SIVH as Antidote to Instant Gratification: An Analysis of the Paper “Harmony in Temporality: A Psychoanalytic, Scientific, and Pedagogical Inquiry into Surah Al-Asr in the Quran”
This analysis, which helps explain the SelfFusion approach, is based on the paper “Harmony in Temporality: A Psychoanalytic, Scientific, and Pedagogical Inquiry into Surah Al-Asr in the Quran” (Quanta Research, ISSN: 2806-3279, Volume 2, Issue 2, DOI: https://doi.org/10.15157/qr.2024.2.2.44-54). We shall explain how Structured Internal Value Hierarchies enable the key employees to cope with crisis and avoid instant gratification.
Many of our clients have initially expressed a degree of skepticism regarding the impact of key employees’ value structures when shaped by specific religious perspectives. Similarly, some corporations have raised concerns about framing one religion in contrast to another, particularly Christianity against Islam.
In this analysis, we demonstrate that the beneficial effects of clearly structured internal value hierarchies among key employees are not tied to any single religion. Instead, we focus on how religious thought—when sufficiently dogmatic—can serve as a stabilizing force, regardless of the specific faith tradition. From this perspective, both Islam and Christianity can contribute to similar positive outcomes in reinforcing internal value structures. These structures act as an antidote to burnout-related value collapses and mitigate the tendency toward instant gratification.
Since many of our case studies include examples of value structures derived from biblical texts, this article serves as a complementary perspective, illustrating how the Quran can also provide insights into the underlying psychological and behavioral mechanisms that emphasize hierarchical goal orientation. By reinforcing internal values, individuals can better cope with unexpected events and resist the pervasive pull toward instant gratification.
The Foundation of This Analysis: Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3)
Based on the research paper cited above, we begin by analyzing the text of Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3), which reads as follows:
"By Time [God swears by time]. Indeed, Man is in Loss, Except those who have Faith and do Righteous deeds, and enjoin one another to [follow] the Truth, and enjoin one another to Patience."
This is one of the shortest yet most profound chapters of the Quran. In terms of its density of thought, it can be compared to Genesis 4:1-16, where a similarly concentrated depth of meaning is presented in the form of a story. It addresses fundamental aspects of human existence and the conditions necessary for an accurate and truthful way of being in the world.
From a psychological perspective, these verses encapsulate key elements of human motivation, self-development, and resilience. The most suitable framework for analyzing this verse is, quite evidently, existential and dynamic. In this regard, we fully align with the core propositions put forward by the authors of the referenced paper.
Symbolic Structure of Surah Al-Asr
The authors of the study divide the verse into three distinct symbolic instances:
"By Time"
"Man is in Loss"
"Except those who have Faith and do Righteous deeds, and enjoin one another to [follow] the Truth, and enjoin one another to Patience."
Member of the “Deep-Mind” analytical team of the SelfFusion approach fully agree with the first two divisions. However, we argue that the third section contains two distinct thoughts, each of which is worthy of independent analysis. For greater conceptual clarity, we propose treating them as separate sections:
"Except those who have Faith and do Righteous deeds, and enjoin one another to [follow] the Truth."
"And enjoin one another to Patience."
Extending the Analysis
First, we wish to express our deep appreciation for the philosophical depth, intellectual curiosity, and analytical rigor of the authors. Over the years — something this brief analysis clearly reflects — SelfFusion has developed a tendency to posit absolutes in order to make our arguments as clear and precise as possible.
Thus, while we agree with many of the ideas presented in the paper, we view them as instrumental in deepening the final analysis of each section. Where there may appear to be points of divergence, they are, in reality, an extension of the original arguments — an alignment that we have taken the liberty of refining and extending further toward a more absolute conceptualization.
First: "By Time (God swears by Time)"
The swearing by time (Al-Asr) emphasizes its crucial role in human existence. Time is the most valuable and irreplaceable resource. From a psychological standpoint, an awareness of time fosters self-regulation, goal-setting, and productivity. As human beings, we possess the unique ability (or burden) to conceptualize temporality — in the simplest terms: we know that we are going to die. This awareness has given rise to various theoretical frameworks, such as Temporal Motivation Theory, which aim to harness temporality for effectiveness and purposeful living.
