The relationship between mindfulness and religious faith: validation of the Mindfulness during Worship Scale (MWS) in a British Muslim sample

Abstract

The aim of this study was to validate the Mindfulness during Worship Scale (MWS) in a British Muslim sample (n = 122). Confirmatory factors analysis and reliability analysis were used to test the internal validity of the MWS, while bivariate correlations were used to test the external validity. The results showed that the MWS factor structure (which was originally validated in a Christian sample) retained its validity in a Muslim sample, also demonstrating good internal consistency. In addition, the MWS subscales (concentration, presence and absorption) were significantly related to both a dispositional mindfulness measure and the strength of religious faith. Finally, the results also indicated that stronger experiences of presence and absorption during worship are associated with more frequent religious practices, more favourable attitudes towards religious practices and a stronger belief in God.