Formulation of the Relationship Between Psychological Self-Confidence and Mystical Reliance (Tawakkul) With Emphasis on the Thought of Ibn ʿArabi

As modern human beings face numerous psychological pressures and existential challenges, revisiting the relationship between the two concepts of psychological self-confidence and mystical reliance (tawakkul) becomes increasingly necessary.

This study aims to explain and compare the concept of self-confidence in contemporary psychology with the notion of tawakkul in Ibn ʿArabi’s theoretical mysticism, to clarify whether these two are in conflict or can, in fact, complement each other in the path of human perfection.

Employing an analytical-comparative approach and based on documentary research, this paper examines Ibn ʿArabi’s major works—such as al-Futūḥāt al-Makkiyya and Fuṣūṣ al-Ḥikam—and compares them with the theories of psychologists, including Rogers, Adler, Maslow, and Bandura.

The findings indicate that Ibn ʿArabi, at the early stages of spiritual wayfaring, considers tawakkul to be in harmony with self-confidence, since reliance is placed on the self connected to God, not on an independent self. At higher levels, as the wayfarer annihilates in the Divine will, tawakkul becomes absolute.

Therefore, from a mystical perspective, self-confidence is not to be absolutely negated but rather signifies the spiritual elevation and transcendence of the human self.