However, when analyzing temporality, we find it more compelling to adopt an existential framework — particularly one rooted in the concepts of existential anxiety, as articulated by Heidegger and Viktor Frankl. The awareness that time is finite shapes our entire experience of being alive and serves as the foundation for seeking meaning in life.
Thus, this part of the verse resonates most directly with the concept of existential anxiety, a theme extensively examined by Heidegger and Frankl. The recognition that time is finite pushes individuals toward meaning-seeking behaviors. In relation to the referenced paper, we align with its conceptualization of time. However, at SelfFusion, this analysis serves as a stepping stone to understanding what this means for humans as existential beings (Dasein), leading us to the conclusion that existential anxiety is the driving force behind structured value hierarchies.
Since God, as the speaker of these words, exists outside of time in His singularity, the ultimate purpose of this verse is not to present different measures of time but to emphasize the existential burden that temporality imposes on human beings. In this regard, Kant’s notion of time as one of the a priori intuitions is particularly relevant. Within the SelfFusion framework, time has always preceded and enabled space, making it an instrumental phase of analysis in arriving at the final meaning of this concept.
Application to HR Management: Framing Temporality as an Entry Point for Value Structures
When it comes to HR management solutions, SelfFusion utilizes the awareness of temporality — specifically, the thought of death — as an effective entry point for introducing the necessity of internal value hierarchies. Framing the inevitability of time as a finite resource provides a compelling argument for structuring personal and professional value systems.
When taken to the absolute, the case becomes simple: if humans were immortal, there would be little reason to concern ourselves with the quality of behavioral actions as reflections of a structured value hierarchy. Within an immortal framework, no event within structured temporality would hold comparable meaning.
Taken even further, the thought of death serves as a powerful tool for framing the probable remainder of life, which is particularly valuable for senior management. By confronting mortality, decision-makers gain clarity on which values truly matter, how long-term vision should be structured, and what guiding principles should inform leadership and corporate culture. This approach aligns with SelfFusion’s methodology for integrating existential understanding into actionable HR strategies that promote resilience, long-term motivation, and meaningful engagement in the workplace.
Second: "Indeed, Man is in Loss"
This statement presents a default psychological condition: human beings are in a constant state of decline unless they take active steps to counteract it.
Once again, we agree with the authors' description of physical decline. However, we see this as instrumental rather than the definitive final idea. We argue that there is always a natural tendency toward disorder and chaos—a principle that applies not only to the physical world (and the human body) but, far more importantly, to human behavior. Without deliberate effort, people tend to drift into unhealthy habits, procrastination, instant gratification, and—most significantly—existential emptiness. Even Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) suggests that without structure and discipline, the mind naturally inclines toward negativity bias, rumination, and loss of direction.
In an existential sense, Sartre and Camus discuss the inherent absurdity of life and the inevitability of loss. However, this verse offers an antidote: a structured path to overcoming this existential crisis.
Parallels with Other Religious Frameworks: Matthew 6:33-34
This concept closely aligns with Matthew 6:33-34, which states:
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
This idea does not, by any means, signify a "Viva la Vida (Loca)" approach of merely living in the moment and disregarding the past or the future. Quite the opposite—it conveys the key principle that one must have a governing aim in life. Only then can one truly live in the present, focusing on daily worries and joys while maintaining a clear direction, anchored by a higher aim.
Thus, this part of the verse underscores the necessity of centrality and monotheistic direction in life — a fundamental principle that religion provides. Being "in Loss" is not just about lacking a singular aim; it also reflects the infinite possibilities for action that, without guidance, can lead to fragmentation and purposelessness.
HR Management and SelfFusion Solutions: The Need for Internal Value Hierarchies
This concept serves as a crucial tool in HR management and the SelfFusion approach—both for defining internal value hierarchies and demonstrating why they are necessary.
When companies implement SelfFusion’s platform, there are almost always key employees who have adopted a detached, excessively passive approach, often framed under the guise of "calm acceptance" and extreme mindfulness" — where everything is "good" in their perception.
While many such practices can serve as temporary relief from immediate anxiety, they fail as long-term solutions in the context of corporate HR management. Why? Because they act as a bandage rather than a cure — they provide temporary emotional stability but do very little to define or reveal the underlying mental structures that dictate employee effectiveness in teams (trust factor) and their resilience to inevitable crises.
