Islamization of Contemporary Psychology: Integrating Faith with Modern Science

Various initiatives have been put in place to augment efforts to harmonize Islamic principles with contemporary psychology.

This effort was encapsulated in the recently concluded workshop on the Islamization of Contemporary Psychology, which aimed to explore the rich intersections between Islamic values and modern psychological practices. The goal is to promote a holistic understanding of human nature, including behaviors, emotions, spirituality, and cognition enriched by Islamic teachings, addressing the needs of Muslim communities and beyond.

The objectives of the workshop were multifaceted. The primary goal was to address the essential need for integrating Islamic values and principles into contemporary psychological theories and practices, thereby fostering a comprehensive approach that leads to more culturally and spiritually relevant work on mental health.

Additionally, the workshop aimed to enhance the understanding of both Muslim scholars and psychologists regarding how Islamic teachings can inform and enrich psychological practices. This cross-pollination of ideas is expected to lead to the development of new frameworks and models that incorporate Islamic perspectives into contemporary psychology.

Under the theme 'Integrating Islamic Principles with Contemporary Psychological Practices,' the workshop featured dynamic and deep engagement among participants, fostering rich dialogue on the integration of Islamic and psychological principles.

The workshop provided valuable opportunities for exchanging thoughts and experiences among academics, researchers, and practitioners in the fields of psychology and Islamic studies. In addition to gaining a profound understanding of how Islamic principles can be integrated into contemporary psychological practices, participants learned ways to strengthen basic psychological frameworks and models for addressing psychology from Islamic perspectives, thereby providing a stronger foundation for further research and application.

The workshop was conducted by Prof. Dr. Nizar Alani, a renowned expert in Islamic and contemporary psychology, who brought his extensive knowledge and experience to the forefront of the discussions. The workshop established a network of academics interested in the Islamisation of psychology, promoting ongoing collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Participants were also facilitated in identifying key areas that require attention in their future research and collaboration, setting the stage for continued advancements in this interdisciplinary field.

The workshop included sessions on Islamic perspectives on mental health, ethical considerations in Islamic psychology, and the development of frameworks for integrating Islamic principles into psychological practices. It provided a robust foundation for participants to explore the theoretical and practical dimensions of psychology from Islamic perspectives. Some of the key takeaways from the workshop include:

1. The need to focus on key Islamic concepts such as fitrah (common sense) and ruh (spirit/soul), which are deemed essential in understanding human behavior. The discussions underscored the significance of cultural context in shaping values, religious beliefs, and psychological assessments, emphasizing the need for culturally adapted approaches. The workshop highlighted Allah as the ultimate source of knowledge and advocated for the necessity of research that benefits humanity through a culturally sensitive lens, stressing the imperative of integrating Islamic principles into contemporary psychology for a more comprehensive understanding.
2. The need to explore an alternative to Western contemporary psychology from an Islamic perspective. Two key aspects were highlighted: Mortakzat, the theoretical philosophical foundations, and Muntalaqat, the functional premises derived from these foundations. The workshop emphasized the Reference Frame for Islamic Psychology, focusing on primary research sources such as the Holy Qur'an, the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), and fitrah (common sense), alongside standards for evaluative judgment based on legal and moral criteria. Grounding psychological practice in Islamic philosophical and ethical foundations was underscored, stressing the importance of contextual relevance and alignment with Islamic values in research and application.
3. The need for judicious considerations in analyzing psychological data from an Islamic perspective, including integrating stages of human development from Surah Noor (a chapter in the Qur'an), social and cultural standards, and traditional sources of knowledge. The workshop emphasized the importance of adhering to Islamic guidelines, which prioritize human dignity, freedom, ethical conduct, and objectivity in presenting results. It also stressed key features of research, including methodological rigor, knowledge generation, fostering positive human relationships, environmental preservation, and adherence to ethical principles.
4. The need for integrating Islamic principles into academic and research settings, as addressed in 'The Executive Frame for the New Perspective,' formulated by Professor Alani. This framework aims to achieve global integration through specialized seminars, research centers, and recognition within institutions like the American Psychological Association (APA). It prioritizes holistic well-being, encompassing a balanced life that fulfills spiritual goals while honoring familial and societal responsibilities. Aligned with Islamic teachings on life and the Hereafter, this holistic approach underscores the integration of Islamic principles into psychology. It seeks to promote academic discourse and enhance individual well-being by integrating a comprehensive understanding of both spiritual and worldly aspects.

Dr. Shukran Abd Rahman is a professor of Industrial and Organisational Psychology at AbdulHamid AbuSulayman Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia.

Faiza Lamara-Toefy is a Registered Counsellor and Director of FLT Psychological Consulting (Pty) Ltd in the City of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.

This report is a recapitulation from the seminar on Islamisation of Psychology held from 31 May 2024 to 2 June 2024 at the International Islamic University, Malaysia (IIUM). The seminar was jointly organised by the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) and the International Islamic University, Malaysia (IIUM).