Tranquility ( Sakinah ) and Serenity ( Tuma'ninah ) of the Heart in the Quran: A Content Analysis of Their Role in Promoting Happiness within the Framework of Human Development

Salehiaref, Mohammad; Mahdavirad, Mohammad ََAli

doi:10.22034/mishkat.2026.555858.2699

Tranquility ( Sakinah ) and Serenity ( Tuma'ninah ) of the Heart in the Quran: A Content Analysis of Their Role in Promoting Happiness within the Framework of Human Development

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mohammad Salehiaref

Mohammad ََAli Mahdavirad

Farabi Compus of the University of Tehran

10.22034/mishkat.2026.555858.2699

Abstract

While modern development paradigms increasingly address non-material well-being, a significant gap remains in operationalizing revelatory constructs to alleviate existential anxiety. To elucidate the roles of Sakinah (tranquility) and Tuma'ninah (serenity) in transitioning from anxiety to flourishing, this study investigates how these constructs enhance human capabilities. Employing a qualitative Constructivist Grounded Theory approach, the research explores the semantic network of peace within authoritative Quranic exegeses. Data were analyzed through three-stage coding to formulate a paradigm model. Findings reveal development in revelatory logic as a tripartite process: ontologically, the "Divine Unity of Actions" ( Tawhid Af'ali ) grounds security; at the core, Sakinah provides "active resilience capital" and Tuma'ninah ensures "epistemic security"; consequentially, this yields "environmental livability" ( Sakan ) and "robust agency" ( Rabt al-Qalb ). Ultimately, realizing the "Good Life" ( Hayat Tayyibah ) requires integrating a monotheistic worldview with social agency. Thus, development policymaking must prioritize existential empowerment and the revitalization of spiritual capital.

Keywords

Sakinah and Tuma'ninah

Human Development

Grounded Theory

Agency

Spiritual Resilience

Hayat Tayyibah (The Good Life)

Subjects