A study of the Qur'an and psychology from the perspective of success based on grounded theory

In the present study, in order to achieve the similarities and differences between the Qur'an and psychology perspectives on success and conditions, interactions and consequences, a qualitative approach and a method of grounded theory were used. By applying three types of open, axial and selective coding on Quranic data and psychology, paradigm models were developed and the definition of success was presented. In the Qur'anic model, " salvation" as the corecategory and "God-seeking nature", "divine grace", "belief in the hereafter" as causal conditions; "Freedom" and "entry into the straight path" as contextual conditions; "Positive relationships" and "inner power" were introduced as mediator conditions and "self-construction", "worship", "religiosity", "governorship" and "speed and overtaking" were introduced as strategies. In the psychological model, "flourishing" as the corecategory and "self-knowledge" and "teleology" as causal conditions; "Freedom", "appropriate environment" and "motivation" as contextual conditions; "Positive emotions", "Positive relationships" and "Personality traits" as mediator conditions and "Self-sufficiency and self-management", "Work and effort", "Appropriate thinking and style of explanation" and " Delayed gratification - hedonism "were proposed as a strategy. The findings showed that both success approaches are recognized as human’s development and flourishing which in Quran viewpoint causes salvation, entering pure life, ending to divine salvation and nearness to the God, but in psychology viewpoint it is performed in order to achieve prosperity, eminency, wellbeing and happiness. And welfare takes place. The Qur'an depicts the paradigm model of success around the "God" axis, while in the psychological model, "man" is the main axis.