Tips to Ensure You Don’t Miss Fajr Prayer – An Excerpt from Problems and Solutions by Muhammad Salih al-Munajjid
Excerpt from Psychology from the Islamic Perspective by Aisha (Hamdan) Utz
AS an undergraduate student of psychology and then as a graduate student, specializing in clinical psychology in secular universities in the United States, I struggled to find a psychological theory that accurately and comprehensively explained human nature. Although I studied more than 250 theories offered by secular psychology, not even one was able to provide me with an accurate understanding of the human nature. Some theories seemed more attractive than others, but there was always something missing, or the pieces did not seem to fit together quite right.
Upon completing my doctorate degree, I began a search to determine what Islam had to say about the topic. (I had already been Muslim for several years). The search was rather difficult at first, as it was nenecessary to sift through the misguidance of Sufism and various other philosophical approaches in Islamic psychology. By the grace of Allah, I came across some authentic sources in English; as I read more and more, the light began to shine, and the truth became apparent. I was completely amazed at how the Islamic approach seemed so uncomplicated. I felt relieved to have finally found the theory that I had been searching for.
Islam offers a clear, straightforward, and comprehensive view of what it means to be human. It encompasses our purpose in life, our inherently spiritual nature, the importance of our relationship with Allah, our priorities in life, and so forth. Islam also details the steps that we need to take to purify our souls, protect ourselves from Satan, and achieve the highest level in this world and the hereafter. These are goals that every human being is capable of achieving. The struggle is not easy, but the goals are certainly attainable.
I am enthused by research coming out of Western institutions that had proclaimed their secular theories for so long. Research is now pointing to the relevance of religiosity and spirituality in the lives of individuals and to the influence this has on the mental and physical health of its adherents. As more scientists have become interested in the topic, the evidence has been mounting. Religiosity/spirituality has emerged as an extremely beneficial factor in preventing, managing and recovering from emotional, psychological and physical illnesses. This research, in reality, points to the truth of Islam. Allah (the Exalted) mentions:
{We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth. But is it not sufficient concerning your Lord that He is, over all things, a Witness?} (Qur’an 41: 53)
© IIPH 2013
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