Without a clear governing aim, employees remain passive and unstructured, unable to respond effectively to challenges that demand resilience, accountability, and adaptive problem-solving. This is precisely where SelfFusion's structured value hierarchy model enables companies to move beyond superficial well-being frameworks and assess the deeper mental structures that predict long-term stability, resilience, and leadership potential.
Key Takeaways
Human beings are in a state of loss by default unless they establish structured value hierarchies.
The natural drift toward disorder, procrastination, and existential emptiness can only be counteracted through a higher aim.
Religious and existential frameworks (e.g., Matthew 6:33-34, Surah Al-Asr) emphasize the necessity of direction and structured living.
HR strategies based on "extreme mindfulness" often act as superficial bandages rather than solutions.
SelfFusion provides a method for analyzing the internal value structures of employees—revealing their long-term stability, resilience, and effectiveness as team members.
Third: "Except those who have Faith and do Righteous deeds and enjoin one another to [follow] the Truth"
Faith (Iman) signifies psychological resilience and serves as an antidote to chaos. It provides a framework for meaning, helping individuals cope with uncertainty, suffering, and existential dread. Faith grants direction, enabling one to pursue a higher purpose. Numerous studies on religious coping mechanisms demonstrate that faith reduces stress, increases emotional resilience, and fosters a sense of security.
There is no shortage of psychological research supporting the idea that taking action—engaging in meaningful and ethical behavior — enhances well-being. Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan) suggests that humans require competence, relatedness, and autonomy to thrive—all of which are embedded in the concept of righteous deeds. Various scholars have explored this notion, yet once again, we aim for a higher level of analysis: the key question is not merely taking action but rather — what action to take?
The author’s example of social media consumption is particularly valuable as a symptomatic case of self-gratification and a lack of sacrificial will in human beings. This analogy makes it easier for readers less familiar with existential thought to grasp the broader point. Let us analyze this further.
The psychologically significant problem with instant gratification (e.g., social media overconsumption at work, constant distractions, replacing live communication with messaging, etc.) is not merely the absence of discipline, sacrifice, and patience as virtuous behaviors. Rather, the true issue is the chaos of infinite, directionless choices. If an individual has willingly marginalized themselves and succumbed to instant gratification, this behavior is itself symptomatic of something deeper. Most importantly, those who fall into such habits often, at least partially and subconsciously, recognize a dark truth: no matter what they do next, none of it seems to carry any deeper significance. Here, we focus on the personal approach to life as a fundamental factor that defines an employee's behavior at work as well.
We must acknowledge the grim underlying reality — the true driver of such behavior is, in fact, fear. More specifically, in the face of infinite possibilities, the problem is not simply that a given action (e.g., using a social media app or another distraction) is incorrect but rather that none of the available choices ultimately matter. Thus, the key idea here is related to meaninglessness — the consequence of lacking a singular direction and an internal value hierarchy that establishes ultimate priorities. This is also the key idea that unites both "the Loss" that man is doomed to and "those who have Faith and do Righteous deeds."
Regarding “Following the Truth”
This part of the verse is existentially related to ethical behavior — a way of living that aligns with deeper moral values. Truth (Haqq) in this verse represents both personal integrity and the broader concept of moral and intellectual responsibility. Such alignment is only possible by living in accordance with existential truth — the very truth that has enabled humanity to survive.
In other words, much like Kant’s categorical imperative, one must choose a way of life that minimizes unnecessary suffering and chaos for oneself, loved ones, and society in general. Psychological research supports this. For example, Festinger’s theory of cognitive dissonance highlights the importance of cognitive consistency — living in alignment with truth reduces inner conflict, leading to mental clarity and stability.
Through multiple analyses, we have seen that employees cannot simply declare their values through speech alone. The key idea here is behavioral — truth is not imposed through words but rather revealed through actions. One truly understands their values retroactively, through the deeds they have committed.
Encouraging truth among others aligns with several psychological theories. Bandura’s Social Learning Theory suggests that behaviors and values are reinforced through communal reinforcement. Similarly, ethical leadership — which we study at SelfFusion — and mentoring (both implied in "enjoining truth") are crucial for mental well-being. Helping others discover and adhere to truth strengthens our own sense of purpose and meaning.
