Behavioral Change through Spiritual Guidance: Smoking Cessation Initiatives of the Qadiriyyathun Nabaviyyah Thareeqa in Galle and Beruwala, Sri Lanka

Abdul Cader Mohamed Aathif, Mohamed Junaideen Fathima Farhana, Muhammadh Jaseer Ahmadh Mubarak, Seyed Mohamed Mohamed Mazahir

Abstract


Smoking cessation remains a major public health challenge, yet limited research has explored how faith-based communities facilitate behavioral change through spiritual and social mechanisms. This qualitative case study investigates smoking cessation initiatives by the Nabaviyyah Awareness Team, affiliated with the Qadiriyyathun Nabaviyyah Thareeqa in Galle and Beruwala, Sri Lanka. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 25 purposively selected participants, supported by observation and documentary analysis, and analyzed thematically. The findings show that smoking cessation was promoted through spiritual guidance, religious counseling, community mobilization, mosque-based interventions, family engagement, and public awareness campaigns. Religious leaders strengthened moral commitment, self-discipline, and supportive socio-spiritual environments, reducing the social acceptability of smoking. Behavioral change emerged through the interaction of spiritual motivation, social support, communal accountability, and shifting social norms. The study demonstrates how a Sufi-affiliated Islamic community mobilizes spiritual and social resources to promote healthier behaviors and communal well-being.

Keywords


Behavioral change, Nabaviyyah Awareness Team, Qadiriyyathun Nabaviyya Thareeqa in Sri Lanka, Smoking cessation, Spiritual guidance

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21043/esoterik.v12i1.37009

Esoterik : Jurnal Akhlak dan Tasawuf
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