Working With Crisis and Trauma From an Islāmic Perspective

Zarina Hassem (MA Psychology, advanced diploma in Islāmic psychology), serves as senior lecturer at the International Open University and lecturer and research supervisor at IIEMSA, South Africa. She has worked in various community-based organisations as a counsellor, psychometrist, workshop presenter, and researcher.Shireen Ismail is a South African practicing psychologist specialising in educational, family, and child psychology. An academic and educator, she holds a Master’s degree in educational psychology, an Honours degree in Islāmic sciences, and a postgraduate diploma in Islāmic psychology. As a founder of humanitarian and community initiatives, she advocates a distinctive approach that integrates psychological practice with spiritual principles, promoting holistic healing and character development through love, hope, and compassion.Nabeela Vad Walla is a published author, graduate of psychology and practicing counsellor with certifications in nutrition, psychology and neurosciences. She is an advocate for sunnah eating, stress relief and healthy lifestyle choices for mental wellness. She has been in research for over 10 years and counting, and has wellness counselling practices in Johannesburg and Durban, South Africa.G. Hussein Rassool is a distinguished academic and professional in Islāmic psychology, holding multiple prestigious roles, including Professor of Islāmic Psychology at Charles Sturt University, Australia. He is a Fellow of both the International Association of Islāmic Psychology (FIAIP) and the Royal Society of Public Health (FRSPH), and a Trustee Board member of the International Association of Muslim Psychologists. He has authored over 30 books and more than 150 peer-reviewed papers and reviews. In addition to his academic roles, Professor Rassool is a part-time Islāmic psychotherapist and serves as a consultant for various international organisations.

'Working with Crisis and Trauma from an Islāmic Perspective is a groundbreaking contribution to the field of Islāmic psychology. The authors have skilfully integrated Islāmic principles with contemporary trauma-informed care, offering a culturally sensitive and spiritually enriching approach. This book is an essential resource for practitioners, scholars, and anyone seeking to address trauma through an Islāmic lens. An enjoyable read for those committed to holistic healing and understanding the intersection of faith and mental health.'Muhammad Khalily, Professor, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Shifa Tameer‑e‑Millat University Islāmabad'Working with Crisis and Trauma: An Islāmic Perspective offers a compelling exploration of trauma and spirituality. Combining contemporary trauma therapies with Islāmic teachings, this book presents a holistic approach to healing, addressing the mind, body, heart, and soul. Drawing from the Noble Qur’ân and the life of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), it frames trauma as a test, fostering resilience and spiritual growth. The work emphasises the importance of faith, community, and reliance on the Divine, providing practical interventions and insights for professionals and the general public. This book is an essential resource for those seeking to understand and heal trauma from an Islāmic perspective.'Khalida Haque, SNCPS (accredited) integrative psychotherapist and clinical supervisor'There are some books that don’t just add knowledge but fill a much-needed gap, and this is one of them. Working with Crisis and Trauma from an Islāmic Perspective is exactly the kind of resource that has been missing in the field of mental health, one that acknowledges both the psychological and spiritual realities of trauma.So much of trauma therapy focuses only on the mind and body, but what about the Ruh? What about the deeper struggles that go beyond symptoms, the loss of meaning, the crisis of faith, the disconnection from self and purpose? This book does a brilliant job of bringing all of this into perspective, showing how Islāmic teachings and psychological healing can work together, rather than separately.One of the things I truly appreciate is how this book moves beyond theory. It gives practical tools, case studies, and interventions, making it relevant for therapists, counsellors, and even community leaders who find themselves supporting people through crisis. The discussion on post-traumatic growth and how spirituality plays a role in rebuilding life after pain is especially important. Many of the clients I work with describe trauma not just as an event that hurt them, but as something that shook their entire foundation of faith, relationships, and identity. This book doesn’t dismiss those struggles, it validates them and offers a way forward.Another strength of this book is how it challenges the secular lens of modern psychology. Faith isn’t just a belief system, it’s a lifeline. The authors recognise this, showing how Islāmic principles like sabr (patience), du'a (supplication), and tawakkul (trust in Allāh) are not just comforting ideas, but powerful, therapeutic coping strategies.For therapists like myself, this book is an important reminder that healing isn’t just about symptom reduction. It’s about helping someone reconnect with themselves, their Creator, and the deeper meaning in their lives. And for anyone who has experienced trauma, it offers something just as valuable, which is hope. A must-read for anyone at the intersection of mental health, faith, and healing.'Zulekha Shakoor Rajani, counselling and spiritual psychologist, Mind and Brain Hospital, co-head of the Department of Islāmic Psychology, Research & Training at Mind and Brain Hospital'I endorse this innovative book, integrating Islāmic principles with psychotherapeutic practices for trauma healing. The authors provide a holistic framework, addressing mind, body, and spirit. This seminal work offers hope for individuals struggling with trauma, inspiring spiritual growth and healing. This book explores the significance of nurturing the whole human being through spiritual practices, emphasising that true healing involves not only recovery of the psyche but also reconnection with the Divine. The authors' comprehensive approach stimulates a new wave of research, practice, and community engagement, cultivating growth and resilience.'Yasien Mohamed, Emeritus Professor of Arabic and Islāmic Philosophy, University of the Western Cape'A landmark contribution to the fields of Islāmic psychology and trauma-informed care, this book offers a holistic and spiritually grounded framework for healing. Rooted in Qur’ānic wisdom and Prophetic guidance, it integrates contemporary therapeutic insights with Islāmic principles to address the full human experience. It serves as an essential resource for practitioners, community leaders, and anyone seeking to navigate crisis and trauma through a faith-informed lens.'Zuleyha Keskin, Associate Professor, Associate Head of School, and Islāmic Spirituality Lecturer at Charles Sturt University'An increasing number of Muslims are experiencing trauma, yet existing therapeutic methods disregard religion and spirituality in the recovery process. There is a significant demand for an Islāmically informed approach to therapy for trauma victims. This book, authored by experienced Islāmic psychologists, addresses this need. It skilfully draws on Islāmic resources combined with modern trauma therapy techniques, providing a holistic and spiritually sensitive framework that will undoubtedly improve treatment adherence and outcomes.'Zoubir Benmebarek, psychiatrist in private practice, Algeria'Working with Crisis and Trauma from an Islamic Perspective is a vital and long-awaited contribution to the field of trauma-informed care and practice that is grounded in Islamic psychology. This volume seamlessly integrates Qur’ânic wisdom, Prophetic models of healing, and contemporary psychological approaches to address trauma in a culturally and spiritually meaningful way. Professor Hussein's ability to hold both the science of healing and the sacredness of the human soul reflects the depth and integrity of this work. It is an essential guide for Muslim clinicians and anyone seeking to provide professional, holistic, and religiously congruent trauma support.'Hanan Dover, clinical and forensic psychologist – MAPS, MAAPI; President of Mission of Hope; lecturer in islamic psychology at Charles Sturt University

• 1. Crisis, Trauma, and Their Impact on Health 2. Muslim Experiences and Responses to Trauma 3. Healing Solutions from the Life of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Prophets (عليهم السلام) 4. Therapeutic Interventions with Trauma: Contemporary Therapies from an Integrative Perspective 5. Spiritual Interventions in Treating Trauma 6. Healing Beyond Trauma: Journeys to Growth and Resilience 7. Case Studies and Evidence-Based Interventions in Trauma Therapy Index