A Psychological Approach to Human Transcendence: A Case Study of Muhammad's Ascension to Heaven

Authors
Bagher Ghobari-Bonab 1
Fatemeh Sahebdel 2
Saeid Zandi 3
1 Professor of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
2 M.A. in Religions and Mysticism, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
3 Ph.D. in Counseling, Department of Counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran
10.48311/eijh.2025.24135
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to investigate the ascension of Prophet Muhammad to heaven, from a psychological point of view. The study also included a survey of different understandings and approaches to the heavenly ascension of the prophet of Islam. These understandings include philosophical, theosophical, Sufi perspectives, and esoteric commentaries of the Quran and different denominations of Islam. The current study also discusses the world of images and imagery world and offers a more elaborative discussion and a broad view of the occurrence of Miraj (i.e. occurrence in the world of images – mundus imaginalis). This view requires a revolutionary new approach to the phenomenology and epistemology of the scientific approach to the phenomenon of Al-Miraj (Heavenly ascension). Symbolic communication becomes a means of interaction and Tawil, and symbolic deciphering in understanding Miraj occurs. This study also offered an approach to Miraj as a hero journey as suggested by Jung and elaborated by Joseph Campbell. It was also discovered as a voyage of the unconscious to approach the Self and attain individuation.

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The International Journal of Humanities
Volume 32, Issue 1
Spring 2025
Pages 1-13