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1 " Islam emphasizes reason; it is the basis upon which humans are held accountable for their choices. It is also the characteristic that elevates the human being above the rest of Allah's creation, if that gift is used appropriately. Islamic law is designed in such a way as to preserve reason and intellect and to ensure its well-being and freedom. Islam prohibits the use of any substance that may affect the mind negatively or decrease its ability in any way. "
― , Psychology from the Islamic Perspective
2 " Sleep is important for a variety of reasons. Science has confirmed the importance of sleep and rest, both physically and psychologically. Sleep helps the body to recuperate after a long day of work and effort, by restoring and repairing brain tissue; this is why we wake up in the morning feeling refreshed and energized. Research also indicates that sleep is important for concentration, storage of memories, creativity, problem-solving, and mood. Physically, sleep strengthens the body by boosting immune cells and fortifying the disease-fighting immune system. "
3 " Evidence for this theory comes from the finding that every species seems to have a genetically determined maximum lifespan. While the average life expectancy for humans has increased, the maximum lifespan has remained stable (approximately 120 years). There is also research to suggest that at an early age, our genes trigger hormonal changes in the brain and regulate the cellular reproduction and repair process. At some point in the process, the genes that promote growth are 'switched off,' and those that promote aging are turned on. This leads to a steady decline in the functioning of the body until death occurs. One may see changes not only in physical functioning, but in the cognitive, emotional, and psychological domains as well. "
4 " Within a few months after birth, temperamental individuality is clearly established. This character then influences a person's reactions to, and interactions with, the environment. The environment may have an impact upon the personality as well. "
5 " The Prophet (ﷺ) stated that: <> (recorded by at-Tabarâni and graded reliable by al-Albâni) In this hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) presents an analogy. Our hearts are likened to the moon; just as the moon is sometimes covered by clouds that conceal its light, the heart is sometimes covered by clouds of sin that cover its light. At other times, the clouds go away, and the light shines again in the heart. The light increases when we strive to engage in acts that will increase our eemân. "
6 " The Prophet (ﷺ) stated that: «Every heart has a cloud covering it, with the similitude of a cloud covering a shining moon. It suddenly becomes dark when the cloud covers, but its brightness returns once the cloud has passed.» (recorded by at-Tabarâni and graded reliable by al-Albâni) In this hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) presents an analogy. Our hearts are likened to the moon; just as the moon is sometimes covered by clouds that conceal its light, the heart is sometimes covered by clouds of sin that cover its light. At other times, the clouds go away, and the light shines again in the heart. The light increases when we strive to engage in acts that will increase our eemân. "
7 " From the perspective of Islam, the ultimate goal of therapy is not simply to change thinking, emotion, or behaviour, but rather to have an impact upon the soul. This impact, in turn, will affect the other components of the human being. The foundation of any interventions will revolve around the spiritual development of the client. The focus on spiritual aspects will enhance the likelihood of effective and enduring outcomes. This is in contrast to secular approaches that focus on symptoms rather than addressing the primary cause, generally resulting in short-lived effects. "
8 " Empiricism is a related concept; it assumes that the ultimate and true source of knowledge is experience, or inductive reasoning from experience. In other words, if something cannot be experienced through the senses, it should not be accepted as truth. In the Islamic conceptualization, it is clear that the reality is much more complex than modern scientists will admit. The unseen world (phenomena or aspects that cannot be known using ordinary human faculties) is actually much more extensive than the seen world, and this unseen world interacts with and influences the world that we observe. "
9 " While certain aspects of personality are genetic, experience and the choices that we make also shape who we are. As mentioned earlier, Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) created humans with the potential for both good and evil. The test for every human being is to choose which of these characteristics we will support and develop, and which we will attempt to control or eliminate. "
10 " one of the limitations of the scientific method is its limited focus on the physical world and almost complete disregard for spiritual aspects of the human being. In reality, scientists are studying only part of the human being rather that the complete person. "
11 " Sleeping on the right side is also strongly encouraged and has scientifically been found to have certain health benefits, including less pressure on the heart, aiding in digestion, and generally being better for the back. "
12 " The learned are heirs of the prophets, and the prophets do not leave any inheritance in the shape of dirhams (silver) and dinars (gold), but they do leave knowledge as their legacy. Such a person who acquires knowledge, acquires his full share.» (a sound hadith recorded by Abu Dâwood and at-Tirmidhi) "
13 " We understand from revelation that humans are capable of both good and evil. The soul is not inherently evil, but it has the potential for evil, just as it has the potential for goodness. Goodness, in fact, is probably more prevalent due to the presence of the fitrah. The evil must be controlled, and the self freed from its influence, through the process of purification, "
14 " The suggested benefits of spirituality at the time of coping also include providing a source of comfort and means of healing from the traumatic experience; offering hope and optimism; giving meaning and purpose to the event; providing a framework for coming to grips with limits of personal knowledge, control, and resources; offering an external framework of control; and providing a way to 'transcend' the experience. "
15 " Theistic holism: Human beings are holistic spiritual beings, composed of an eternal soul or spirit that interacts with and influences other dimensions of reality (physical, cognitive, emotional, interpersonal, and cultural). Humans cannot be reduced to their biology, mind, or relationships. "
16 " Without these provisions, we would struggle to accomplish our various tasks and to develop our communities, our nations and ourselves. The sun provides us with light and warmth, the sun and moon allow us to calculate time, the earth enables us to grow plants and trees, the sea allows us to travel, "
17 " The term 'psyche', in fact, comes from the Greek word for soul. From the perspective of Islam, humans are dualistic, possessing both a body and a soul. The body is only a vehicle for the soul. The condition of our soul, and the spiritual level that we attain, affects our thoughts, feelings and behaviour. "
18 " However, inspiration may also refer to secretly informing someone of something. In the Qur'an, Allah gives us the example of the mother of Moses (عليه السّلام). She became very distressed when Moses was born because at that time, Pharaoh was killing all of the baby boys born to the Children of Israel. She was very worried and confused, not knowing how to protect him. Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) inspired into her heart and mind the action she should take. "
19 " An alternative definition of psychology from the Islamic perspective would include: the study of the soul; the ensuing behavioural, emotional, and mental processes; and both the seen and unseen aspects that influence these elements. This description stems from the notion that the soul is the basic element of life. It drives the behaviour, emotions, and mental processes of the human. The human psyche is not purely psychological; its essence is spiritual and metaphysical. "
20 " Prayer has become his source of gladness, his soul's delight, his heart's heaven and his place of rest from the world. "