Application to HR and SelfFusion Solutions
In relation to HR, this concept has a dual function, which we have observed in extensive SelfFusion analyses:
Employees with a solid (structured) internal value hierarchy (SIVH) — one that has a singular primary aim and does not contradict long-term tasks and goals at work — are considerably more effective.
Employees lacking a well-structured value hierarchy often create significant challenges for HR and management. The consequences of their lack of internal structure frequently exceed initial concerns, sometimes escalating into legal disputes, class-action lawsuits, or other forms of workplace conflict.
In this regard, SelfFusion solutions provide tools for assessing and structuring internal value hierarchies to align individual purpose with corporate goals, ensuring both employee well-being and long-term organizational stability.
Fourth: "And enjoin one another to Patience"
In relation to Christianity, this phrase clearly signifies the importance of sacrifice — specifically, the ability to resist instant gratification, the power of emotional self-control, and the necessity of regulation and endurance.
Patience (Sabr) is not passive endurance but rather active perseverance in the face of adversity. This concept builds upon the previous sections: one can successfully sacrifice and deprive themselves only when they understand what they are sacrificing for. Without a higher aim, suffering becomes a meaningless burden. However, when a sacrifice is made with clear knowledge of its higher purpose, it not only justifies the suffering and makes it tolerable, but it also enables an overall patient and disciplined way of living.
There is no shortage of psychological research on resilience (Bonanno, 2004, etc.) showing that patience and long-term thinking are key indicators of success and mental strength. Delayed gratification, as demonstrated in the famous Stanford Marshmallow Experiment (which the authors reference), correlates with greater self-control, higher success rates, and superior emotional regulation. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) often emphasizes distress tolerance, which aligns directly with the Quranic principle of sabr. Encouraging patience in oneself and others fosters emotional strength and social cohesion.
However, while all of this is valuable, it remains insufficient for reaching the absolute. The absolute is simple: Life, in its essence, is intolerably hard.
There is no shortage of tragedies that will strike from within (chronic illness, eventual death) and from the outside environment (suffering of loved ones, betrayal, unexpected and undeserved misfortunes, etc.). Much like Job, a person will be put to the test.
This is not a pessimistic lamentation — it is an unavoidable truth. One must accept that such trials will come; it is not a question of if, but when.
Thus, in this sense, "enjoin one another to Patience" signifies that the only way to live is by actively working to alleviate suffering — both for oneself, for those closest, and, ideally, for society as a whole.
This is not passive endurance but an active pursuit of meaningful and suffering-reducing behaviors, striving to make life better, bit by bit.
This has two sides:
Doing something genuinely good for others.
Eliminating behaviors that cause unnecessary pain, suffering, and harm to others.
Let us not deceive ourselves — the second must come first.
Before one can improve life, one must first stop making it worse.
Application to HR and SelfFusion Solutions
When it comes to HR management, understanding and defining patience as active endurance is exceptionally important, leading to a clear correlation between:
The long-term effectiveness of an employee
Their resilience to crisis
In SelfFusion analyses, we have consistently observed that employees with high resilience to crisis exhibit structured value hierarchies that support their patience and endurance. These individuals are less likely to collapse under pressure and more likely to sustain their productivity in times of hardship.
On the other hand, employees who lack this psychological foundation — those who succumb easily to instant gratification and avoidance of discomfort — often show low crisis tolerance. Their responses to challenges, failures, or long-term corporate objectives tend to be reactionary, increasing HR risks in the long run.
Thus, SelfFusion solutions help organizations assess and reinforce these internal structures, ensuring that employees' resilience aligns with corporate goals, ultimately fostering a more stable, effective, and crisis-resistant workforce.
The Blueprint Surah Al-Asr Offers
The four elements outlined in this verse — and the four parts of our analysis — can be defined as faith, righteous action, truth, and patience. Together, they form an interconnected framework for living — a comprehensive psychological model that fosters human flourishing, both at the individual and societal levels.
These principles can be structured as follows:
1. Existential Awareness
Recognizing the fleeting nature of time prevents complacency. Human beings are finite, and we are doomed to know it from a very early age. This awareness serves as the foundation for all meaningful action. Without temporality, there is no urgency; without urgency, there is no direction.
