THE DYNAMICS OF PERSONALITY CHANGE: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN WESTERN AND ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Personality change is a dynamic process influenced by various internal and external factors. Based on their epistemological and methodological foundations, Islam and the West offer different approaches to understanding this change. One crucial aspect is the time required for personality change to occur and the factors that influence it. This study comparatively analyzes the Islamic and Western approaches to understanding personality change dynamics and duration. This study uses a qualitative approach through literature analysis of major theories of Western psychology, such as Freud's psychodynamic theory, Erikson's developmental theory, and social learning theory, which relate personality change to certain age stages. In addition, the concept of personality change in Islam is analyzed through the principle of tazkiyah al-nafs based on the Quran and hadith. Tazkiyah al-nafs is a process of self-purification and moral development that emphasizes changes throughout life and is influenced by the individual's continuous practice. The study found that Islam and the West recognize personality change as a long-term process that depends on life experiences, environment, and individual efforts. The Western approach emphasizes changes occurring in specific life phases, such as childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. In contrast, the Islamic perspective emphasizes continuous change that can occur at any time depending on spiritual awareness, moral development, and individual efforts in self-purification. This study concludes that the duration of personality change is subjective and varies according to the perspective used. The Islamic approach emphasizes continuous change throughout life, while the Western approach is more likely to see change during specific developmental phases. Integrating these two perspectives produces a more comprehensive model of personality development, providing a solid foundation for further research and encouraging ongoing exploration in this area.