From Authoritarian to Abstract: An Evolution of the Islamic God Concept
Islam has gone from being one of the fastest-growing religions in the world to being outpaced by a rampant spread of atheism and indifference. The God that was once in control of everything and could be depended on during times of crisis is now seen as absent, detached, and rejecting. The perspectives that were once swept under the rug and maintained under a mask of protection and good intentions have now resurfaced with the intent to question everything. How can a person who was shielded from their own judgment and intuition and isolated from the world know a God that is complex, subtle, and diverse by nature? It is these challenges and complexities of embarking on the journey of integrating the self with the divine that are being misdiagnosed today as a psychological disorder.
This paper delves into the intricate connection between self-development and spiritual evolution, focusing on transforming an individual's concept of God from authoritarian to abstract. The paper reviews the ontological and eschatological challenges Muslims encounter, offering alternate explanations that satisfy an abstract model of God. The paper also aims to propose a staged model of spiritual development that provides practical suggestions to support Muslims on their journey toward a nuanced understanding of the Divine and ultimately of themselves.
Challenging the Authoritarian Conception of God
Believing in a punishing God can be a double-edged sword and can have both positive and negative impacts on a person's spiritual development. An authoritarian image may instill a sense of discipline and obedience, a deep sense of fear and reverence that motivates a person to avoid sin and strive for righteousness, and a consistent framework for understanding religious teachings and moral principles. It can also lead to excessive feelings of fear, guilt, and unworthiness, fostering a rigid interpretation that leads to intolerance towards different beliefs and practices, and a distant and judgmental concept of God.
Authoritarianism requires a reliance on authorities to establish order, and a lesser willingness to integrate inner wisdom that would result in a more ambiguous, complex, and multifaceted version of the reality of God. Such an authoritarian view can be seen as an emotional response to the anxiety and fatigue of colonialism, practiced over generations shaping individuals' perceptions of power, authority, and control and forming the problematic social norms we often face today. The dysfunctional power dynamic inherent in these norms informs prevailing parenting practices that prioritize obedience, conformity, hierarchy, and an overall fear-based approach to God.
Fear-Based God Concepts
Dr. Hassan Elwan and Dr. Osman Umarji in their article highlight how parenting styles impact an individual's perception of God and their ability to submit to Him. Perceiving God as cold, distant, and cop-like leads to submission reluctance and religious doubts, whereas other distorted images of God lead to appeasement at best or rejection of faith at worst. By using (1) knowledge of attachment theory and parenting styles they conclude that finding a balance between fear and love, letting go and holding on, allows children to explore the world while ensuring their safety. (2) Imagining God as al-Walī, facilitates a loving submission to God while understanding that everything He commands is a manifestation of his care and compassion for the believers. As a loving caretaker, God sets appropriate limits to human behavior to maximize well-being in this life and the next.
Generally, the authoritarian dimension of parenting refers to the degree to which parents try to exert control over their children, shield them from experiences, and discourage independence through the use of harsh discipline in an attempt to regulate children's behavior. Elwan and Umarji's research, however, separates maternal and paternal authoritarianism.
Paternal authoritarianism is associated with the use of strict rules, harsh punishment, and instilling a fear of failure that facilitates a cosmic cop-like image of God. Whereas, maternal authoritarianism is associated with cultivating a sense of entitlement in children, out of a fear of upsetting their children or losing out on their love, instilling a fear of abandonment and a perception of God as a cosmic-wish granter. The labeling of maternal and paternal here can be seen as contextually limiting, and instead be abstractly referenced as the variable degree to which parents are emotionally warm versus cold towards their children, between affectionate and empathetic, and indifferent and rejecting. Inevitably, both types are associated with ensuring a child's compliance with religious commands, which, according to the authors, leads to a skin-deep performance that masks a deep resentment towards both parents and God. These children internalize their acts of obedience as burdens and strip the underlying meaning and benefits of worship.
Challenges of an Attachment-Based God Concept
By conceptualizing God as the perfect attachment figure that individuals can turn to during stressful times, the authors aim to resolve the problem through a parent-referenced image of God. This perspective often involves viewing God as a nurturing, loving, protective, or authoritative figure, similar to the roles traditionally attributed to parents. Viewing God as an attachment figure, similar to a secure base or source of comfort and security, can offer individuals a profound sense of connection, love, and support in their spiritual lives. However, there are also challenges and complexities associated with this perspective such as the following.
