
   

5. Hypothesis

Islamic principles such as “certainty is not removed by doubt” and “excessive doubt is disregarded”, when integrated with CBT and ERP, can enhance treatment outcomes in Muslim patients with scrupulosity.

6. Methodology

6.1 Research Design

A qualitative, conceptual, and analytical study based on systematic literature review and comparative thematic analysis.

6.2 Inclusion Criteria

Modern Psychology:

• DSM-5-TR (2022)

• Research (2015–2024) on OCD neurobiology and ERP

  
  

Islamic Sources:

• Al-Balkhi’s writings

• Hanafi jurisprudence texts (Ibn Abidin)

• Legal maxims literature

  
  

6.3 Analysis Method

Braun & Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis model.

7. Literature Review

7.1 Modern Perspective

OCD is associated with abnormal brain activity (Orbitofrontal Cortex, Caudate Nucleus). ERP is regarded as the gold standard treatment.

7.2 Islamic Perspective

Psychological Aspect: Al-Balkhi advises disregarding intrusive thoughts and acting against them.

Jurisprudential Aspect:

• “Excessive doubt is disregarded”

• “Certainty is not removed by doubt”

These principles function as cognitive restructuring tools.

8. Theoretical Framework

A four-dimensional integrated model:

1. Biological: Brain dysfunction → normalize illness

2. Cognitive: ERP + Ilaj bil Didd

3. Spiritual: Acceptance, trust in God

4. Legal: Ease in hardship (Al-Mashaqqah Tajlib al-Taysir)

   
   

9. Comparative Analysis

Key shared themes:

• Acting against compulsions

• Cognitive restructuring

• Tolerance of uncertainty

  
  

10. Findings

1. Terminological differences but practical similarity

2. Ilaj bil Didd resembles ERP

3. Jurisprudence supports cognitive therapy

4. Cultural adaptation is essential

   
   

11. Discussion

Theoretical Contribution

Islamic jurisprudence contains embedded CBT-like principles

Practical Implications

• Train therapists in Islamic concepts

• Use religious references in therapy

  
  

Limitations

• Conceptual study only

• Focus on Hanafi school

  
  

12. Conclusion

OCD represents a conflict between cognition and emotion. Modern psychology provides a scientific explanation, while Islamic tradition offers practical wisdom for its management. Both systems are complementary, not contradictory.

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13. Recommendations

1. Interdisciplinary education

2. Development of treatment manuals

3. Clinical trials in Muslim populations

4. Public awareness campaigns