0 Psychology from the Islamic Perspective (Book Review)

 

Indeed, We sent down to you the Book for the people in truth. So whoever is guided - it is for [the benefit of] his soul; and whoever goes astray only goes astray to its detriment. And you are not a manager over them. [39:41]

First and most I thank the Rabb of the universe who created the heavens, the earth and provided the humanity the great gift of Islam which is a complete and comprehensive religion. Subhanallah!

Yes, I am here after a quite long time to share some of the knowledge which seemed to be beneficial to me and with the hope that it will be beneficial for my sisters too Insha Allah!

Today we are in a world which is filled with mental illnesses like anxiety, worry, distress, and depression which will be the second largest killer after heart disease by 2020. These are the words heard across the globe rather than the words happy, calm, and peace which Islam promotes and for what Islam was gifted for.

Subhanallah! What is the reason….?  It is the deprivation of SPIRITUALITY. While I was going through some psychological books was feeling that something was missing. Though, it covered most of my doubts like causes, symptoms, stages of psychological issues etc… the missing part was SPIRITUALITY. The soul requires a spiritual connection to its sources, The Creator, just as the body requires food and water to survive.

This is a wonderful book written by Dr. Aisha Utz, worth to be read by all of the Muslim psychiatrists.

The main weaknesses of the secular approach to psychology is that:

• Human are viewed as independent of their creator and Lord
• Theories are based upon human intellect alone, apart from the revelation of the creator
• Knowledge and research focus only on tangible aspects of humans, while ignoring the spiritual and unseen elements
• Behaviors are generally seen to be determined solely by drives, reflexes, conditioning and social influences.

To understand the true nature of humans in an Islamic framework, it is important to go back to this story of their creation, as detailed in the Quran. We can glean a great deal of knowledge from the well-known story, knowledge that is beyond the realm of scientific theories and speculations.

Here are some of the lessons about human being on an Islamic view:

Human are unique in their creation and distinct from their creator. Human was placed on earth for a purpose which is to worship Allah. They are his successors on earth, and all of the earth’s resources are been made subservient to them.

The key to salvation and happiness is in following the guidance that comes from Allah. This will determine the value of this life and their states in the hereafter.

As parents it is important to know that which is norm and abnormal behavior of kids, adolescents, and so on... to build up a healthy and brave society Insha Allah.