Anthropomorphism. When God is viewed primarily from attachment theory, there is a risk of anthropomorphizing God, attributing human emotions, motivations, and behaviors to a divine being. This ultimately limits the understanding of the complexity and transcendence of the concept of God, “Glorified is Allah far above what they associate with Him ˹in worship˺!”.
Dependency and Fear of Abandonment. By seeking comfort, guidance, security, and approval from God in a way that mirrors the dynamics of a traditional parent-child relationship, an attachment-based God concept may evoke feelings of dependency, trust, and obedience in a way that hinders personal growth and self-reliance. Individuals may struggle with feelings of insecurity, anxiety, or loneliness when they encounter a perceived absence or distance from God. During times of doubt, crisis, or spiritual dryness, individuals may feel disconnected or alienated from God, leading to a crisis of faith and identity.
Unmet Expectations in Interpersonal Relationships. Individuals who primarily view God as an attachment figure may struggle with their interpersonal relationships as they may project their attachment needs onto others and expect them to fulfill the role of Divine caregivers, such as being all-accepting, all-forgiving, or all-loving. This can lead to disappointment and disillusionment especially when that individual experiences suffering, loss, and unanswered prayers, they may question their relationship or standing with God. The resulting need for excessive validation or reassurance from people may lead to difficulties in forming healthy and balanced relationships.
Avoidance of Emotional Processing. Using God as a substitute attachment figure may hinder emotional processing and growth. Individuals may avoid dealing with underlying emotional issues, traumas, or unresolved conflicts by seeking solace in a purely transcendent relationship with God. Relying solely on a transcendent God prevents individuals from developing effective coping mechanisms and emotional resilience. Individuals need to cultivate their own ability to self-soothe, seek support from a variety of sources including social connections, and seek professional help when necessary.
Spiritual Development. An exclusive focus on attachment dynamics in the concept of God may overshadow other aspects of spirituality, such as acceptance, transcendence, awe, mystery, and moral guidance. Individuals may struggle to integrate the awe-inspiring mystery of God with the intimate presence and relational dynamics of attachment.
Self-Referenced Concept of God
An overall attachment-referenced concept of God requires seeing God as a perfect parent or authority figure, that can be accessed through remembrance and prayer. However, manifesting God as an internal constant within our lives irrespective of attachments requires a self-referenced concept of God. This involves a more personalized and subjective approach where individuals see God as a mirror reflecting their own thoughts, feelings, and identity, allowing for a deep sense of self-awareness, growth, and empowerment in their spiritual journey. A self-referenced God concept can foster a strong sense of agency, autonomy, creativity, and authenticity in an individual's relationship with God. Overall, the main difference between a parent-referenced and a self-referenced concept of God lies in the orientation and focus of individuals' perceptions and interactions with God. While a parent-referenced God emphasizes external sources of authority, care, and influence, a self-referenced God highlights internal sources of meaning, connection, and empowerment in one's spiritual understanding and practice. Both perspectives offer a unique insight into an individual's quest for a deeper and more authentic relationship with God.
Evolution of the Islamic God-Concept
Benefits of an Abstract Concept of God
Examining and refining one's self-concept is a key feature in identity formation and the evolution of one's concept of God. The exploration of inner experiences, emotions, and spiritual insights uncovers deeper layers of meaning, connection, and transcendence that ultimately shape the concept of God in more abstract, complex, and profound ways. One of the main benefits of an abstract concept of God is to serve as a moral compass, guiding individuals in their decisions and actions. Rather than an authoritarian God that offers a concrete set of rules that are context-specific, an abstract God is conceptualized as a set of deeply-held values or overarching ethical principles such as truth, love, and justice, that are eternal and universal and can be applied according to each individual's wisdom or intuition. Abstract conceptions of God allow for a personal engagement with divine scriptures, leading to diverse interpretations that are open and inclusive, and foster dialogue, tolerance, and respect for differing perspectives. Abstract concepts of God avoid anthropomorphism, instead of ascribing human attributes to God such as anger or love, God is described in impersonal and philosophical terms. This prevents believers from associating partners with God or making comparisons that diminish the uniqueness and greatness of God.
