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.

0 Brain Rules for Baby: How to Raise a Smart and Happy Child from Zero to Five

One of fascinating & practical parenting book. Just finished listen to the audio book. Highly recommended for all parents.

Amazon Description: What’s the single most important thing you can do during pregnancy? What does watching TV do to a child’s brain? What’s the best way to handle temper tantrums? Scientists know.

In his New York Times bestseller Brain Rules, Dr. John Medina showed us how our brains really work—and why we ought to redesign our workplaces and schools. Now, in Brain Rules for Baby, he shares what the latest science says about how to raise smart and happy children from zero to five. This book is destined to revolutionize parenting. Just one of the surprises: The best way to get your children into the college of their choice? Teach them impulse control.

Brain Rules for Baby bridges the gap between what scientists know and what parents practice. Through fascinating and funny stories, Medina, a developmental molecular biologist and dad, unravels how a child’s brain develops – and what you can do to optimize it.

You will view your children—and how to raise them—in a whole new light. You’ll learn:

• Where nature ends and nurture begins.
• Why men should do more household chores.
• What you do when emotions run hot affects how your baby turns out, because babies need to feel safe above all
• TV is harmful for children under 2
• Your child’s ability to relate to others predicts her future math performance.
• Smart and happy are inseparable. Pursuing your child’s intellectual success at the expense of his happiness achieves neither Praising effort is better than praising intelligence.
• The best predictor of academic performance is not IQ. It’s self-control.
• What you do right now—before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and through the first five years—will affect your children for the rest of their lives. Brain Rules for Baby is an indispensable guide.