2. Motivational Framework
Faith and righteous action provide purpose and structure, ensuring that one has a central aim in life rather than lingering at the margins, where "all is a question of interpretation." True meaning is not arbitrary — it guides and anchors. This is a direct challenge to postmodern relativism, which often erodes structured value systems by denying the necessity of a singular aim.
3. Ethical Integrity
Upholding truth ensures both psychological stability and social trust. One must resist the temptation to view everything as circumstantial or to become a "legion" of contradictory aims. Instead, one must cultivate singularity — aligning with something higher and unwavering.
This includes appreciating dogmatic restrictions as necessary constraints to keep chaos in check. Freedom is not found in limitless options, but rather in knowing what is meaningful and rejecting what is meaningless.
4. Resilience and Grit
Patience fortifies the mind against hardships. Willful sacrifice is not just a virtue, but a central strategy for coping with life, which — by its very nature — is tragic, painful, and unjust (life itself, not God, we must clarify for our atheist critics). The ability to endure suffering without surrendering to nihilism is the defining trait of psychological strength.
Conclusion
This Surah encapsulates a universal psychological principle:
Human beings require a structured moral and behavioral framework to counteract existential entropy and loss.
Without a clear aim, ethical integrity, and resilience, the natural tendency toward chaos dominates, leading to deterioration rather than progress. By integrating these principles, one can cultivate mental resilience, purpose, and well-being in an ever-changing world.
Further Analysis: Surah Al-Asr as an Encapsulation of Yalom’s Four Existential Fears
American existential psychiatrist Irvin D. Yalom identified four ultimate existential fears (or "givens") that define human psychological struggles:
Death
Meaninglessness
Freedom (as an existential burden rather than a privilege)
Isolation
These fears represent fundamental anxieties that all humans must confront, shaping both individual psychology and collective behavior. When examined through this lens, Surah Al-Asr provides a cohesive psychological frameworkthat offers direct responses to these existential dilemmas.
The first fear, death, is addressed through existential awareness, which arises from the recognition that time is finite. Awareness of mortality forces a deeper engagement with life, compelling individuals to act with urgency, cultivate meaning, and structure their lives intentionally. This aligns with the first part of the Surah: “By Time, man is in loss.”The reality of impermanence creates an existential burden, yet it also demands the pursuit of purpose. In this sense, the verse does not merely present a philosophical observation — it serves as a psychological wake-up call, reminding individuals that unless they actively counteract entropy, they will succumb to it.
The second fear, meaninglessness, finds its antidote in faith and righteous action — the motivational frameworkoutlined in the Surah. Without a clear central purpose, life collapses into existential drift, where all choices seem equally arbitrary and devoid of consequence. Faith provides a structured foundation that directs human effort toward something greater than the self, while righteous deeds offer tangible proof of that purpose in action. This aligns perfectly with modern psychological research on goal-setting, resilience, and self-determination — showing that those who live with conviction and pursue meaning-driven action experience greater life satisfaction and mental stability.
The third fear, freedom as an existential burden, is counteracted by ethical integrity — the principle of enjoining truthin both thought and action. At first glance, the modern world tends to view freedom as a purely positive force, but existential thinkers such as Sartre and Kierkegaard have highlighted its paradoxical nature: without a clear structure, absolute freedom becomes paralyzing. The more choices an individual has, the harder it is to make any decision at all, leading to indecisiveness, anxiety, and nihilism. The verse addresses this problem by emphasizing truth as a guiding principle. Truth does not impose rigid constraints—rather, it establishes a stable framework within which meaningful choices can be made. Much like Kant’s categorical imperative, one must commit to a way of life that reduces unnecessary suffering, both for oneself and for society as a whole.
The fourth fear, isolation, is met with the principle of patience (sabr) and communal reinforcement. In an existential sense, resilience is not purely an individual trait—it is forged in connection with others. Enjoining one another to patience means that human strength is cultivated collectively—through shared sacrifice, moral reinforcement, and social trust. The Surah does not merely encourage personal resilience; it establishes patience and endurance as a communal duty. This is particularly significant in modern psychology, where studies on social support networks show that individuals who maintain strong interpersonal connections exhibit higher emotional resilience, better stress tolerance, and overall improved mental well-being.
Conclusion
When analyzed through an existential psychological framework, Surah Al-Asr offers a structured response to the core dilemmas of human existence.
