ABSTRACT
Emotional behaviours can be explained in both biological and neurological terms. Dopamine is related to experiences of pleasure and the reward-learning process (happy feeling). Serotonin is involved in several aspects of emotional information processing. There are three components of emotion: The subjective experience, the physiological response and the behavioural response. The James–Lange theory of emotion asserts that the emotions we experience arise from physiological arousal. In the Cannon–Bard theory of emotion, the experience of an emotion runs concurrently with the physiological arousal. Schachter and Singer suggested that emotions have two factors: A physiological arousal factor and a cognitive factor. The way we express our emotions and perceive the emotions of others is through their non-verbal or para-verbal communication process. The concept of emotional intelligence has been defined according to three main perspectives: The ability model, trait model or mixed model. All the four components of emotional intelligence can be applied to Islamic beliefs and practices: Self-awareness, social awareness, self-control and interpersonal relationship management. Empathy is another ability that builds on emotional self and social awareness. From an Islamic perspective, the Qur’an expresses human emotion in the most detailed way. Love is regarded as a drive which can make us feel either positive or negative. Hope is one of the important characteristics of a Muslim: He relies on Almighty God whatever the circumstances. In Islam, we should fear Allah and, at the same time, remain hopeful of His mercy and rewards.
