BUILDING RESILIENCE THROUGH SPIRITUAL PRACTICES DURING CANCER SURVIVORSHIP

Abstract

This study examines the role of Islamic spiritual practices in fostering resilience among cancer survivors, integrating contemporary psycho-oncology research with traditional Islamic teachings. Cancer survivorship presents multifaceted challenges that extend beyond physical recovery to encompass psychological adjustment, meaning-making, and spiritual growth. Within this context, Islamic spiritual frameworks offer distinctive resources for building resilience, including structured daily prayers (salat), Quranic recitation, remembrance practices (dhikr), cultivation of patience (sabr) and gratitude (shukr), community support (ummah), and charitable giving (sadaqah). The Islamic understanding of illness as potentially meaningful within a divine plan creates cognitive frameworks that facilitate post-traumatic growth. Research indicates that engagement with these practices correlates with improved quality of life, reduced psychological distress, and enhanced resilience throughout the cancer journey. This essay analyzes how specific Islamic spiritual practices contribute to resilience mechanisms, provides recommendations for healthcare providers and religious communities supporting Muslim cancer survivors, and identifies directions for future research. By integrating spiritual support with conventional medical care, healthcare systems can offer more holistic and culturally responsive approaches to enhancing resilience throughout the cancer survivorship trajectory.