Developing Muslim Athletes’ Mental Toughness Using Psycho-Religious Strategies

Abstract

Adversities are intrinsic to competitive environments where peak performance is crucial, impacting athletes across diverse domains including sports. For Muslim athletes, unique challenges stemming from their religious identity necessitate specialized strategies to foster mental toughness. This literature review explores psycho-religious approaches to enhance mental toughness among Muslim athletes. Through an analysis of literature published between 2014 and 2024, we identify key factors such as a rigorous training environment, access to psychological support, and intrinsic motivation as pivotal in cultivating mental resilience. While existing research primarily emphasizes individual psychological skills (athlete-centered training program), integrating cultural and religious contexts—such as the Islamic concept of patience (sabr)—offers a more holistic approach for Muslim athletes. This integration not only enriches current practices but also underscores the importance of cultural competence as well as religious faith in optimizing athletic performance through the development of mental toughness. Future research should further explore and validate these strategies to better support Muslim athletes in achieving their competitive goals.