What is Islamic Psychotherapy?
Contemporary Islamic Psychotherapy has a unique therapeutic approach that combines Islamic teachings with modern psychological practices. It is not only based on Islamic traditions but it is also concerned with most of the fields of study such as psychology, education, and ethics. The combination of Western counseling approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), family therapy, and solution-focused therapy with Islamic values of well-being and spirituality is an aspect of this integration (Awaad & Ali, 2015; Isgandarova & O’Connor, 2012). Such therapeutic intervention will enable the client to achieve psychotherapeutic needs from the Islamic perspective.
The Role of Muraqaba in Islamic Psychotherapy
A key component of Islamic psychotherapy is Muraqaba, a meditation practice derived from Sufism. Moreover, a very important ingredient for Islamic psychotherapy is Muraqaba, a meditation practice inspired by the Sufis. The name “Muraqaba” indicates “watch over” or “care for”, and it portrays mindfulness and contemplation regarding the soul concerning the Creator. In this case, thus, Muraqaba will make a practitioner or salik mindful of his inner state (batin) and external activities (zahir), and other unseen realms of reality (ghayb). Self-awareness, out-of-judgmental thinking, and understanding the full and whatnot about life and dying are a few examples of the output of it.
Integrating Muraqaba with Modern Therapy Models
Modern therapeutic models like Muraqaba combined with Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) strengthen the outcome of these paradigms throughout the entirety of the healing process. These streams have further added an improvement in mental health, a stronger self, and a deeper connection to spirituality through strengthening mindfulness, by managing stress, motivating mental well-being, and self-discovery.