Ta’wiluna: Jurnal Ilmu Al-Qur’an,Tafsirdan Pemikiran Islam
Vol. 7 No. 2 (2026): Ta’wiluna: Jurnal Ilmu Al-Qur’an, Tafsir dan Pemikiran Islam

Konsep Was-Was dalam Perspektif Tafsir Ibn Katsir dan Relevansinya dengan Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Nursumayyah Damanik (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)
Farid Adnir (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)



Article Info

Publish Date
17 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study examines the concept of was-was according to Ibn Kathīr’s exegesis and its relevance to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in modern psychology. Employing a library research method with a conceptual-comparative approach, this research analyzes the interpretation of Qur’anic verses on was-was in Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr and compares them with the clinical characteristics of OCD based on DSM-5 criteria and contemporary psychiatric literature. The findings reveal that was-was and OCD share phenomenological similarities, particularly in the manifestation of recurrent intrusive thoughts, pathological doubt, and compulsive behaviors performed as a response to anxiety. However, fundamental differences remain: was-was is understood as a spiritual whisper originating from satanic temptation that can be overcome through religious practices such as dhikr and isti‘ādhah, whereas OCD is classified as a neuropsychiatric disorder with specific diagnostic criteria, multifactorial etiology, and requires professional clinical intervention. This study concludes that OCD can be regarded as an extreme form of was-was that necessitates an integrative treatment approach combining psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and spiritual guidance. This research contributes to the interdisciplinary dialogue between Qur’anic exegesis and mental health studies.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

takwiluna

Publisher

Subject

Religion

Description

Tawiluna: Jurnal Ilmu Al-Quran, Tafsir dan Pemikiran Islam is a peer reviewed journal dedicated to publish the scholarly study of the Quran from many different perspectives. Particular attention is paid to the works dealing with: Quranic Studies, Quranic sciences, Living Quran, Quranic Studies ...