Nondual Awareness
Exploring the mystical and philosophical dimensions of an abstract God requires rethinking the fundamental dualistic relationship with God portrayed in traditional Islam. In the modern colloquial and scientific community, nondual awareness is a term that defines a foundational aspect of consciousness and is a non-conceptual, phenomenological knowing that does not structure experience into separate categories of subject and object. A person with a nondual awareness has the “capacity to hold the tension of opposites, rest comfortably in ambiguity, and resist the tendency to demonization and exclusion”. By the religious community, it is seen as a mystical experience, or mystical marriage, in which one is fully joined to God in love. In Islam, this nondual approach has been commonly associated with Ibn al-'Arabī (d. 638/1240), who championed his doctrine "Wahdat al-Wujūd" (Unity of Being), a monist doctrine claiming that all things in the universe are manifestations of a single "reality", an entity described as "the Absolute Being" (al-wujūd al-muṭlaq). The search for this reality involves a process of self-realization and self-consciousness to achieve a state of perfection prompting divine self-manifestation. Indeed these ideas have been heavily distorted, criticized, and misunderstood by the traditional Islamic community, and since then have evolved with advancements in modern neuroscience, and discussions on the "philosophy of mind".
A nondual awareness does not mean that there is no God and no evil, it is the capacity to see with the eyes of God, an inner sight that teaches a person not what to see, but how to see. Rather than being a search for spiritual enrichment by virtue of an extreme separation of self, it is about navigating the darkness within and growing inwardly and in between. In this sense, taqwa can be seen as a level of "God"-consciousness that comes from the ability to discern truth through the cultivation of inner wisdom and a lens of compassion. It is expressed through unconditional care and a desire for reconciliation and healing, not condemnation and separation.
It is being motivated by God's mercy rather than an individual's fear and need to control uncertainties. Ultimately, it is this purified, transcendent consciousness that becomes the secure base while simultaneously remaining actively engaged within one's surroundings according to the will of God as defined by essential universal principles. Humans then, are ecological beings, coalescing in both body and soul and remaining in constant interaction and interdependence with the world around them. Rather than understanding reality and consciousness within subjective or objective terms, it seems the direction of the religious and scientific community is to observe it as complex, indivisible, and diverse, with boundaries defined as being both nebulous and patterned. Indeed, integrating an abstract conception of God does not come without its challenges within the Islamic textual tradition. The next section comprises a list of ontological and eschatological challenges in applying an abstract self-referenced concept of God into Islam.
Ontological Challenges
Viewing God as abstract raises a host of ontological challenges that touch on fundamental questions about the nature of existence, the attributes of God, and the human relationship with a transcendent being. These challenges continue to be the subject of philosophical and theological debate throughout history and reflect the complexity and depth of the concept of God.
Tawhīd. One of the main challenges includes reconciling the oneness of God (tawhīd). If God is abstract, questions arise about how this abstract God relates to and influences the world while maintaining His absolute oneness. This could involve exploring a unity of existence and the interconnectedness of all creation within the Divine. Ibn al-Qayyim (d. 751 AH), famously remarked in his widely acclaimed discourse on Islamic spirituality, Madaarij as- Salikeen, “Knowledge (of God) according to them (spiritual masters) is innate rather than something that requires proof...This is why none of the messengers were ever sent to their nation in order to prove the existence of a Creator, rather their calling was to the devotion to and unity of the Divine.”
Divine Attributes. Traditional Islamic theology emphasizes the divine attributes of God as being the All-Powerful, All-Knowing, All-Wise, and All-Merciful. If God is viewed as abstract, how are these attributes manifested or understood with an abstract entity? A mystical approach could be utilized to delve deeper into these attributes and contemplate their metaphysical significance about the unity and transcendence of God. Attributes then can be seen as emanations of an absolute, infinite, non-delimited reality of God. Humans, in turn, manifest these attributes as truths unfold into existence.
Divine Immanence and Transcendence. Islam teaches that God is both immanent (present in the world) and transcendent (beyond the world). How can an abstract God be present in the lives of believers, respond to their prayers, and guide their actions while remaining transcendent and distinct from the material world? This may involve accepting God as both veiled from human comprehension of space/time, and existing within a different dimension that is also intimately connected and accessed through divine revelation, mystical experiences, and inner spiritual practices.
Human Relationship with God. Islam emphasizes the personal relationship between believers and God, based on love, obedience, and submission. If God is abstract, questions arise about how believers can cultivate a personal relationship and experience a sense of intimacy, connection, and devotion to an abstract God. Reinterpreting the nature of human consciousness and its relationship to divine consciousness can lead to a more profound understanding of the human capacity to experience unity with the Divine and transcend the limitations of the ego. It is through this shift in perspective that we can read the Qur'ān from nondual eyes. Therefore, love for morality is synonymous with love for God. In fact, our love for, and commitment to, morality are merely extensions of our innate love and aspiration for the Divine. The early 20th-century Turkish Muslim thinker, Saīd Nursi explains “…selfhood slowly comes to understand the true nature of the Divine Attributes and Names.”
