Al-Qalam 
Nabeela Vad Walla is an advocate for mental health. She has published her 3rd book “I Care About You.” It is about the Islamic aspect of anxiety, depression, Islamic Psychology and remedies from the Qur’an. Al Qalam spoke to her.
What is Islamic Psychology and why do you think it is relevant in 2022?
“So, Psychology was founded as a discipline by our forefathers such as Al Ghazali, Al Rhaze, Al Balkhi and many other well-known Muslim scholars in what was known as ‘The golden-age of Islam’ and prior to them, the best Psychologist to practice being Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him).
The scholars studied the Qur’an and the life of Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) in order to document human behaviours and remedies for certain conditions. During this time, the West was involved in many harmful practices that included the drilling of the skulls and other dangerous interventions to psychiatric conditions. After some time, the documented practices of the Muslims were adopted by the West and their names latinised.”
With more and more people experiencing stress, anxiety and depression what can you suggest?
“My books attempt to explain what can be done. So much can be said on this topic. The aim of my books is to normalize conversation around Islamic Psychology and for community leaders, adults and anyone really to familiarise themselves with mental stress conditions to understand it by reading about it.
The next step is to visit a registered counsellor, Psychologist or Psychiatrist that is familiar with Islamic Psychology. There is a growing network of professionals in SA and worldwide. A practitioner that is familiar with Islamic Psychology will take you through the process of counselling therapy, or talk-therapy, in order to gain a better perspective of the person’s reality.
Through talk therapy they will be able to assist people using different interventions in order to help a person. Sometimes, a person may need additional assistance to function optimally. The practitioner will look at natural alternatives first and will then look at more halaal-un-tayyibun (permissible and pure) chemical alternatives that match the chemical compositions that were initially developed by Muhammed Zakariyya Al Rhaze, the first person in history to start psychiatric treatment and a psychiatric ward in Baghdad.”
How can understanding Islamic Psychology and going for counselling help a person?
“Psychology is a discipline that is very much misunderstood. And mental conditions are even more taboo with the stigmas attached to it. People spread a lot of misinformation such as: “There is no such thing as psychology/anxiety/depression” or “You have a mental condition because you do not have faith or low faith”, or “Psychology is un-Islamic”.
“Another common comment is: “only mad people go to psychologists”, “she/he is mad that is why they are going for counselling”.
“These statements are false, ignorant and detrimental too. Just like physical conditions are given by Allah, so are mental conditions. So, by reading more on the subject, others can acknowledge and understand better. Through that understanding, more people and those around them will be able to get the help that they need. Anyone who has suffered grief, trauma or any mental discomfort knows how uncomfortable and terrifying their experiences are. So, by going through the counselling process, they will be working through their experiences. Enduring it and sitting with it, (which is the actual meaning of Sabr) and then being able to accept that it is a part of their journey and moving forward in a direction that will give them physical and mental relief.”
Where can we find information on Islamic Psychology?
You can get books on Islamic Psychology from bookshops. My books are available at Islamic bookshops countrywide. You can also find information on my social media, search @acoatforlife There’s a Global Organization called, International Students of Islamic Psychology (ISIP) that has opened a chapter in South Africa, you can visit their website www.isip.foundation
You can contact me on icarelifesa@gmail.com or 083 722 6162 for counselling and other information as well. *Nabeela Vad Walla studied psychology, nutrition and thereafter researched the Islamic aspect of mental health for 8 years. Her previous books were ‘A Coat for Life’ (2017) and a children’s book, ‘Hannah and Bilal Healthy and Happy’ (2019).