It does not simply acknowledge the inevitability of suffering — it prescribes an antidote:
It recognizes the reality of loss (entropy, disorder, existential drift).
It offers a countermeasure (faith, righteous action, truth, and patience).
It provides a clear, time-tested psychological blueprint for human flourishing.
Thus, the Surah is not merely a moral lesson — it is a psychological framework for navigating the fundamental fears of existence.
Existential Awareness – Fear of Death
"Recognizing the fleeting nature of time prevents complacency."
Yalom’s Fear of Death: The Inevitability of Mortality
One of the most profound existential struggles humans face is death anxiety — the confrontation with the inevitability of mortality. Many individuals unconsciously resist this reality, leading to psychological defense mechanisms such as avoidance behaviors, escapism, hedonism, or existential paralysis. These reactions manifest in various ways, from obsessive careerism and material accumulation to the relentless pursuit of pleasure or distractions that numb the awareness of time’s passage.
Surah Al-Asr directly addresses this issue by invoking time as a witness to human impermanence. The verse does not merely state that time passes — it declares that mankind, by default, is in a state of loss unless a conscious effort is made to counteract this natural entropy. This aligns with Heidegger’s concept of "Being-toward-death", which asserts that embracing mortality — rather than denying it — leads to a more authentic and purposeful life. By acknowledging the certainty of death, one can reorder priorities, discard trivial concerns, and engage fully in meaningful action.
From a psychological perspective, Terror Management Theory (TMT) offers a framework for understanding how the awareness of mortality influences behavior. TMT suggests that when confronted with the inevitability of death, humans tend to respond in one of two ways:
Fear-driven avoidance — manifesting in denial, indulgence in pleasure, or distraction-seeking behaviors to suppress anxiety.
The pursuit of legacy and meaningful action — channeling existential awareness into contributions that transcend the self, such as building lasting relationships, engaging in ethical work, or committing to a higher purpose.
Although SelfFusion does not fully align with all aspects of TMT, we acknowledge its relevance in illustrating the psychological consequences of confronting or avoiding death anxiety.
The Islamic response to death awareness, much like existential psychotherapy, promotes acceptance of mortality—not through nihilism or avoidance, but through constructive urgency. It fosters a life lived with intention, meaning, and a focus on moral and ethical commitment.
Put simply: Awareness of time and the certainty of death should not induce despair. Instead, it should serve as a catalyst for meaningful engagement with life, ensuring that each moment is aligned with purpose and deeper significance.
Motivational Framework – Fear of Meaninglessness
"Faith and righteous action provide purpose and structure."
Yalom’s Fear of Meaninglessness: The Anxiety That Life Lacks Inherent Meaning.
The psychological and existential struggle with meaninglessness is one of the most fundamental anxieties of human existence. Sartre, Camus, and other existentialists argue that life has no intrinsic meaning, and that it is up to individuals to create their own. While this radical freedom might seem liberating, for many, it instead induces a deep existential void, leading to despair, nihilism, or depression.
Many people, when confronted with the vast and indifferent nature of existence, fall into two broad categories:
Those who succumb to nihilism, seeing life as arbitrary and meaningless, often resulting in apathy, indulgence in temporary pleasures, or existential exhaustion.
Those who seek external structures of meaning, such as religious faith, ethical commitments, or higher-order responsibilities, which allow them to anchor their existence in something greater than themselves.
The Quranic model directly addresses this existential anxiety by prescribing a structured path to meaning: Faith (Iman) and righteous action (Amal Salih). This, of course, has a direct parallel in Christianity, where faith in God and moral action serve as the foundation of a meaningful existence. What is crucial to recognize, however, is that there must be an external framework — one that is sufficiently rigid and dogmatic — so that meaning is not endlessly reinterpreted and diluted. Without such a structure, the pursuit of meaning often collapses into relativism, where "everything is just a matter of perspective" — a stance that ultimately leads back to nihilism.
Psychological research on eudaimonic well-being (i.e., meaning-driven happiness) strongly supports this perspective. Studies consistently show that individuals with spiritual beliefs, strong ethical commitments, and a clear sense of purpose experience greater life satisfaction, reduced anxiety, and improved mental resilience.
However, Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy provides the most striking parallel to this idea. Frankl asserts that meaning is not something we passively discover, nor is it an arbitrary construct — rather, it is found through responsibility, values, and service to others. He emphasizes that humans must align themselves with something beyond their immediate desires in order to avoid falling into existential despair.
This aligns directly with the Quranic prescription of faith and righteous action as a defense against existential loss. Regardless of religious affiliation, the fundamental psychological truth remains: humans require structured meaning to avoid existential emptiness, and faith provides the most stable and historically tested foundation for that structure.
Put simply: Rather than seeing meaninglessness as an unsolvable problem, one must actively engage in faith, ethical action, and purpose-driven living. Whether through Christianity, Islam, or another solid value system, meaning must be tethered to an objective structure — because without it, no viable alternative exists outside of the abyss of relativism and nihilism.
Ethical Integrity – Fear of Freedom (Responsibility)
"Upholding truth ensures psychological stability and social trust."
Yalom’s Fear of Freedom: The Anxiety That Comes with Radical Personal Responsibility
Freedom is often celebrated as one of the highest human ideals, but existentialists such as Sartre and Kierkegaard have long highlighted its hidden cost — responsibility. True freedom is not just the ability to choose but also the necessity of bearing the consequences of those choices. In essence, freedom is both liberating and terrifying.
This paradox mirrors author’s analysis of instant gratification, where the avoidance of responsibility leads to indulgence rather than discipline, distraction rather than purpose. Many individuals fear the weight of their own choices, and as a result, they fall into predictable psychological patterns:
Avoidance: Failing to confront difficult decisions, procrastinating, or numbing oneself with distractions.
Bad Faith (Mauvaise Foi): In Sartrean terms, this refers to self-deception — pretending that external forces, rather than oneself, determine one’s life.
Blame-Shifting: Attributing personal failures to external circumstances — whether society, upbringing, or fate — rather than taking ownership.
The Quranic principle of "enjoining truth" (Haqq) serves as an antidote to this avoidance of responsibility. The idea is simple yet profound: truth is not optional; it is an obligation. One must actively pursue truth, both in personal conduct and in broader societal ethics. This means facing uncomfortable realities, rejecting self-deception, and taking responsibility for one’s moral and existential choices.
From a psychological perspective, Festinger’s Cognitive Dissonance Theory supports this idea. When individuals act in ways that contradict their core values, they experience psychological distress. This internal conflict can only be resolved in two ways:
By aligning actions with truth and ethical integrity, reducing inner turmoil.
By distorting truth (self-deception), which leads to long-term instability and fragmentation of the psyche.
Furthermore, social trust depends on collective ethical integrity. Émile Durkheim’s sociology explains that societies require shared moral frameworks to prevent anomie — the breakdown of norms and social order. Without a common commitment to truth, trust erodes, and social structures collapse into disorder.
However, the most significant psychological connection here is with Jungian individuation. For Jung, true self-actualization requires an honest confrontation with one's shadow — the hidden, darker aspects of the psyche that one typically denies. Accepting full responsibility for one’s existence — one’s thoughts, actions, and moral choices—is the foundation of personal growth.
In its simplest terms: Freedom is not merely personal autonomy — it demands truthfulness, accountability, and ethical alignment. Without responsibility, freedom devolves into chaos. Without rules and constraints, it dissolves into orderless anxiety. Left unchecked, this can ultimately lead to neurosis, fragmentation of identity, or even psychosis.
Thus, freedom without truth is not freedom at all — it is a burden that, if mishandled, leads to existential collapse.
Resilience and Grit – Fear of Isolation
"Patience fortifies the mind against hardships."
Yalom’s Fear of Isolation: The Fear That We Are Ultimately Alone in Our Suffering
Humans are inherently social beings, yet suffering is an experience that isolates us. No matter how much support one receives, there are aspects of pain, grief, and existential despair that remain deeply personal. This paradox — the simultaneous need for connection and the inevitability of individual suffering — forms the foundation of existential isolation.
The Quranic principle of "enjoining patience" (Sabr) offers a profound response to this existential fear. Rather than withdrawing into despair, one is encouraged to endure hardship collectively, reinforcing communal strength and resilience. This is not just a spiritual or theological notion—it is supported by extensive psychological research.
