What is Islamic Counselling Psychology ? Part 1
Muslim Psychology is a growing field today that helps people in a number of areas. You can learn to live with others better, learn to cope with yourself, and the daily activities that happen in your life. Psychology is not a simple matter that you can do by yourself; an expert in the field is needed for it to be effective. It is a very powerful and transformational discipline that helps people find their purpose and helps them celebrate life, as well as be grateful of what they have. Islam and Psychology are almost related with one another since their ultimate goal is for people to attain personal well-being.
History of Islamic Psychology
It was during the Golden Age of Islam when Islamic scholars have took a keen interest in the concept of psychology and its connection to mental health. It was then at that time in which mental disorders were carried out and treated in hospitals. Even though psychiatric hospitals were already constructed in Baghdad in 705, as well as in Cairo in 805, it wasn’t until Bakar Muhammad Zakaria Al-Razi, a Muslim physician, first introduced the concept of psyhcotherpay in 925 CE that the Islamic scholars and the entire Islamic community started understanding mental health in a different light. It was Islamic scholars who started equating mental illness with physical ailments and that the mind and body shared a tangible link. Bakar Muhammad Zakaria Al-Razi bravely tackled the definition, misconceptions, and symptoms of mental health.
Although psychotherapy was popularly developed by Westerners, it was actually a part of treating mental disorders even before the Western Society had introduced the notion. In the early 20th century, the Islamic psychotherapy was not only making headway in Muslim countries but as well as in Western perspectives. This led to the many advances in the study of the mind, setting up more psychiatric hospitals, and the recognition of Islamic physicians in a wide range of mental ailments.
Overview of Islamic Psychology
Islamic Psychology, or commonly known with Muslims as Ilm al-Nafs, is both a medical and philosophical study of the nafs [self or psyche] from an Islamic point of view. It was written in the scripture (Sura 4:5 of the Qur’an) that the mentally ill must be cared for, must be treated humanely, and be told good words by a custodian or the state itself. It was also learned that mental illness is associated with physical sickness; thus, the study of Psychology flourished in the Islamic culture.
Islamic Psychology is fascinating to learn as you learn about yourself and learn to feel good and trust Allah at the same time, you can earn His love (Surah Al-Imran 3:160). As you also learn about behavior modification, you can learn to motivate yourself to give up bad acts, forgive those who caused you harm, control your irritation, rage and anger, and live more happily and peacefully (Surah al-Anfal 8:53). The most important part is you becoming a better person and nurturing your relationship with Allah. The clinician may use in clinical practice both psychological interventions and religious and spiritual exercises to aid therapy.
Islamic Psychology Today
However, today it was becoming evident that there is little to no consideration about the use of Psychology on the variety of mental and emotional turmoil and instability experienced by a number of Muslims. Contemporary Psychology has been neglected and religious rituals like prayers and fasting are given focused to achieve healing and peace. If you examine Muslims today, a number of them are experiencing a number of psychological problems that need to be addressed. Islam and Psychology, although these have a number of similarities, they must still function mutually to achieve remarkable results. One must not be chosen to be superior or effective over the other. Medication and therapy should be done to re-balance the body which religious rituals and practices alone might fail to achieve. Islam is offering preventive measures as it integrates mental and physical aspects to balance human dimension, but if you need curative procedures, making use of Psychology really helps the individual.
The problems of the mind and body must be dealt with properly. It is believed that if the body is sick, the psych fails to reach its maximum potential and vice versa. Achieving this balance between the mind and body will benefit many aspects of your life especially the spiritual aspect. Here are some ways that healing your mind and body has great effects for you:
- You will become happier. As you improve your mood, you can enhance your relationships with other people especially with your loved ones.
- You will become more accepting with your own and other people’s flaws, thus making you less judgmental.
- You will become more tolerant and respectful of others even those with varying beliefs and principles as yours.
- You become more compassionate, sympathetic and forgiving.
- You begin to feel more peaceful and serene; difficulties will become more manageable and controllable.
Conclusion
Empowering yourself with the knowledge of Islamic Psychology will give you more opportunities for introspection and understanding your own emotions which in turn will produce heart warming and satisfying relationships. Learning Psychology in the light of Qur’an helps you improve your life in general. Islamic Psychology must be encouraged in Islam and the work of a therapist or counsellor must be appreciated and seen as very beneficial to the whole Muslim society.
My wife expired suddenly within an hour due to massive heart attach four months back.. I am not able to control myself . I am aged 74 years. please send notes of how to console my self. I am alone
with regards.
k v sivakumar
Hi Mr. Siva kumar
I hope and pray that your getting better and you got some help.
I just saw this, really sorry to hear that your wife passed away and your alone.
Please let me know if you need any help.
Salaam n take care bro
I would like to know how to become an Islamic counsellor. Where can I study?
Can I join your courses please please?
I really want to study and help others id be sooooo grateful for your response. I have a passion in helping others and I really want to do this. Id really appreciate some help.
Very useful information .Islam always encourages to seek treatment when one is ill physically or mentally .We can never separate scientific knowledge from Islam .beautifully explained .well done .
I am Christian but believe in counselling with in faith and persona; context. Is there a CPD course or qualification available to help clients with in their own faith context even if it is not my own. I have a basic understanding of Islam and have read about a third of the Quran.
I would like to book for islamic counselling. how can i do that and what are the charges ?
Salaam
I would like to know how to become an Islamic counsellor. It’s such a wonderful way of helping people because shaytan likes no sin more than that of separating a husband & wife.
Hi, thank you for the article! As above I would like some more information re where I can study more about islamic counselling…
You can study our accredited training courses. The next Islamic counselling course Level 2 starts in September 2018
mashaallah beautiful and a meaningful content never thought that islam also has a psychological perspective . as a student of psychology it is fascinating to know this piece of information and inshaallah hope u post many articles like this which is of great use jazakallah khair.
Thank you. Part two is now complete and will be out shortly.
I want to have an islamic based counselling session and i am very interested in learning to become one. I have little to no clue how and how it will be a good source of income though.
If not already done so please send an email to info@sakoon.co.uk. Counselling is not about a good source of income, it’s more about helping people.
Islamic way of counselling is very helpful but Western counselling modalities want to stay away from Islamic model as far as possible.
Good to hear you liked the article. I believe I have responded to both via email. Our next article is coming out in the next week and if you are registered you will get to read it first
Alhumdulilah, this is a beautifully simply and concise written piece. Thank you to whoever wrote this as it gives the laymen a glimpse into such a beautiful topic whilst also highlighting key issues like the application of either disciplines without the other.
How do you study Islamic counselling..where do i go to read or is there a course I can attend to build up knowledge and qualifications
I have been searching for Islamic Counselling from so long.. so happy to finally bump into one. I’m really interested to get a counselling session as well as learn counselling and be a professional counselor myself and help people by doing my bit.
Assalamualaikum
About my married life