Free Will and Divine Decree. The Islamic relationship with human free will and divine decree is a complex theological concept. A mystical perspective could involve exploring the idea of surrendering one’s will to God and experiencing a sense of unity with God’s will through a deep contemplation of paradoxes and mysteries, and a willingness to seek truth in every situation while suspending one’s ego, fears, and need to control uncertainties. In essence, this is about choosing what one perceives is in alignment with those deeply held values.
Prophethood and Revelation. Islam holds that God communicates with humanity through revelation and sends prophets to guide people. If God is abstract, it may raise questions about how divine revelation is received and understood by human beings and how an abstract God communicates His will and guidance to humanity in a way that is meaningful and accessible to human understanding. Since Muhammad (S) is the seal of all Prophets, a direct connection to Truth is not possible, however, a person can attain a truth-seeking status by engaging in self- development and self-manifestation of divine attributes. Revelation is then received through experiential knowledge that cultivates the inner eye and contemplates divine truths.
Problem of Evil and God’s Wrath. If God is abstract, how does one explain the existence of evil and suffering in the world and God's wrath as a response to evil-doers? How can an abstract God be reconciled with the idea of a loving and involved deity who cares about the world and its inhabitants? One explanation is that the wrath human beings see in God is a projection of their own sinful wrath. Rather than ascribing a dualistic hatred and distancing God, evil is defined as a covering over the inner eye and hatred and distancing of one's self.
Eschatological Challenges
Raising such questions about God’s existence raises several challenges and implications in the Islamic eschatological context and the understanding of how divine mercy and punishment relate to an abstract self-referenced concept of God.
Resurrection and Judgment Day. Islam teaches about the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyāmah) when all individuals will be held accountable for their deeds. Belief in a personally involved God who judges human actions and determines eternal destinies is central to this belief. The Qur'ān and Ḥadīth vividly describe the events that will unfold on the Day of Judgment, including the blowing of the trumpet, the destruction of the universe, the resurrection of all humans, and the separation of good from evil-doers. If God is abstract, questions arise about how judgment and accountability are carried out by an abstract deity and how individuals are held responsible for their actions before an abstract God. One explanation for this is that God will remove the veil to the unseen and allow humans to see across dimensions, beginning with death, and all that is vividly described will unfold before one’s eyes. A more abstract definition could involve embracing the idea of cyclical time suggesting that end times are not a singular event, but rather an ongoing cosmic process of creation, destruction, and renewal.
Heaven and Hell. Islam describes Heaven (Jannah) and Hell (Jahannam) as real, tangible realms where individuals will experience reward or punishment based on their faith and deeds. If God is abstract, then how does He administer rewards of heaven and hell and how do individuals experience these states? To arrive at a more abstract concept, certain eschatological elements need to be reinterpreted. For example, instead of viewing Heaven and Hell as literal physical places of reward and punishment, these realms could be reinterpreted as symbolic representations of spiritual states or levels of consciousness. Heaven could represent the state of divine union and spiritual fulfillment, while Hell could symbolize separation from God and the suffering caused by spiritual ignorance. By viewing Heaven and Hell symbolically, individuals can focus on the inner transformation and spiritual growth necessary to attain a closer connection to the divine, rather than a literal reward-punishment paradigm.
Eternal Life and Existence. Islam emphasizes the concept of eternal life and existence in the afterlife, either in paradise or hell. If God is abstract, how is eternal life sustained and experienced, how does an abstract God interact with individuals in an eternal realm? Instead of viewing the afterlife as a separate realm or dimension distinct from the present world, the concept of the Unity of Being (Wahdat al-Wujūd) could be applied to suggest that the afterlife is not a separate destination but a continuation of the unity with the divine that exists in all of creation. Or one explain this as entering a dimensional realm of the unseen, outside of human comprehension and imagination.
Navigating Challenges
It is clear through these examples that a viable strategy for navigating the ontological and eschatological challenges is through reinterpreting traditional views, challenging our underlying cosmological assumptions, seeking the guidance of diverse sources, and embracing mystical and philosophical approaches. To achieve these signature experiences of oneness and an unbounded, flowing sense of selfhood, there needs to be an earthshaking shift in perception between "dualistic" and "non-dualistic" levels of consciousness. Evolving one's concept of God requires a permanent shift in the structure of consciousness itself, as it were, a rewiring of a person's operating system. Within the given context, rather than seeing one approach as superior over the other, a combination of both approaches can be conceptualized as necessary in the journey to evolve from authoritarian to abstract conceptions of God and a mature identity.
