In this episode, moderator Robert Andaluz is joined by co-host Aida Maravilla for a rich conversation exploring what Islam says about human identity, purpose, and daily living. Drawing from Dr. Utz's book Psychology Through an Islamic Lens, they dive deeper into the first chapter and examine four powerful Quranic verses that frame Allah as the Creator, Sustainer, and the One in whose hand is all dominion.

In This Episode You'll Hear About:

• The Islamic vs. secular understanding of human nature and psychology
• What it means that Allah created us and everything we do
• A clarifying note on divine attributes — why Allah's "hand" is not to be taken literally
• How remembering our place in creation leads to humility and purpose
• Why worship in Islam goes far beyond ritual prayer
• Living with tawakkul — trusting Allah's plan while still doing your best

Ruh Report — Islamic Psychology in the News

• Qatar's Ministry of Public Health released a new booklet: Hajj: A School of Psychology and Behavioral Development, focused on mental well-being, patience, humility, and self-control during pilgrimage. Download that booklet here. 
• Researchers are proposing a new framework blending Islamic psychology with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), aiming to make faith-sensitive therapy more accessible within mainstream healthcare systems like the NHS. Read that story here.
• Scholars are pushing to expand Islamic psychology beyond one-on-one therapy into schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers, serving younger and older populations. Read a research paper from Alkaram Institute on that here.  
• If you'd like to follow along with us as we go through Utz's book, get a free pdf copy here. 

Quranic Verses Referenced

• Quran 39:62-63 — Allah is the Creator of all things and the Maintainer of everything
• Quran 67:1 — Blessed is He in Whose Hand is the Dominion, and He is over all things competent
• Quran 23:88 — In Whose Hand is the realm of all things, and He protects while none can protect against Him
• Quran 37:96 — Allah created you and that which you do

Key Takeaways

• We are part of something far greater than ourselves — recognizing this is the beginning of humility.
• Having a soul, free will, and moral discernment is a gift, not a given.
• Doing things for Allah's sake transforms ordinary actions into acts of worship.
• We exist to praise Allah — not only in prayer, but in every choice, intention, and effort.
• Life is an adventure; we plan and strive, but ultimate power belongs to Allah alone.

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What does the Quran have to say about mental health — and how can its verses bring real peace to the overwhelmed, the lonely, and the searching? In this episode of Psych in Islam, Robert Andaluz and Abdul Rahman Salaam open with the latest news in Islamic psychology, then dive deep into a conversation grounded in Dr. Aisha Utz's Psychology from an Islamic Lens.

Drawing from Surah Az-Zumar (39:41), the hosts explore how Islam offers a holistic model for mental well-being — one that nourishes the spiritual, emotional, psychological, and social dimensions of the human being. Abdul Rahman shares candidly about navigating loneliness on the graveyard shift, being separated from family, and how Quranic reflection became his anchor. Robert reflects on the simple but profound peace he found by making it to the masjid after a long day of work.

Together, they remind us: it's not about racing through pages — it's about letting one ayah truly land.

In This Episode Here Are Some Key Takeaways...

•  Islamic psychology is growing — new conferences, clinical research, and an AI mental health chatbot (Yaqin) built for Muslim women in the UK
• The mosque offers community, comfort, and grounding
• The Quran can serve as a companion — not just a book to finish
• From caterpillar to butterfly: sitting with just one ayat/verse, can be a source transformation, instead of rushing past it
• Look at the example of Umar (RA) — 10 years on Surah Al-Baqarah, 10 ayat at a time

Key Verse "Indeed, We sent down to you the Book for the people in truth. So whoever is guided — it is for the benefit of his soul." — Quran 39:41

As-salamu alaykum — peace be upon you.

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