Islamic Studies and Quranic Research in the Contemporary World

Islamic Studies and Quranic Research in the Contemporary World

A Comparative Analysis of the Cognitive Mechanism of Tawakkul in the Holy Quran and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Younes Rezazadeh 1
Matinsadat Arabzadeh 2
1 Ph.D. Graduate in Islamic Studies Education, Major in Quran and Islamic Texts, Faculty of Theology and Religions, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Teachings, Faculty of Theology and Religions, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/iscw.2026.2098252.1280
Abstract
: This study aimed to systematically explain and map the cognitive and behavioral mechanisms of tawakkul (reliance on God) in the Holy Quran onto the six stages of the cognitive-behavioral therapy protocol for generalized anxiety disorder, which is grounded in the intolerance of uncertainty model of Dugas and Robichaud. A qualitative, analytical-comparative, documentary design was employed. Quranic verses related to tawakkul, together with authoritative exegetical works from both Sunni and Shia traditions, were compared against the protocol's stages: psychoeducation, evaluation of the usefulness of worry, reappraisal of negative beliefs about uncertainty, problem-solving, imaginal exposure, and relapse prevention. The findings indicate that several mechanisms align with the clinical aims of the protocol stages and offer considerable complementary potential. These include distinguishing effort in securing the means from entrusting the outcome to God, correcting metacognitive beliefs about worry, redefining moral responsibility, facilitating behavioral exposure through reliance on divine sufficiency, and reframing lapses within a framework of dynamic tawakkul. Nevertheless, the two frameworks differ in their teleology and in the source of authority underlying belief modification. Quranic tawakkul may therefore be used as a meaning-giving, complementary framework, rather than a substitute for standard treatment, in culturally adapted interventions for religious clients.
Keywords
Holy Quran
Tawakkul
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Cognitive Restructuring
Subjects
· Holy Quran.
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  • Receive Date 22 August 2026
  • Revise Date 16 September 2026
  • Accept Date 12 October 2026
  • First Publish Date 12 October 2026
  • Publish Date 23 August 2026