Session 1: Introduction to ACT and Islamic Principles

Theme: Building a foundation for ACT concepts and Islamic teachings.

Objectives:

1. Introduce ACT principles: Acceptance, Cognitive Defusion, Mindfulness, Values Clarification, and Committed Action.
2. Discuss the Islamic concept of Tawhid (Oneness of Allah) and its relevance to personal identity and values.

Outline:

1. Welcome and Icebreaker (10 minutes)

   • Introduce the program and its goals.
   • Icebreaker: Share a value or principle you hold dear and why it’s important.

2. Introduction to ACT (15 minutes)

   • Brief overview of ACT’s six core processes.
   • Discuss how ACT helps build psychological flexibility.

3. Tawhid and Identity (20 minutes)

   • Lecture: Define Tawhid and its role in shaping identity and values.
   • Reflection: How does Tawhid influence your decisions and behavior?

4. Personal Values Exploration (20 minutes)

   • Activity: Write down three core values that guide your life.
   • Group discussion: Link these values to Islamic teachings.

5. Homework Assignment (5 minutes)

   Reflection on Tawhid:

   • Write a paragraph or journal entry about how the concept of Tawhid (Oneness of Allah) influences your understanding of your identity and values.
   • Reflect on how acknowledging Allah’s oneness brings purpose to your daily actions and decision-making. What would life look like without the influence of Tawhid in your life?

   Personal Values Inventory:

   • List three values you consider important in your life (e.g., kindness, honesty, service to others).
   • Identify one Islamic teaching or Quranic verse that supports each value.

   Growth Point

   • What has been stirred up in you as you consider beliefs and values?

6. Closing and Dua (5 minutes)

   • Summary of key points.
   • End with a group dua for guidance and growth.

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SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL

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By integrating ACT with Islamic principles, individuals can achieve psychological flexibility while remaining grounded in their faith. The practices of acceptance, mindfulness, and value-driven action align with the core teachings of Islam, fostering resilience, spiritual growth, and a sense of purpose. The guidance from Islam enriches ACT by providing a moral and spiritual framework that helps individuals navigate life’s challenges with patience, trust in Allah, and a commitment to living an ethical and meaningful life.

Tawhid, the fundamental concept in Islam, refers to the oneness and unity of Allah (God). It is the cornerstone of Islamic belief and philosophy, encompassing the understanding that Allah is the sole creator, sustainer, and sovereign of the universe. Everything in existence is a manifestation of His will, and there is no entity worthy of worship or association with Him. The belief in Tawhid shapes the entirety of a Muslim’s life, influencing personal identity, values, and behaviors.

1. Tawhid: The Core of Islamic Belief

Tawhid is derived from the Arabic root word “wahhada,” which means to make something one or to unite. It manifests in three main aspects:

• Tawhid ar-Rububiyyah (Oneness of Lordship): This refers to the belief that Allah is the sole creator, sustainer, and ruler of the universe. Everything that exists is by His will, and no one shares in His dominion or control over creation. This principle fosters a deep sense of reliance and trust in Allah’s plan.

• Tawhid al-Uluhiyyah (Oneness of Worship): This principle emphasizes that Allah alone is worthy of worship. All acts of worship—prayers, supplications, and acts of gratitude—must be directed exclusively to Allah. It also implies that any form of polytheism (shirk) or associating others with Allah is forbidden.

• Tawhid al-Asma wa-Sifat (Oneness of Names and Attributes): This principle asserts that Allah’s names and attributes are unique to Him. He possesses qualities such as knowledge, power, mercy, and justice, which are beyond the comprehension of human beings in their entirety. Muslims believe that Allah is perfect and transcendent, and these attributes are not to be shared with any other being.

2. Tawhid and Personal Identity

Tawhid profoundly shapes a Muslim’s personal identity by grounding it in the understanding that every aspect of their life is connected to Allah. It provides a sense of purpose, direction, and meaning, shaping one’s self-concept and how they view themselves in relation to the world.

Key aspects of how Tawhid relates to personal identity:

• Identity as a Servant of Allah: A Muslim’s core identity is that they are a servant (abd) of Allah. This relationship is central, defining their purpose in life as one of submission to Allah’s will. Recognizing this helps the individual adopt humility, as they understand that everything they have, including their talents, resources, and opportunities, is a gift from Allah.

