Abstract

This paper proposes a foundational framework for Fitrat Psychology, an emerging theocentric paradigm grounded in the Quranic concept of Fitrat, the innate human disposition toward truth, morality, divine connection, and a genuine tendency for perfectionism. Conventional psychology targets the stability, well-being, and happiness of individuals within the community via available psychological skills. Fitrat Psychology may draw upon these skills but aims to consider the dynamic potentials of Fitrat within, and the Hanif religion without, discovering harmony between Fitrat and the Hanif program for all individuals. Drawing a conceptual parallel between Fitrat and the innate faculty of language (exemplified by Chomsky’s Language Acquisition Device), this paper argues that just as language acquisition is embedded biologically, Fitrat is embedded in our spiritual essence. However, while language acquisition develops subconsciously and declines after puberty, Fitrat requires conscious activation and becomes fully accessible at moral responsibility’s onset. The paper contrasts Fitrat Psychology with conventional models across epistemology, methodology, therapeutic goals, moral reasoning, and views on human flourishing, through comparative charts and case-based analysis. Emphasizing the Hanif religion as a revealed complement to Fitrat provides a new dimension, absent in conventional psychology, but central to psychological healing and growth. It challenges secular frameworks’ adequacy in accounting for phenomena such as martyrdom, transcendental purpose, and moral development. The study concludes by calling for a revival of spiritually integrated psychological models originating from the Quran, offering a viable alternative to dominant secular frameworks.