Unconventional Duha Research Unitary

Inabah (الإِنابَة) in Islam refers to a heartfelt, loving, and voluntary return to Allah, driven by devotion and longing rather than mere fear of punishment.

It emphasizes sincere submission (Islam) and constant spiritual turning toward Allah, often after sin (zunub) or heedlessness (ghaflah), but with a focus on closeness and obedience rather than just repentance.

The Root Meaning is derived from the Arabic root words n-w-b (ن-و-ب), meaning “to return” or “to turn back”. Primary motivation through love and hope for Allah’s pleasure (redha) , unlike repentance (tawbah) which often arises from fear (khauf) of punishment. Inabah involves a deeper, continuous desire for nearness to Allah (muraqaba)

The Quran commands believers to practice inabah وَأَنِيبُوا إِلَىٰ رَبِّكُمْ

(And turn in repentance to your Lord) [Surah Az-Zumar 39:54].

Spiritual Hierarchy ; Scholars like Imam Qushayri describe inabah as a middle stage between tawbah (basic repentance) and awbah (complete turning to Allah alone). It represents a higher level of sincerity and resolve.

Traits of a Munīb: One who practices inabah:
   · Submits fully to Allah’s will.
   · Engages in frequent self-reflection and correction.
   · Maintains consistency in worship, dhikr (remembrance), and duʿā (supplication).
   · Longs for Allah’s closeness and approval.

The following questionnaire is designed to assess an individual’s sense of meaning and purpose (Purpose in Life – PIL) through the specific worldview of Islamic – Tawhidic Logotherapy, where ultimate meaning is found in servitude to the connection with Allah (SWT). This is a powerful integration of classical psychological theory and spiritually-integrated therapy which we call The Inabah Scale of Purpose (ISP)

Introduction to the Inabah Scale of Purpose (ISP)

The quest for meaning and purpose stands as a fundamental dimension of the human experience, a drive so potent that Viktor Frankl identified it as the primary motivational force in life—the will to meaning. While modern psychology offers various tools to measure this construct, such as the Purpose in Life (PIL) test, many remain anchored in secular-humanistic frameworks, leaving a significant gap for populations whose worldview is intrinsically theistic, spiritual, religious or God centric.

For Muslims, authenticity and purpose are not discovered through introspection alone but are inextricably linked to a divine covenant. The authentic self is the God-centric self—the nafs al-mutma’innah (the soul at peace) that finds its ultimate purpose in returning to its Creator through conscious servitude (‘ubudiyyah). This journey of return is encapsulated in the profound Islamic concept of Inabah (الإِنابَة)—not merely a repentance from sin, but a loving, voluntary, and wholehearted turning towards Allah, motivated by longing and devotion.

To bridge this existential need with spiritual reality, the Inabah Scale of Purpose (ISP) is introduce. This simplified psychometric instrument is designed by Unconventional Duha to move beyond measuring generic purpose and to instead assess the depth and alignment of an individual’s purpose within a Tawhidic (God-centric) framework. It synthesizes Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy with the Islamic spiritual path of purification (tazkiyat al-nafs), particularly drawing from Imam Al-Ghazali’s stages of spiritual discipline—Musharatah (contract), Muraqabah (vigilance), Muhasabah (accounting), Mua’qabah (correction), Mujahadah (striving), and Mu’atabah (reproach).

The ISP does not ask if one has a purpose, but how oriented one’s purpose is toward the Divine. It evaluates the process of Inabah—the continuous, active turning of the heart—as the very mechanism through which authentic, healing purpose is actualized. This scale is offered as a tool for researchers, clinicians, and community leaders to better understand and support the psychological and spiritual well-being of Muslim individuals, facilitating a journey from existential distress to a life of sincere devotion, meaningful action, and ultimate peace.

The Inabah Scale of Purpose, designed to be used in a research paper, clinical manual, or assessment guide for Murshid, Asatizah, Syeikh, Islamic psychologist and psychotherapist.

Instructions:

Below are 30 statements about your life and beliefs. Please read each one carefully and indicate how true it is for you on a scale of 1 to 7, where: 1 = Absolutely Untrue| 4 = Neutral/Mixed | 7 = Absolutely True

Section A: Tawhidic Foundation and Fitrah (Tawhid, Fitrah)

This section assesses the foundational belief that life’s purpose is rooted in Allah and that true freedom is found in His servitude.