Spiritual and Identity Development
Secondary Roles in Shaping Concepts of God
Within Western culture, representations of God range from highly anthropomorphic, authoritarian, and context-specific to highly abstract, timeless, and eternal, allowing for different interpretations of the same being. It is the integral role of secondary scholarship to help others attain a spiritual awakening by first cultivating their own capacity for discernment, gauging their audience, and then disseminating it artfully. It may be that an anthropomorphic and concrete concept of God is more appropriate for younger audiences, whereas a more abstract and mystical concept becomes more appropriate as individuals mature. Or it could be explained that tapping into the spiritual means entering a different dimension, requiring different tools and capacities, one where a guide leads a person into a multiverse of varying possibilities. Overall, secondary scholarship needs to become more attuned to the challenges and growth stages of an individual's spiritual journey. Below are some suggestions for how to help an individual evolve their concept of God from authoritarian to abstract.
1. Critical Reflection. The journey begins by developing a secure attachment to a religious mentor, counselor, or trained professional, someone other than a parent figure with a level of discernment. Only then does the process begin of questioning an individual's current understanding of an authoritarian God. The individual is encouraged to critically reflect upon the beliefs, teachings, and assumptions that have shaped their view of God as a strict, judgmental figure while considering the implications of this image of God on their spiritual life and relationships.
2. Exploration of Alternative Perspectives. Once there is a secure attachment with a trusted mentor or teacher, an individual can safely engage with diverse theological viewpoints, spiritual traditions, and philosophical perspectives that present a more abstract and nuanced understanding of the divine. Individuals can explore abstract concepts such as transcendence, immanence, mystery, unity, and diversity relating to God.
3. Intensive Study. Individuals are encouraged to engage in an in-depth study of religious texts, mystical writings, philosophical works, and spiritual practices that offer insights into the abstract nature of God. The goal is to seek knowledge and wisdom from varied sources other than the mentor to deepen their understanding and broaden their perspective.
4. Personal Experience and Reflection. Individuals can be instructed to reflect on the more personal experiences, emotions, and intuitions related to the divine. They may pay attention to moments of awe, wonder, and emotion that transcend rigid definitions of God. At this time, it is important to allow space for contemplation, meditation, and inner exploration.
5. Focus on Love and Compassion. Individuals learn to shift their focus from fear and judgment to love and compassion in their concept of God. They can explore the qualities of mercy, forgiveness, and grace as essential aspects of the divine nature. In their daily lives, they can learn to embrace a more relational and loving image of God by offering care unconditionally, being more tolerant of differences, and embracing a shared humanity.
6. Integration of Paradoxes. Individuals can learn to embrace the paradoxes and mysteries inherent in a more abstract understanding of God and recognize that the divine transcends human categories and definitions and that multiple perspectives can coexist harmoniously.
7. Community and Dialogue. Individuals can be encouraged to engage in conversations with like-minded individuals, spiritual mentors, or religious communities that support a more abstract concept of God. They can share their journey, insights, and questions with others on a similar path of spiritual growth and transformation, and learn to gauge others on their path while dealing with them with justice and humility.
8. Artistic Expression and Appreciation of Beauty. A way to enhance an individual’s understanding of the abstract nature of God is through engaging in creative practices such as writing, painting, music, dance, or an appreciation of the beauty in the world that heightens an individual’s consciousness of God in all things.
9. Reconciliation with Parents. Individuals can learn to enjoin with parents from a place of nondual awareness, choosing to respond to them from a place of discerning compassion rather than condemnation. This, in turn, brings them closer to humanity across time.
10. Renewal. At this stage, individuals are encouraged to bring their learning in full circle by cultivating a desire to help those who have been hurt or need rehabilitation. They are taught to meet hatred with love, have compassion for those stuck in separateness, and become guides for others in their process of spiritual development.
Conclusion
By viewing God as abstract, we free ourselves from the constructs of separateness and enter a world of vibrant connection. The post-awakening isolationism that is prevalent today can be understood as a search for truth in the immanent. By embracing a reality that coalesces between material and immaterial we face our greatest challenge of rethinking the tradition as we know it. With advancements in our understanding of consciousness and psychological attachment, more Muslims are leaving relationships that feel confining, and oppressive to the soul. An abstract God concept allows us to reconcile these differences with compassion and inner clarity. It is with this understanding that witnessing the essence of God becomes a witnessing of the true nature of our soul and how it interacts with the complexities of the world around us. May we all be truth-seekers who strive for excellence in both our inner and outer realities.
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