Reading the therapeutic contract in the Quran

Thought of the day

Day # 6

“The term ‘internal object’ means a mental and emotional image of an external object that has been taken inside the self. The character of the internal object is coloured by aspects of the self that have been projected into it. A complex interaction continues throughout life between the world of internalised figures and objects and in the real world (which are obviously also in the mind) via repeated cycles of projection and introjection.”

This definition, from the Melanie Klein trust, is important at this point to understand the psychic process that is being described and developed through the verses we have read and that serve as a preamble to verses 30 to 39.

In Surat Al Fatiha, man identifies and introjects a complete whole Object he can relate to, rely on and submit to. Unlike human internal objects, it is an object that one comes to experience with one’s heart and is guided to with one’s mind.

I wonder if this is a point of divergence between European and Islamic views of the psyche; Islam proposes a heart psyche, while western propensity leans towards a mind psyche. But perhaps this idea will become clearer as we go along.

Internalising God as a complete whole object, that is completely separate from being human, that has no needs, no beginning no end and escapes our human imagination seems to be the task at hand.

The importance of understanding this concept helps then unpick all the projections we as humans direct towards God when we refuse to enter in his peace. Verses 25 to 29 can be viewed as an introduction to this important psychic process that will be symbolised in the story of creation. It reminds us of the separateness and absolute omnipotence of this Object.

To read more on object relations follow this link

Internal objects – Melanie Klein Trust

Surat Al-Baqara

:25  [Prophet], give those who believe and do good the news that they will have Gardens graced with flowing streams. Whenever they are given sustenance from the fruits of these Gardens, they will say, ‘We have been given this before,’ because they were provided with something like it. They will have pure spouses and there they will stay

2:26  God does not shy from drawing comparisons even with something as small as a gnat, or larger: the believers know it is the truth from their Lord, but the disbelievers say, ‘What does God mean by such a comparison?’ Through it He makes many go astray and leads many to the right path. But it is only the rebels He makes go astray

2:27  those who break their covenant with God after it has been confirmed, who sever the bonds that God has commanded to be joined, who spread corruption on the earth- these are the losers

2:28  How can you ignore God when you were lifeless and He gave you life, when He will cause you to die, then resurrect you to be returned to Him

2:29 It was He who created all that is on the earth for you, then turned to the sky and made the seven heavens; it is He who has knowledge of all things

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