Ep: 43 Approaching Islamic Psychology - Dr. Abdallah Rothman
Feb 3, 2019
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Dr. Abdallah Rothman returns to discuss the fascinating intersection of faith and psychology, specifically Islamic psychology. He sheds light on how belief in Allah influences personal healing journeys. The conversation highlights the core principles of Islamic psychology, emphasizing the importance of the soul and spirituality. Rothman also explores the heart-body connection in emotional awareness, and the unique spiritual dimensions of healing. Additionally, he delves into the paradox of human will versus divine control, offering insights on finding balance.
Islamic psychology prioritizes a holistic view of human identity, intertwining the soul's relationship with Allah and personal experiences.
The discipline's integration of spiritual growth with psychological healing emphasizes aligning personal aspirations with divine will for true well-being.
Deep dives
Exploring Islamic Psychology
Islamic psychology emphasizes a holistic approach to understanding the human condition, placing importance on the relationship between the soul and Allah. This perspective sees human identity as rooted in the soul, which extends beyond mere life experiences, memories, and trauma, stretching into existence before birth and after death. The establishment of the International Association of Islamic Psychology reflects a growing recognition of this field, aimed at setting standards in education and practice. By merging both traditional Islamic teachings and contemporary psychological practices, this emerging discipline is positioned to provide meaningful insights into personal healing and spiritual growth.
Distinctions Between Psychology and Islamic Psychology
Islamic psychology differentiates itself from conventional psychology primarily through its ontological stance, which interprets human nature in a fundamentally different way. While mainstream psychology often centers on the self and identity shaped by past experiences, Islamic psychology views the self as intertwined with the soul and its divine origin. This perspective expands the treatment goals beyond healing emotional distress to nurturing spiritual awareness and alignment with Allah. Understanding this connection between psychology and spirituality enables a comprehensive approach to issues like mental health and personal struggles in the context of a larger spiritual trajectory.
The Role of the Soul in Healing
In Islamic psychology, the treatment process aims to reorient individuals toward their soul, facilitating a deeper understanding of the human experience. Elements such as the concept of ‘fitra,’ which denotes the natural state of goodness and unity with Allah, play a crucial role in this healing journey. Practitioners employ methods that resonate with both the body and soul, encouraging clients to access deeper emotional and spiritual layers beyond cognitive patterns. By emphasizing this soul-oriented approach, therapy can address underlying issues that contribute to emotional and mental disturbances, fostering a more profound sense of fulfillment and health.
Integrating Spirituality and Psychotherapy
The therapeutic goals in Islamic psychology are not solely focused on symptom relief but also on achieving spiritual alignment with Allah. Understanding Allah's sovereignty cultivates a sense of dependence and trust, shaping what true well-being entails in the Islamic tradition. This integration allows clients to reframe their struggles, recognizing that personal aspirations should align with divine will rather than individual desires. By fostering this perspective, therapy can elevate the healing process from merely addressing mental health challenges to embracing a spiritual journey toward closer connection with the Creator.
Dr. Abdallah joins me again to approach theory and practice of Islamic psychology.
Work with Karim and the Noor team
https://www.noorhumanconsulting.com/
International Association of Islamic Psychology
https://www.islamicpsychology.org/
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https://coffeewithkarim.com/
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