Analysis and Critique of Kristin Neff’s Self-Compassion Theory Based on Nahj al-Balagha

Self-compassion has recently gained popularity in positive psychology as an antidote for shame, self-criticism, and difficult emotional states. Kristin Neff defines it in three dimensions as self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness, but remains deontologically light and therapeutic. The research critically examines Neff’s conceptualization in situ through a comparative study of Nahj al-Balagha to determine whether the teachings of Imam Ali present an ethically and spiritually rich picture of compassionate self-relating. Employing a comparative-conceptual study design, the authors compared Neff's seminal works with a selection of Imam Ali's sermons, letters, and sayings in Nahj al-Balagha. A directed content analysis and comparative hermeneutics were used to discern parallels and differences in the nature, goal, and limitations of self-compassion. The results suggest a strong convergence in avoiding a vicious cycle of self-condemnation, affirming imperfection, and cultivating a healthy attitude towards pain. Yet the models part routes in fundamentals and purpose. While Neff's theory mainly underscores emotional regulation, resilience, and well-being, Nahj al-Balagha conceives a practice of self-care within a virtuous imitationist and theocentric account of humans that invites preserving the dignity of the soul and practicing self-control, repentance, moderation, and closeness to God. This analysis shows Neff's model may be psychologically adaptive but is normatively thin from an Islamic point of view. Nahj al-Balagha does not reject Neff's model; instead, it reformulates it in terms of compassion, including moral responsibility, transcendence, and human responsibility. The research proposes a culturally expandable model of self-compassion that is psychologically adaptive, normatively regulated, and spiritually transcendent. This expansion also provides a cultural lens for developing theories, psychotherapeutic applications, and future in-depth cross-cultural studies of self-compassion across various religious communities worldwide.

کلیدواژه ها:

Self-compassion ، Nahj al-Balagha ، Kristin Neff ، Islamic psychology ، Moral-spiritual anthropology