Anniversary Reflections

A Personal reflection on studying Islamic Psychology 

BY: The Millennial Muslimah 

This December (2024) marks 7 years since I embarked on the journey of studying #Islamic #psychology (gosh! How the time flies!) As I reflect on this milestone, I am overwhelmed with #gratitude. These years have not only deepened my understanding of human nature but have also transformed transformed me and my Worldview. 

When I first began this journey, I thought I understood the basic principles of Islam and human psychology. However, diving deeper into this field has revealed layers of wisdom I never knew existed.

The #Qur'an and #Sunnah, which I had always viewed as sources of guidance, have become my lens for understanding the complexities of the human soul, the nuances of human behavior, and the profound interconnectedness between our spiritual, emotional, and psychological states.  

Studying Islamic psychology has reshaped my perspective on life’s tests and tribulations. I now see trials not as random occurrences but as divine interventions designed for growth and purification. This understanding has been life-changing. It has helped me navigate my own challenges with greater patience, gratitude and trust in Allah’s plan, knowing that discomfort propels us toward our highest good, even if we cannot see it in the moment.  

One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is how to engage with other philosophies and psychological frameworks critically and thoughtfully. The Qur'an serves as the Furqan, the criterion by which I evaluate ideas and Concepts like Stoicism’s emphasis on resilience or Viktor Frankl’s search for meaning.  

It has been incredibly fascinating to study how people give meaning to their world and how they interprets the world around him. Understanding different frameworks and philosophies,  the principle of Islamic Psychology have kept be grounded and my Worldview rooted in Divine truth like a bungee chord that prevents me from losing myself as I explore the ideas of others.  Studying and engaging  with people from different corners of the world have enriched me with understanding the unique way each community implements the Universal teachings of islam. Each adding depth and dimension to the worship of Allah that allows us to be UNITED IN OUR DIVERSITY as the Fitra recognizes the core Truth.

At the same time, my studies have helped me recognize the dangers of toxic ideologies that lead us astray—hedonism that glorifies pleasure, radical individualism that erodes community, or New Age spirituality that undermines reliance on Allah. These insights have not only sharpened my critical thinking but also reaffirmed the timeless relevance of Islamic teachings.  

This journey has also been a deeply personal one. It has helped me understand the intricacies of the battle within the soul, and the centrality of the heart in shaping behavior. The wisdom of scholars like Al-Ghazali, Ibn Taymiyya, and contemporary voices like Dr. Malik Badri, Professor Rassool and others of Al Balagh Academy and the many others whose lectures, conferences and workshops i have benefitted from has illuminated pathways for personal growth.

I’ve come to see that true healing and fulfillment lie in aligning the self with its divine purpose. As Al-Ghazali reminds us:  

 “The ultimate happiness of a human being is to know Allah.”

This knowledge has redefined my goals and priorities, helping me find clarity and peace in a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming.  The more I see of this crazy world, the more grateful I am for Islam.

Seven years later, I am grateful for more than just the knowledge I’ve gained. I am grateful for the transformation it has brought into my life—for the patience I’ve learned in trials, the clarity I’ve found in confusion, and the purpose that now grounds the decisions I make.  

I often reflect on the verse:  

“Perhaps you dislike a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.” 

(Qur'an 2:216)  

This verse has become a cornerstone of my life, reminding me to trust in the unseen wisdom of Allah’s plan. It is a lesson I have learned both in theory and in practice. I thought I "lost" everything when I walked away from an incredibly successful lifecoaching career with a monthly reach of over a quarter of a million people across various Platforms. After 16 years of searching, what Allah granted me for giving it all up for His sake alone can NEVER even compare! He removed the blinkers from my eyes and the veil from my heart and showed me step by step the treasures that lie in The Ultimate Truth!  Such immense treasure cannot ever be quantified by any human units. Words fail to even remotely describe this magnificence! 

As I mark this anniversary, I am filled with hope and determination to continue this journey. The field of Islamic psychology has shown me that the Qur'an and Sunnah are not just sources of spiritual guidance but comprehensive frameworks for understanding the human experience, a complete and comprehensive way of life. 

I am grateful to Allah for guiding me to this path and for allowing me to benefit from the timeless wisdom of our tradition. I hope to continue learning, growing, and sharing these insights, so that others, too, may find healing, purpose, and peace in the Divine Wisdom of Islam.  In sha Allah