The definition of Islamic spiritual care & psychotherapy is still a matter of debate, as different interpretations have been used to describe both terms. Even experts such as Sabnum Dharamsi and Abdullah Maynard question whether there is a model of counselling and psychotherapy that can be called "Islamic." Does the term apply merely because Islamic concepts and knowledge influence the therapeutic process? Does the usage of this term justify just because Muslim psychotherapists and counsellors draw upon their faith in the counselling relationship and process? Alternatively, is the term applicable because Islamic knowledge and techniques are incorporated into the mainstream model of psychotherapy?
Despite the ambiguity surrounding the name and relationship of Islamic psychotherapy, spiritual care and counselling with Islam, the practice of Islamic counselling is not a new concept. Historically, it was referred to as nasiha, centring around the principles of Islamic beliefs and practices. Islamic psychotherapy can be traced back to notable Muslim psychologists such as Abu Zayd al-Balkhi, Abu Bakr Muhammad Ibn Zakariya Al-Razi (Rhazes), Abu ‘Ali al-Husayn ibn Sina (Avicenna), and Muhammad bin Muhammad Abu Hamid al-Ghazali. These pioneers discussed common cognitive distortions and cultural beliefs as part of their treatment approach for mental disorders in their respective works.
Islamic spiritual care & psychotherapy combines contemporary psychotherapeutic approaches with traditional Islamic healing methods to help individuals address their cognitive, behavioural, emotional, spiritual, and religious issues. It aims to provide holistic therapy and spiritual healing, incorporating Islamic faith and jurisprudence education. Islamic psychotherapy is described as a long evolutionary process to address spiritual and mental health issues and to provide a form of therapy for spiritual purification.
Islamic spiritual care and psychotherapy are based on theories and interventions that rely on Islam's fundamental religious and spiritual sources, such as the Qur'an, Sunnah, hadith, and the works of classical and contemporary Muslim scholars. These sources are used to help clients achieve personal growth and maturation. Islamic spiritual
Islamic spiritual care and psychotherapy are based on theories and interventions that rely on Islam's fundamental religious and spiritual sources, such as the Qur'an, Sunnah, hadith, and the works of classical and contemporary Muslim scholars. These sources are used to help clients achieve personal growth and maturation. Islamic spiritual care and psychotherapy incorporates practices like tarbiyya, which involves nurturing individual potential; ta'lim, which entails gaining knowledge; and ta'dib, which focuses on developing good social and moral manners and personal conduct in crisis situations. These practices are essential components of Islamic psychotherapy.
Muslim therapists trained in Islamic spiritual care and psychotherapy can assist individuals experiencing maladjustment who may find solace in an Islamic context. During the therapy, the clients get a chance to address emotional, spiritual or mental health concerns and gain insight into a path to spiritual healing, self-purification, and
Muslim therapists trained in Islamic spiritual care and psychotherapy can assist individuals experiencing maladjustment who may find solace in an Islamic context. During the therapy, the clients get a chance to address emotional, spiritual or mental health concerns and gain insight into a path to spiritual healing, self-purification, and forgiveness. Integrating Islamic customs into psychotherapy is essential in serving Muslim patients. By weaving together these sources, Islamic spiritual care and psychotherapy provide a unique approach to better address the mental health needs of Muslim patients. Additionally, it educates clients on the Islamic faith, spirituality and fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence).
Islamic spiritual care and psychotherapy practices are not new concepts but have been practiced for some time. Rather than relying on a singular method, it combines contemporary psychotherapeutic and Islamic healing techniques to help individuals overcome their issues and lead fulfilling lives. This holistic approach encourages individual
Islamic spiritual care and psychotherapy practices are not new concepts but have been practiced for some time. Rather than relying on a singular method, it combines contemporary psychotherapeutic and Islamic healing techniques to help individuals overcome their issues and lead fulfilling lives. This holistic approach encourages individuals to delve into their cognitive, behavioural, emotional, spiritual, and religious aspects. In sum, Islamic spiritual care and psychotherapy are a blend of traditional counselling and psychotherapy with the core principles of Islam.
This website is a personal initiative of Dr. Nazila Isgandarova to summarize resources on evidence-based Islamic spiritual care and psychotherapy literature. Dr. Isgandarova is an Assistant Professor and SPE Practicum Director at Emmanuel College at Victoria University in the University of Toronto. She is an accomplished researcher, registered psychotherapist, and social worker focusing on psychotherapy, counselling, and spiritual and religious care in healthcare settings. Dr. Isgandarova is passionate about serving her clients, especially immigrant and refugee families, and encouraging women to reflect deeply on their inner lives and spirituality to help them connect to their emotional and spiritual selves. She focuses on violence prevention, justice, social support system reform, housing and food insecurity, and racial and religious bias. For this purpose, she supports community organizations such as CASC, CCMW, AWSC, One Voice, Women to Women, One Love Family Services, etc. She has received awards for her contributions to the field, including the Order of Vaughan and the Forum for Theological Exploration research award.
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