Sometimes when you’re in a dark place you think you’ve been buried, but you’ve actually been planted.[1] Introduction It all started in college. Ahmed couldn’t remember the exact turning point but...
Spirituality and Psychology
Coping with Grief: A Spiritual and Psychological Guide
Grief What is grief? Grief is a natural and emotional reaction to the loss of someone or something important to you. The loss can be a person, an object, or even a way of life. During a time of loss, emotions can be...
The Spiritual Psychology of Worship
Introduction Many young Muslims have grown up dreading acts of worship, viewing them as cumbersome tasks devoid of any meaning or fulfillment. 58% of respondents to a Yaqeen Institute survey of Muslims from the United...
A Loan of Love: Appreciating the Blessing of Family in Difficult Times
Introduction One of the greatest factors that increases one’s faith is seeing revelation come alive. It is one thing to read the Qur’an and prophetic traditions without seeing their practical applications and...
In Hardship and in Ease: How to Rely on God
Introduction …But perhaps you hate 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.[1] This life is a test, both in good times and bad. As I...
“Why Is Everyone’s Life Better than Mine?” Protecting Yourself from the Dangers of Comparison
Introduction Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life; everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated. Thus...
“How Can I Ever Get Past This?” Reclaiming Your Future After the Abuse Has Ended
Note Only when we’re brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light. -Brene Brown[1] TRIGGER WARNING This section contains information about sexual assault, which may be...
“It’s All My Fault”: Quieting and Healing Your Inner Critic
Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars. -Edwin Hubbell Chapin[1] Introduction Halima was ecstatic when she found out she was pregnant with her first child...
Reframing the Suffering Narrative: Can Affliction Direct Us to Our Calling?
Introduction In 1095 C.E., Imam Abū Ḥāmid Al-Ghazālī (d. 505/1111) was one of the highly esteemed scholars of Baghdad. He had it all: fame, fortune, family, and prestige. Nevertheless, deep in his heart lay an...
“Everything is Falling Apart”: Dealing with Unexpected Life Detours
Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for. -Zig Ziglar[1] Case study The day of the doctor’s...
Proving God’s Existence | In Pursuit of Conviction II
Introduction Throughout history, theologians and philosophers have enumerated the many evidences and proofs for God’s existence. In response, atheist philosophers have attempted to critique these arguments and provide...
“Why Does Allah Hate Me?” Rescripting Negative Self-Talk
“Be with someone who makes you happy” ― Anonymous Case study Ever since Rula was a young girl, she thrived in close relationships—mostly because she lacked connection at home with her parents. Her parents...