CISAC Islamic Studies Research Colloquium

Contributed By: events coordinator
Organizing Institution: ISRA Academy
Contact email: [email protected]
Start Date: September 29, 2023 (3:00pm AEST)
End Date: September 29, 2023
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.isra.org.au/events/cisac-islamic-studies-research-colloquium/
– ---

Description:

Towards A New Islāmic Scholarship in Islāmic Psychology: Integrating Maqasid Methodology and Critical Frameworks

The burgeoning field of Islāmic psychology has witnessed growing interest in integrating Islāmic principles with psychological theories. However, prevailing scholarship in this field has encountered limitations stemming from superficial integration and a lack of cohesive methodology. This presentation advocates for a comprehensive approach by combining Maqasid methodology, cycles of reflection, critical literature analysis, and formative principles. There are challenges posed by existing scholarship, which often involves the mere overlay of Islāmic concepts onto psychological theories without deeper examination. The limitations underscore the need for a more structured approach that goes beyond surface-level integration. The introduction of the stages of the Maqasid methodology as a foundational framework for advancing Islāmic psychology is proposed This methodology, rooted in the Qur’ân and Sunnah offers a structured lens through which to analyse psychological theories. The importance of the cycles of reflection s emphasised focusing on the iterative process of reconciling Islāmic principles with psychological insights. This approach encourages scholars to engage in continuous dialogue, refining their understanding and uncovering deeper connections between Islām and psychology. A critical literature analysis as an essential skill for scholars in this emerging field. By critically evaluating existing literature, scholars can identify gaps, biases, and opportunities for a more comprehensive integration. The proposed framework also highlights the importance of grounding scholarship in the reality of individuals and communities. Critical skills encompass not only theoretical analysis but also an empathetic understanding of the real-world challenges faced by Muslims, bridging the gap between theoretical constructs and practical research application. Incorporating formative theories and principles is another crucial aspect of the proposed framework. By drawing from the rich tradition of Islāmic scholarship, contemporary scholars can tap into the insights of past luminaries to inform their work in Islāmic psychology. By amalgamating Maqasid methodology, reflective cycles, critical analysis, and formative principles, this framework offers a comprehensive path to authentic integration. It acknowledges the richness of Islāmic tradition while embracing the evolving landscape of psychological research. the proposed approach towards a new Islamic scholarship in Islāmic psychology has the potential to transform the field into a vibrant research endeavour that enriches both Islamic teachings and psychological understanding.

Professor Dr. G. Hussein Rassool is Professor of  Islāmic Psychology, Centre for Islāmic Studies & Civilisations, Charles Sturt University, Australia.  Professor of Islamic Psychology & Consultant, Riphah Institute of Clinical and Professional Psychology/ Centre for Islamic Psychology.  Director of Studies, Department of  Islāmic Psychology, Psychotherapy & Counselling, Al Balagh Academy. Chair of Al Balagh Institute of  Islāmic Psychology Research

He was previously the Director of the Riphah Institute of Clinical and Professional Psychology/Centre for Islamic Psychology, Riphah International University. He also formerly worked for International Open University (Islamic Online University) as the first of Head of Department of Psychology and later became the Dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He is a Fellow of the International Association of Islamic Psychology (FIAIP) and the Royal Society of Public Health (FRSPH).  He works as a part-time Islamic psychotherapist.

He is one of the leading academics in the areas of Islamic Psychology and psychotherapy and involved in the development of the first BSc Islamic Psychology at IOU. He also developed a first, University accredited Certificate course in Islamic Psychology launched in Pakistan in October 2019. A new course on Advanced Diploma in Islamic Psychology and Psychotherapy is being launched in January 2022. The first globally advanced course in Islamic psychology and psychotherapy. His research interests include psychosocial and spiritual problems in relation to mental health, psychosocial and spiritual interventions, indigenous psychology, Islamic counselling and psychotherapy, Islamic ethics in psychology. He has published over 22 books and over 120 papers and reviews in peer-reviewed journals. He also works as a part-time Islamic psychotherapist.

Islamic Theological Approach to the Attachment Theory

This presentation explores the concept of Allah as an attachment figure from an Islamic perspective. The Attachment Theory, developed by Bowlby, has been expanded to include the idea that the relationship with God can be seen as an attachment bond. This bond with Allah can be described as an “absolutely appropriate attachment figure” who is protective, caring, and always available. While there are similarities between human relationships and the relationship with Allah, it is important to note that Allah is unique. A healthy attachment to Allah can be characterised by maintaining proximity, using Allah as a secure base for exploration, regarding Allah as a haven of safety, and experiencing anxiety when feel disconnected from Allah. Islam promotes these criteria through theological teachings and practices. This exploration of Allah as an attachment figure provides insight into the Islamic perspective on healthy attachment and the role of Allah in the lives of Muslims.

Zuleyha Keskin is the Associate Head of School at the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation (CISAC) and a lecturer in Islamic Spirituality and Contemporary Islamic Studies. Zuleyha co-founded ISRA Australia in 2009 with the vision to establish university level Islamic studies courses that teach both classical and contemporary Islamic studies at university level. This led to the establishment of the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation (CISAC) at Charles Sturt University.

Zuleyha facilitated the development of the Bachelor of Islamic Studies, Bachelor of Islamic Studies (Honours), Master of Islamic Studies, Master of Classical Arabic, and most recently, the Graduate Certificate in Islamic Psychology. Zuleyha has been the Course Director at Charles Sturt University for these courses since their inception in 2010.

Zuleyha is also the Managing Editor of the Australian Journal of Islamic Studies (AJIS) and the President of the Australian Association of Islamic and Muslim Studies (AAIMS).

 ‘Afiya and well-being in Islam

Abstract (Coming soon)

Hanan Dover

Hanan developed the Graduate Certificate in Islamic Psychology, coordinating and teaching the course.  Hanan Dover is an experienced Clinical and Forensic psychologist with special interests in trauma, mood and anxiety related disorders, sex therapy, chronic pain, psychopathy, deception, neurodevelopmental disorders, and challenging behaviours. She is also a certified EMDR and neurofeedback practitioner. As a forensic psychologist, Hanan can also conduct forensic psychological assessments and write reports relevant for court and assess risk. Hanan has completed four degrees (including two Masters degrees) in Psychology and is currently the Vice President of the International Association of Muslim Psychologists.