How self care maximizes your potential with Dr. Abdallah Rothman
Aug 3, 2021
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Dr. Abdallah Rothman, an expert in self care, discusses the importance of self care in parenthood and how Islam promotes it. They explore maximizing one's potential through self-care, nurturing the spiritual aspect in Islam, and the role of the principal at Cambridge Muslim College.
Self-care in Islam involves practices like Salah, reading Quran, community engagement, and attuning to natural cycles, aiming to tap into a higher energy and capacity to serve.
Having role models, like the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), who balanced multiple responsibilities, helps Muslim parents navigate challenges in parenting by prioritizing self-care and redefining success.
Deep dives
The Importance of Self-Care in Parenting and Islam
Self-care is crucial for Muslim parents as they balance various responsibilities and challenges. Islam recognizes the importance of self-care for spiritual nourishment and to be the best versions of themselves. Following the example of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), who balanced multiple roles and responsibilities, self-care in Islam involves practices like Salah, reading Quran, community engagement, and attuning to natural cycles. It is not purely self-indulgent but aims to tap into a higher energy and capacity to serve. Self-care should go beyond physical needs and encompass nourishing the spirit through practices like reflection, self-awareness, and meditation. It is a daily practice that requires constancy and discipline to cultivate a state of presence and alignment with Allah.
The Role of Role Models and Finding Balance
Having role models is important for Muslim parents to navigate the challenges of parenting in today's world. While societal expectations often promote constant busyness and no time off, it is crucial to challenge these notions and redefine success. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) serves as the ultimate role model, demonstrating how to balance various responsibilities while also taking care of oneself. By cultivating habits like self-discipline, managing emotions, and aligning with natural cycles, Muslim parents can achieve a state of balance and fulfillment. It is essential to prioritize self-care and place it as a 'big rock' that guides daily routines and decision-making.
Redefining Self-Care and Its Spiritual Aspect
Self-care should not be limited to mere self-indulgence or meeting physical desires. In an Islamic context, self-care involves nurturing the self holistically, including the spiritual, emotional, and cognitive aspects. It requires both compassion and discipline, acknowledging that self-discipline is essential for personal growth and spiritual development. While self-care may involve activities that make one feel good, it should not be limited to temporary fixes or avoiding deeper personal work. Instead, self-care in Islam aims to tap into a deeper connection with Allah, nourish the spirit through acts of worship, self-reflection, and introspection, such as Salah, Quran recitation, and journaling. It involves recognizing the bigger picture and submitting to Allah's will, allowing for transformation and growth.
In today’s modern world, our days are incredibly busy. Maybe even chaotic. Between attending to the children, schoolwork, working from home, schooling from home, maintaining the household, connecting with family - and everything in between - the burnout is inevitable. Oftentimes, taking care of yourself is a distant afterthought. But how do we find the power in parenthood if our power reserve is running on empty? Did you know that Islam emphasizes the importance of self care? What can parents do to realize the importance of self care in our everyday life? How does Islam promote self care? We are joined by Dr. Abdallah Rothman. He heads the Muslim College at the University of Cambridge in the U.K. He is also the founder of Shifa Counseling - a practice that works on the intersection of Islamic spirituality and mental health.
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