The Theoretical Model of ‘Spiritual Education̕ with an Islamic Approach: A Research Synthesis Study

Today, spiritual growth and education is receiving considerable attention in many countries of the world. On the other hand, the literature of spiritual education has become very popular in our country, Iran, in recent decades. Translating and using Western literatures, regardless of the difference in assumptions and foundations, entails the risk of eclecticism and subsequent deviations of the young generation. Therefore, in the first step, it is necessary to specify the theoretical model of spiritual education with an Islamic approach. This study aims at explaining the theoretical model of spiritual education with an Islamic approach. It is a qualitative study conducted through the method of research synthesis. After analyzing the content of the selected documents, coding the data, categorizing the data under 8 categories, synthesis and combination of data, finally, the eight components of spiritual education with an Islamic approach were extracted and explained as follows: the concept of Islamic spirituality, the definition of spiritual education, the characteristics of spiritual education, the foundations, objectives, principles, and methods of spiritual education, as well as the relationship between religion and spiritual education, were achieved and explained. Finally, some ambiguities and challenges as well as suggestions for further studies were presented.