Category Archives: Islamic Psychology

Importance of Sabr (Patience) in Islamic Psychology

By Abubakar Haruna In Western philosophy, patience, often referred to as “sabr” in Arabic, is seen as a virtue associated with enduring challenges without complaint. Aristotle emphasized the importance of patience in achieving moral excellence, stating that it is a key element in developing a virtuous character (Aristotle, “Nicomachean Ethics”). Similarly, Christian teachings highlight patience […]

Being Married to a Toxic Spouse

By Zaheda Motala Living with a toxic or narcissistic spouse can be an emotional roller coaster, where self-confidence is shattered, personal boundaries are constantly violated, and one’s sense of reality is distorted.  Case Study Sara was a pious and righteous 20-year-old girl who had always strived to please Allah. She had been married to Akbar, […]

The Rise of Villain Era

by Manaal Amir Ahmad  Is pop psychology just throwing the term ‘self-care’ around to hide all the chaos underneath? Are we sliding into selfish territory or as the trend says, “Entering into our Villiam Era”? The self-care craze is a hot topic worldwide these days. Research suggests about 80% of individuals have engaged in self-care […]

Psychology of Ramadan | Lecture delivered by Prof. Ramzi Taleb

Summary notes by T. Abdul Azeez I. INTRODUCTION: Islamic or Prophetic Psychology, which can also be termed as Sacred Psychology, is physically, psychologically and spiritually holistic in its approach, making it appropriate to discuss Ramadan through this lens. Definition of Ramadan: It is a month-long Spiritual rehabilitation or the inner cultivation of the heart. How […]

The Role of Forgiveness in Islamic Psychology

Forgiveness plays a pivotal role in fostering mutual love, understanding, and harmonious relationships within Islamic communities. In Islamic psychology, it is not merely a moral virtue but a powerful psychological decision that contributes to the overall well-being of individuals. This article explores the significance of forgiveness, drawing from both Islamic teachings and modern psychological perspectives. […]

Conquering Anxiety for Young Muslims (Part IV)

PART IV:  B. Social Media and Peer Pressure: Research from the Journal of Adolescent Health underscores the relationship between excessive social media use and heightened anxiety levels in adolescents. Factors such as the fear of missing out (FOMO), cyberbullying, and the perpetuation of unrealistic standards contribute significantly to increased anxiety (Source: JAH, 2019). Studies conducted […]

Conquering Anxiety for Young Muslims (Part III)

PART III: Trusting in Allah (Tawakkul) and Dealing with Anxiety: You know those times when things aren’t going as planned, and it feels like the whole world’s against you? Or when you’re super worried about exams, pleasing your boss, or taking care of your family? That’s when anxiety creeps in, right? Well, tawakkul is like […]

Conquering Anxiety for Young Muslims (Part II)

Shedding more light on mental health in Islam: Think about this: even the prince of mankind, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, faced tough times that made him sad or worried. The Prophet ﷺ had a year called ‘The Year of Sorrow’ after the demise of his beloved wife Khadijah (R.A.) and his uncle Abu Talib, along with […]

Conquering Anxiety for Young Muslims

By Zaheda Motala  Have you ever felt like the weight of the world is resting on your shoulders? Like every step forward is overshadowed by the looming fear of what’s to come? Trust me, you’re not alone. In a world bustling with challenges and expectations, anxiety can creep in like an uninvited guest, stealing away […]

Importance of Social Support in Islamic Psychology

Social support plays a crucial role in human life and well-being. There is also a  strong emphasis on it in Islamic psychology, aligning with the teachings of the Quran, the Hadith and Islamic scholars’ opinions. Social support in Islamic psychology is defined as helping or assisting an individual with any means to improve his or […]