Development and psychometric validation of the faithful insight scale among Muslim university students

Despite growing recognition of spirituality's role in psychological functioning, the literature remains critically devoid of psychometrically sound instruments capable of measuring faith-based cognitive insight within Muslim populations, as existing tools are predominantly anchored in Western secular frameworks inadequate for capturing Islamic epistemological dimensions. The present study aimed to develop and psychometrically validate the faithful insight scale (FIS) among Al-Azhar university students. A sequential multi-phase design was employed across two independent samples: an exploratory sample (N = 679) and a confirmatory sample (N = 843), alongside a retest subsample (N = 140). Content validity was established through expert panel review, exploratory factor analysis examined the underlying structure, and confirmatory factor analysis evaluated competing models. Construct validity and reliability were comprehensively assessed. Results revealed a robust four-factor hierarchical structure encompassing constructive interpretation, surface-depth integration, meaning-value perception, and moral conscious awareness, demonstrating excellent model fit, strong convergent and discriminant validity, excellent internal consistency, and adequate temporal stability. The FIS constitutes a culturally grounded and empirically rigorous instrument that authentically integrates Islamic epistemological principles within contemporary psychometric methodology, offering researchers and practitioners a validated tool for advancing theory and evidence-based practice in Islamic psychology and Muslim mental health contexts.