• Tawhid as the Foundation of Self-Worth: Personal value is derived from one’s relationship with Allah, not from external factors such as material wealth, status, or societal approval. Since Allah is the Creator and Sustainer of all, a person’s worth comes from the fact that they are created by Allah and have the potential to fulfill their divine purpose.

• Gratitude and Trust in Allah: Tawhid fosters an attitude of gratitude (shukr) and reliance on Allah (tawakkul). A Muslim understands that their success, happiness, and well-being are ultimately dependent on Allah’s will, and they are taught to remain thankful for His blessings and to trust in His wisdom, even in times of hardship.

• Recognition of Divine Mercy: Through Tawhid, Muslims come to understand that Allah is merciful and forgiving. This belief encourages individuals to embrace their imperfection and seek forgiveness, fostering a sense of inner peace and resilience.

3. Tawhid and Personal Values

The concept of Tawhid shapes a Muslim’s values by providing a framework for how they interact with the world, make decisions, and prioritize their actions. Tawhid instills in believers the understanding that everything they do should reflect their submission to Allah and align with His teachings.

Key values shaped by Tawhid include:

• Monotheism in Action (Shahada and Worship): The first and most fundamental value shaped by Tawhid is the recognition that Allah alone is worthy of worship. This value translates into prioritizing worship in all aspects of life, not just in formal acts of prayer but also in daily actions, intentions, and interactions. Every good deed, no matter how small, can be considered an act of worship if it is done with the intention to please Allah.

• Justice and Fairness: The belief in the oneness of Allah fosters a deep respect for justice and fairness, as Allah is the ultimate source of justice. Muslims are taught to uphold justice in all dealings, whether personal, social, or legal. The Quran stresses that “Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and liberality to kith and kin” (Quran 16:90). This understanding leads to a commitment to fairness in both personal conduct and social obligations.

• Humility and Servitude: Tawhid instills humility because the Muslim understands that they are just one creation of Allah, entirely dependent on Him. This belief prevents arrogance and the notion of self-sufficiency, promoting humility in one’s interactions with others and in one’s accomplishments.

• Social Responsibility and Compassion: Tawhid nurtures the value of compassion and caring for others. Since all creation is from Allah, Muslims are taught to show kindness to fellow human beings, animals, and even the environment. The concept of brotherhood in Islam, where all believers are like one family, reflects this sense of responsibility.

• Integrity and Truthfulness: The oneness of Allah necessitates truthfulness, as Allah is the ultimate truth. This value encourages individuals to be honest, sincere, and transparent in their actions, speech, and relationships, aligning their conduct with divine ethics.

• Patience (Sabr) and Perseverance: Tawhid leads to the understanding that everything happens by Allah’s will. Therefore, a Muslim is encouraged to practice patience in the face of adversity, trusting that Allah’s plan is for the best, and persevering through life’s challenges with the knowledge that hardship will be rewarded.

4. Tawhid and Ethical Living

Living in accordance with Tawhid means living ethically and with moral integrity, as every action is an opportunity to seek Allah’s pleasure. Islamic teachings emphasize that the way one lives and treats others should reflect the belief in Tawhid.

• Ethical Decision-Making: When making decisions, a Muslim is encouraged to ask whether their actions align with the teachings of Islam and their understanding of Tawhid. For example, a decision made purely for personal gain, without consideration of how it impacts others or the world, would be seen as inconsistent with the values of Tawhid.

• Accountability to Allah: The awareness that Allah sees and knows everything encourages ethical living. A Muslim understands that they will be held accountable for their actions, words, and intentions, which helps cultivate moral integrity in all areas of life.

5. Tawhid and Inner Peace

Ultimately, Tawhid provides inner peace because it removes anxiety about life’s uncertainties. When one fully submits to Allah’s will and embraces His oneness, they are less troubled by external circumstances. They understand that their success and failure are in Allah’s hands, and by aligning their life with Tawhid, they can find comfort in knowing that they are following the divine path.

In conclusion, Tawhid is the foundation of a Muslim’s personal identity and values. It gives meaning and purpose to life, influencing how they perceive themselves, their relationships with others, and their role in the world. Through the lens of Tawhid, a Muslim strives to live a life of justice, integrity, humility, and gratitude, always with the consciousness that they are in submission to the one true God, Allah.

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