Addressing Trauma: Pop Psychology vs Islamic Psychology

Addressing Trauma and "Blockages" a Comparative reflection on Pop Psychology vs Islamic Psychology

By: The Millennial Muslimah

The fields of #psychology offer diverse perspectives on understanding human behavior and mental health. Pop psychology, often rooted in secular self-centered ideologies, stands in stark contrast to Islamic psychology, which emphasizes #spirituality, faith, and a connection to Allah. In this post we will explore the distinctions between these two perspectives in terms of concepts like trauma and blockages.

The concepts of #trauma and blockages in pop psychology and #Islamic psychology are remarkably different. While pop psychology centers on individual healing and self (Nafs)-actualization, Islamic psychology emphasizes spiritual alignment, connection with Allah and the importance of living in accordance with one's innate disposition (#fitra). Recognizing these distinctions is crucial for those seeking a holistic understanding of human well-being and mental health.

NB: We are not addressing mental health illness or clinical conditions in this post, rather it is a look at how healthy individuals process trauma and blockages within the different approaches.

Trauma in Pop Psychology vs. Islamic Psychology:

Pop Psychology: Pop psychology typically defines trauma as psychological distress resulting from a distressing event or series of events. It often focuses on the individual's mental and emotional "healing" through various therapeutic techniques.

Islamic Psychology: In Islamic psychology, trauma is viewed in the context of a person's relationship with Allah, not necessarily linked to any type of event. Trauma can occur when one strays from their #fitra, the natural disposition of being in harmony with the Will of Allah (Radaa bil Qadaa). It's not just about healing the self but returning to a state of spiritual alignment.

The inability to process one's emotional state effectively, is what causes events to be stored as "trauma"

This "trauma" then becomes a blockage, hindering ones ability to thrive in everyday situations.

Two people may go through the same event, but the Meaning they attach to it, and the manner in which they process that event determines their individual outcome.

In pop psychology this "trauma" is processed in a manner that leads one to the glorification of Self (Nafs), while in Islamic psychology, this "trauma" is processed in a manner that leads one to Allah.

Blockages in Pop Psychology vs. Islamic Psychology:

Pop Psychology: Blockages in pop psychology refer to psychological barriers, often stemming from past experiences or beliefs, that hinder personal growth and well-being. "Treatments" aim to remove these blockages and improve one's life satisfaction in a manner that appeases the Self (Nafs).

Islamic Psychology: In Islamic psychology, blockages are seen as obstacles on the path to surrendering completely to Allah. These can be worldly anxieties, sinful behaviors, or illnesses in the #heart. The focus is on dealing with these impediments, to look through them and use them as a catalyst to gain Closeness to Allah. To reach a point where one's heart is in a state of tranquillity regardless of is happening on the outside. To become the embodiment of Radaa bil Qadaa, perfectly content with Divine Decree.

Self-Centered vs. God-Centered Approaches:

Pop Psychology: Pop psychology often promotes self-help and self-improvement with little or no reference to spirituality. It emphasizes individual autonomy and self (Nafs)-actualization.

Islamic Psychology: Islamic psychology is inherently Allah-centered. It acknowledges that human well-being is intrinsically linked to one's connection and relationship with Allah. Surrendering to Allah and finding peace in aligning with His will is the ultimate goal.

Living Against Fitra as a Cause of Trauma:

Islamic psychology posits that living against one's fitra, which means acting in ways contrary to one's innate disposition toward faith and spirituality, can lead to trauma of the soul. Forcing one's self (soul) to live in a manner that is against its nature is regarded as oppression and transgression (zulm) against the soul. This trauma results from distancing oneself from the divine purpose, becoming heedless of Allah and ones Ultimate Aakhira golas and creates a void in the heart that secular therapies can not adequately address.

Secular approaches to psychology, while valuable in many respects, are often incomplete in addressing mental health issues holistically because they predominantly focus on the individual and lack a transcendent framework. These approaches emphasize personal fulfillment, subjective happiness, and self-determined meaning, which can fall short when individuals face profound adversity, existential crises, or spiritual emptiness.

Secular psychology tends to overlook the deep sense of purpose, resilience, and hope that can be derived from connecting one's difficulties to Allah, as is emphasized in the Islamic worldview. By neglecting the spiritual and transcendent dimensions of human existence, secular psychology fails to provide a comprehensive understanding of mental health and well-being, leaving individuals searching for deeper meaning and struggling to cope with existential challenges.

Seeking advice on Islamic psychology from properly qualified and trained individuals is of paramount importance as it ensures a sound and authentic understanding of the subject. Qualified experts in Islamic psychology have undergone rigorous education, training and supervision, enabling them to integrate Islamic principles and spirituality with psychological insights in a responsible and ethical manner. This expertise helps individuals navigate complex psychological issues within the framework of their faith, promoting mental and emotional well-being.

Conversely, following advice from individuals who lack proper qualifications can be harmful, leading to misconceptions, misinterpretations, or even distortions of Islamic psychological principles. Such misinformation can potentially exacerbate mental health issues or lead individuals astray from the spiritual path, causing harm to their psychological and spiritual well-being. It is therefore crucial to exercise caution and seek guidance from qualified sources to ensure a balanced and beneficial approach to Islamic psychology.