Research Article

Contemplation in Two Muslim Countries: A Comparative Qualitative Study in Türkiye and Bosnia-Herzegovina

Volume: 17 Number: 1 June 30, 2026
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Contemplation in Two Muslim Countries: A Comparative Qualitative Study in Türkiye and Bosnia-Herzegovina

Abstract

This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the perceptions of contemplation among Muslim participants in Türkiye and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this study, which employed a basic qualitative research design, the semi-structured interview technique was used. The obtained data were analyzed through content analysis using the NVivo 15 software. The study included a total of 26 participants—15 women and 11 men—aged between 25 and 40, living in Türkiye and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The participants were selected using the criterion sampling technique, one of the purposeful sampling methods. The findings indicate that in both countries, contemplation (tafakkur) is perceived not only as a mental activity but also as a multi-layered process encompassing existential and religious dimensions. While Turkish participants predominantly associated contemplation with positive emotions, those from Bosnia and Herzegovina reported experiencing both positive and negative emotions simultaneously during the process. It was determined that in both cultures, contemplation increases individual awareness, strengthens psychological resilience, and contributes to meaning-making processes. Furthermore, it was understood that this thinking practice supports spiritual well-being and is viewed as an important part of religious life. The research findings reveal that, despite cultural differences, contemplation essentially possesses a constructive and transformative function.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Religious Studies (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

June 30, 2026

Submission Date

July 25, 2025

Acceptance Date

June 22, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 17 Number: 1

APA
İrk, E., Erkorkmaz Çoban, Ü., Çağlayan, E., & Jasarevic, A. (2026). Contemplation in Two Muslim Countries: A Comparative Qualitative Study in Türkiye and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Ilahiyat Studies, 17(1), 125-164. https://doi.org/10.12730/is.1750805
AMA
1.İrk E, Erkorkmaz Çoban Ü, Çağlayan E, Jasarevic A. Contemplation in Two Muslim Countries: A Comparative Qualitative Study in Türkiye and Bosnia-Herzegovina. IS. 2026;17(1):125-164. doi:10.12730/is.1750805
Chicago
İrk, Esra, Ümran Erkorkmaz Çoban, Elif Çağlayan, and Armin Jasarevic. 2026. “Contemplation in Two Muslim Countries: A Comparative Qualitative Study in Türkiye and Bosnia-Herzegovina”. Ilahiyat Studies 17 (1): 125-64. https://doi.org/10.12730/is.1750805.
EndNote
İrk E, Erkorkmaz Çoban Ü, Çağlayan E, Jasarevic A (June 1, 2026) Contemplation in Two Muslim Countries: A Comparative Qualitative Study in Türkiye and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Ilahiyat Studies 17 1 125–164.
IEEE
[1]E. İrk, Ü. Erkorkmaz Çoban, E. Çağlayan, and A. Jasarevic, “Contemplation in Two Muslim Countries: A Comparative Qualitative Study in Türkiye and Bosnia-Herzegovina”, IS, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 125–164, June 2026, doi: 10.12730/is.1750805.
ISNAD
İrk, Esra - Erkorkmaz Çoban, Ümran - Çağlayan, Elif - Jasarevic, Armin. “Contemplation in Two Muslim Countries: A Comparative Qualitative Study in Türkiye and Bosnia-Herzegovina”. Ilahiyat Studies 17/1 (June 1, 2026): 125-164. https://doi.org/10.12730/is.1750805.
JAMA
1.İrk E, Erkorkmaz Çoban Ü, Çağlayan E, Jasarevic A. Contemplation in Two Muslim Countries: A Comparative Qualitative Study in Türkiye and Bosnia-Herzegovina. IS. 2026;17:125–164.
MLA
İrk, Esra, et al. “Contemplation in Two Muslim Countries: A Comparative Qualitative Study in Türkiye and Bosnia-Herzegovina”. Ilahiyat Studies, vol. 17, no. 1, June 2026, pp. 125-64, doi:10.12730/is.1750805.
Vancouver
1.Esra İrk, Ümran Erkorkmaz Çoban, Elif Çağlayan, Armin Jasarevic. Contemplation in Two Muslim Countries: A Comparative Qualitative Study in Türkiye and Bosnia-Herzegovina. IS. 2026 Jun. 1;17(1):125-64. doi:10.12730/is.1750805
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