The Need of Islamic Counselling

The Need of Islamic Counselling


The Muslim community in the Western countries like UK and USA faces a great deal of social challenges brought about by forces from the mainstream society. The forces of the media; the presence of guns, alcohol, and drugs; the proliferation of adultery and fornication; and, the atmosphere of a society lacking guidance all contribute to the challenges faced by our communities. These outside forces have exaggerated all the simple tasks of creating families, raising children, and supporting our friends and neighbours.

God has given us tools to solve our community problems, by using the Quran and Sunnah. In addition, Islamic counselling emphasizes spiritual solutions, based on love and fear of Allah (SWA) and the duty to fulfil our responsibility as the servants of Allah (SWA) on this earth.

The principles of Islamic counselling are the following: confidentiality, trust, respect, recognizing the difference between arbitration and counselling, loving what is good for other people, making peace between people, concern about Muslim affairs, good listening habits, understanding others' cultures, the partnership between Imams and professionals, awareness of the law of the land, and the ultimate goal of connecting people with Allah (SWA) and offering spiritual solutions to them. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is our model and example in showing compassion about others' concerns. It was reported that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was a good listener. Allah (SWA) has described his patience in listening to others in the Holy Quran:


Sura 9 - At-Tawba [Repentance, Dispensation] Verse 61-61:
61. وَمِنْهُمُ الَّذِينَ يُؤْذُونَ النَّبِيَّ وَيَقُولُونَ هُوَ أُذُنٌ قُلْ أُذُنُ خَيْرٍ لَكُمْ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَيُؤْمِنُ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَرَحْمَةٌ لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنْكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ يُؤْذُونَ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ


Sura 9 - At-Tawba [Repentance, Dispensation] Verse 61-61:
61. Among them are men who molest the Prophet and say, "He is (all) ear." Say, "He listens to what is best for you: he believes in Allah, has faith in the Believers, and is a Mercy to those of you who believe." But those who molest the Messenger will have a grievous penalty.


Sura 58 - Al-Mujadila [She that Disputeth, The Pleading Woman] Verse 1-1:
1. قَدْ سَمِعَ اللَّهُ قَوْلَ الَّتِي تُجَادِلُكَ فِي زَوْجِهَا وَتَشْتَكِي إِلَى اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ يَسْمَعُ تَحَاوُرَكُمَا إِنَّ اللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ بَصِيرٌ


Sura 58 - Al-Mujadila [She that Disputeth, The Pleading Woman] Verse 1-1:
1. Allah has indeed heard (and accepted) the statement of the woman who pleads with thee concerning her husband and carries her complaint (in prayer) to Allah: and Allah (always) hears the arguments between both sides among you: for Allah hears and sees (all things).



Quran reminds us that in any form of counselling, or private talks, Allah (SWA) is present and hears what we are saying.


Sura 58 - Al-Mujadila [She that Disputeth, The Pleading Woman] Verse 7-7:
7. أَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ يَعْلَمُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الأرْضِ مَا يَكُونُ مِنْ نَجْوَى ثَلاثَةٍ إِلا هُوَ رَابِعُهُمْ وَلا خَمْسَةٍ إِلا هُوَ سَادِسُهُمْ وَلا أَدْنَى مِنْ ذَلِكَ وَلا أَكْثَرَ إِلا هُوَ مَعَهُمْ أَيْنَ مَا كَانُوا ثُمَّ يُنَبِّئُهُمْ بِمَا عَمِلُوا يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ


Sura 58 - Al-Mujadila [She that Disputeth, The Pleading Woman] Verse 7-7:
7. Seest thou not that Allah doth know (all) that is in the heavens and on earth? There is not a secret consultation between three, but He makes the fourth among them, - Nor between five but He makes the sixth,- nor between fewer nor more, but He is in their midst, wheresoever they be: In the end will He tell them the truth of their conduct, on the Day of Judgment. For Allah has full knowledge of all things.



Quran also teaches us that the private talk in our counselling is to help others to be righteous and to be obedient to Allah.


Sura 58 - Al-Mujadila [She that Disputeth, The Pleading Woman] Verse 9-9:
9. يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا تَنَاجَيْتُمْ فَلا تَتَنَاجَوْا بِالإثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ وَمَعْصِيَةِ الرَّسُولِ وَتَنَاجَوْا بِالْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَى وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ الَّذِي إِلَيْهِ تُحْشَرُونَ


Sura 58 - Al-Mujadila [She that Disputeth, The Pleading Woman] Verse 9-9:
9. O ye who believe! When ye hold secret counsel, do it not for iniquity and hostility, and disobedience to the Prophet; but do it for righteousness and self-restraint; and fear Allah, to Whom ye shall be brought back.