Islamic Psychology and Mental Health 2023

Introduction

Why the conference?

The perspective of mainstream psychology does not acknowledge the spiritual nature of human beings and their connection to God. Recent years have witnessed a growing realization that religion has a substantial role to play in improving physical and mental health. In the fields of clinical psychology and psychiatry, many practitioners increasingly recognize the role of spirituality as an essential part of both the prevention and treatment of mental illness. Islamic psychology is one of the faster growing religion-based perspectives today, which acknowledges this spiritual connection. This perspective has also attracted the attention of Western psychologists.

Since the 1970s, there has been an exponential growth and awareness among Muslim psychologists regarding the importance of understanding and developing psychology from an Islamic viewpoint and its deep connection with mental health. Since then, the publications and debates have evolved in the form of a movement. This movement is known as Islamic psychology or Islamic perspective in psychology, which seeks to make psychology spiritually relevant. This is a fantastic opportunity to engage with world experts who are shaping this development.

How will I Benefit?

Muslim leaders, psychology practitioners, Imams, the public, and stakeholder bodies need to be equipped, not only to effectively navigate the world of contemporary Islamic psychology and its relevance to mental health, but to help others make sense of the importance and relevance of this growing movement, by gaining a good understanding of the rich Islamic tradition, its informed expert guidance and through this, gain an ability to present this work in a way which is impactful and useful for consumers i.e. Muslim public, health professionals and organisations.