Teachings of Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi and Modern Psychology:

  In this article, you will learn about the teachings of Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi. Comparison of the teachings of Maulana Ashraf Ali with Modern Psychology.

Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi Psychotherapies	Modern Psychology
According to Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi, it is important to have insight into the dynamics of Qalb, Nafs, and Aqal to recognize one’s own problem.	In Modern psychology, the Concept of Maulana relates to Insight. Insight broadly refers to a patient's awareness of the illness, ability to attribute symptoms to the illness, recognition of the consequences of symptoms, and appreciation of the need for treatment.
Maulana focused on developing self-will and effort to achieve moral character. He explained that only the patient’s own irada (self-will) and self-effort (jihad-an-nafs) can make improvements in his/her condition.	In modern-day psychology Self-Concept is important. Self-concept is how one perceives his own behavior, abilities, and unique characteristics.
Maulana focused on each client’s unique problems.	In Modern Psychology, this concept of Maulana is used as Client-Centered Approach. It is a therapeutic approach in which the focus is on the person's subjective view of the world.
Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi gave Reading Therapy which contains the psychological factors. This therapy is based on the free association technique. In this technique, one is free to write all his views and ideas on paper.	In Western Psychology, Projective Tests are used in which the client has the freedom to write about his thoughts and feelings. Examples are Ink-Blot Test, Word Association Test, etc.
Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi also gave Communication Therapy. Maulana Thanvi invited patients to his Khanqah “Imdadia” where people always gathered together. He gave sermons to a group of people. He thought that the sermon was the best spiritual group therapy.	In Modern Psychology, the Communication Therapy of Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi is used as Group Therapy. It is a form of psychotherapy that involves one or more therapists working with several people at the same time. It is very effective to deal with psychological problems.
Maulana explained the Technique of Muraqaba. It is a way to develop insight into one’s spiritual heart and its relationship with Allah and one’s surroundings with the aim of purging base characters and developing positive ones.	Meditation is used in Western Psychology. Meditation is a mental exercise that involves relaxation, focus, and awareness. Meditation is to the mind what physical exercise is to the body. The practice is usually done individually, in a still seated position, and with eyes closed just as in Muraqaba.