Psychological Insights into Patience and Resilience
George Bonanno’s resilience research (2004) demonstrates that individuals who cultivate patience and long-term perspective are significantly more likely to recover from trauma and setbacks. Grit and endurance are not passive traits but active strategies for overcoming adversity.
Attachment Theory (Bowlby) highlights that strong, secure relationships are key to psychological well-being. When people endure hardship together, they develop deeper emotional bonds and stronger mental resilience.
Bandura’s Social Learning Theory supports the idea that perseverance is contagious — by encouraging patience in others, we simultaneously strengthen our own capacity for endurance. This creates a reinforcing cycle of resilience within communities, workplaces, and families.
These insights demonstrate a key principle: Patience is not about passively tolerating hardship — it is about enduring suffering with purpose.
Taking It to the Absolute: A Christian Perspective
From a Christian perspective, impatience is more than just a personal failing — it reveals an unwillingness to sacrifice, a prioritization of short-term gratification over long-term well-being. True moral endurance demands sacrifice — not just for oneself, but for family, loved ones, and society at large.
At its core, selfish impatience is sin, as it prioritizes personal comfort over moral duty. The worse the sin, the greater the consequences.
But what is the harshest punishment of all?
It is no coincidence that Dante’s Inferno places the worst sinners — not in flames, not in physical torment — but in a frozen abyss, trapped in isolation and immobility.
The ultimate suffering is not external pain but absolute disconnection — the inability to move, to engage, to be seen or heard. This is the purest form of Hell: total alienation from others, from purpose, from truth.
The Ethical Imperative of Shared Endurance
Suffering is an unavoidable aspect of human life. But when endured with moral purpose, it transforms into a force that strengthens the community.
Unjust suffering isolates and degrades the individual—leading to bitterness, nihilism, and moral decay.
Purposeful suffering — endured with others — reinforces duty, mutual respect, and the ethical necessity of recognizing each individual as an autonomous moral being.
Thus, patience is not just an individual virtue — it is a social necessity. To suffer alone is torment. But to endure hardship together, for a cause greater than oneself, is the foundation of true resilience.
This is why patience is essential — not just for mental strength, but for the survival of any ethical society.
Conclusion: A Psychological Blueprint for Existential Fulfillment
Surah Al-Asr is not merely a theological doctrine — it is a psychological roadmap for navigating the fundamental struggles of human existence. It provides a comprehensive framework that aligns with, and in many ways expands upon, Western existential thought.
Through its four core principles, this Surah offers:
A proactive approach to death anxiety – By emphasizing time-awareness and purposeful living, it provides an antidote to the existential paralysis caused by the fear of mortality.
A structured pathway to meaning – Faith and ethical action offer a stable foundation for those grappling with nihilism and purposelessness.
A moral anchor against existential paralysis – Truth and accountability prevent individuals from falling into self-deception and bad faith, fostering both personal integrity and societal trust.
A resilience-building mechanism against suffering and isolation – Patience, perseverance, and, as discussed in the Christian context, sacrificial endurance serve as psychological buffers against hardship and loneliness.
This model transforms existential dread into a cohesive and actionable life philosophy — one that integrates faith, discipline, and long-term fulfillment.
Relevance to HR Tech and SelfFusion’s Structural Approach
In the context of HR technology and corporate well-being, this analysis provides profound insights into how structured, singularly focused mental hierarchies (such as monotheistic religions) contribute to psychological resilience.
At SelfFusion, we have repeatedly observed that employees with clearly defined value hierarchies — rooted in stable, meaningful frameworks — exhibit greater mental resilience, ethical consistency, and long-term effectiveness.
Faith-based cognitive structures provide individuals with a deeper sense of purpose, reducing burnout and existential crisis at the workplace.
Truth-centered accountability models enhance team cohesion and prevent internal conflicts driven by moral relativism.
Sacrificial endurance (patience and perseverance) fosters long-term stability, ensuring that employees are not derailed by setbacks or crises.
This analysis illuminates SelfFusion’s structural approach — demonstrating how deeply ingrained belief systems can serve as psychological scaffolding to counteract common HR challenges, particularly when evaluating employee effectiveness and mental resilience.
Ultimately, whether framed through religious, philosophical, or psychological lenses, the need for structured existential frameworks remains universal.