1. I believe my existence has a purpose and meaning that was assigned by Allah.
2. My sense of freedom comes from knowing I can always choose my attitude towards my circumstances, in accordance with Islamic principles.
3. I feel that my pure innate predisposition (fitrah) naturally inclines me toward recognizing the existence and oneness of Allah.
4. I see my life not as a random accident, coincidence but as a deliberate creation of Allah with a divine plan.
5. I believe that true success is defined by Allah’s pleasure, not by worldly materialistic hedonistic pleasure, achievements.
6. I feel a sense of liberation in submitting my will to the will of Allah (Islam).

Section B: Discovering Meaningful Purpose through Divine Values

This section assesses how an individual discovers meaning through the three God-centric avenues: Stewardship (Khilafah), Contemplation & Gratitude (Tafakkur & Shukr), and Patient Perseverance (Sabr).

B1. Creative Values: Stewardship (Khalifa) & Community Service

1. I see my skills and talents as a trust (amanah) from Allah to be used in service (khidmah) to others.
2. In my work, daily duties, I actively try to maintain a sincere intention (ikhlas) to please Allah (redha).
3. I believe that even the smallest good deed, if done for Allah, has everlasting eternal significance.
4. I feel that fulfilling the rights of others (e.g., family, community) is a form of worship (Ibadah).

B2. Experiential Values: Contemplation (Tafakkur) & Gratitude (Shukr)

1. When I experience beauty in nature or creativity, it increases my awe and gratitude to Allah, the Creator.
2. My love for others reminds me of Allah’s immense love and mercy for His creation.
3. I regularly reflect on the blessings in my life as signs (ayat) of Allah.
4. Experiencing hardship often leads me to appreciate the blessings I still have.

B3. Attitudinal Values: Patient Perseverance (Sabr) & Trust (Tawakkul)

1. During times of unavoidable suffering, I try to practice patience (sabr) knowing it is beloved to Allah.
2. I believe that there is wisdom and potential good behind every trial Allah decrees for me.
3. My faith helps me find meaning even in painful experiences.
4. I trust (tawakkul) that Allah’s plan for me is ultimately better than my own plans.

Section C: Self-Transcendence & Servitude (Uboodiyyah)

This section assesses the shift from a Ego-centric to a God-centric life, where meaning is found beyond the self, ego.

1. I feel most fulfilled when I am engaged in a cause or service that is greater than my own self-interests.
2. My ultimate goal is to become a true and sincere servant (Abd) of Allah.
3. The remembrance of Allah (dhikr) provides me with a sense of peace central in my life.
4. I believe that my life is a temporary test, and my actions here determine my eternal afterlife (akhirah).
5. I feel that my prayers (salah) act as a daily reminder of my true purpose.
6. The concept of accountability to Allah on the Day of Judgment positively influences my daily choices.

Section D: Existential Integration Of The Peaceful Self (Nafs al-Mutma’inna)

This section assesses the overall outcome of this framework: a sense of integrated, peaceful purpose.

1. I feel a general sense of peace and satisfaction, contentment (qana’ah) with my life as a Muslim.
2. I have a clear understanding of what gives my life meaning from an Islamic perspective.
3. I am actively taking steps towards goals that are meaningful in the sight of Allah.
4. I am confident that I can find a purpose to live for, even in difficult circumstances, through my faith.

5. My life feels empty and without purpose. (Reverse-scored item)

6. Overall, I feel that my life is moving meaningfully toward a divine purpose.

Scoring and Interpretation Guide:

· Total Score: Add the scores for all 30 items. For item #29, reverse the score (1=7, 2=6, 3=5, 4=4, 5=3, 6=2, 7=1).
· Range: 30 – 210
· Section Scores: You can also calculate an average score for each section (A, B1, B2, B3, C, D) to identify areas of strength and potential growth.

Interpretation:

· High Scores (e.g., 160 – 210): Indicate a strong, well-integrated sense of God-centric purpose and meaning. The individual likely has a resilient worldview rooted in Tawhidic principles.

· Moderate Scores (e.g., 100 – 159): Suggest a developing or occasionally conflicted sense of purpose. There may be a intellectual understanding but a struggle to fully integrate it emotionally or in daily practice.

· Low Scores (e.g., 30 – 99): Indicate a significant state of existential vacuum or spiritual disconnect from a divine purpose. This individual would likely benefit profoundly from the Logotherapy process outlined previously.

This questionnaire is not just an assessment tool but can also serve as a therapeutic guide, highlighting specific domains (e.g., Trust in Allah’s plan, Seeing work as worship) where clinical and spiritual work can be focused to help the client move toward a more authentic, God-centric existence.

Inabah Scale of Purpose (ISP) is essential for spiritual growth and purification of the soul (tazkiyah). It reflects a proactive, loving relationship with Allah, where the heart remains tied to Him despite human imperfections.