Nafs and Therapy

Unlock the profound connections between Islamic ethics, moral reasoning, and human development in this in-depth discussion with Dr. Mutaz Al-Khatib. We explore how knowledge and character intertwine, the role of desires, and practical steps toward moral excellence within Islamic tradition.

Main Topics:

• The relationship between theoretical and applied knowledge in Islamic ethics
• How desires (Shahwa vs. Hawwa) influence moral decision-making
• The role of character formation and habituation in moral development
• The concept of the soul as the real doer in human actions
• Navigating ethical dilemmas, biases, and diversity of opinions in Islamic law
• The importance of self-awareness and continuous striving for humanity

• Dr. Mutaz shares his personal journey of building a library lost to war, emphasizing the value of purposeful knowledge
• The distinction between theoretical (knowing) and practical (acting) wisdom rooted in Greek and Islamic philosophy
• How Islamic ethics does not aim to eradicate desires but to purify and regulate them through moderation
• The significance of intentions, motivations, and inner states (Baath, Dafa'a) in moral actions
• The process of habit formation in character, highlighting the importance of repetition and consistency
• Practical advice on evaluating one's qualifications for responsibility and moral effort
• The concept of continuity in actions leading to stable change and character transformation
• Aligning intentions, emotions, and rationality to foster genuine virtue over superficial compliance

• Hamad bin Khalifa University
• Imam Ghazali’s writings on Nafs and morality
• Classical Islamic Ethics Literature

You can find Dr Mutaz on:

https://www.hbku.edu.qa/en/staff/mutaz-alkhatib

You can find me on:

Website: https://nouraamkieh.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nafsandtherapy

In this episode, we explore the profound ways in which Quranic stories and verses shape our understanding of ethics, emotions, and personal interpretation. Dr. Samer Rashwani shares insights on how to approach challenging passages, the relevance of prophetic models, and the importance of context in understanding Allah's disclosed words, highlighting how timeless divine wisdom remains relevant today.

Key Topics

• The contrast between pre-modern and modern interest in Quranic narratives and their ethical implications
• How Quranic stories serve as models for moral resilience and emotional engagement
• Strategies for lay Muslims to interpret Quranic verses responsibly and meaningfully
• The significance of context and comprehensive reading over isolated verses
• The prophetic approach to tough verses, emphasizing compassion, patience, and understanding
• Addressing verses about gender roles and the importance of holistic interpretation
• How Quranic stories function as moral typologies rather than strict historical accounts
• The role of divine love, fear, and hope in understanding Allah's interaction with prophets
• Practical guidance for engaging with the Quran—consulting translations, tafsir, and embracing multiple interpretations
• Emphasizing that the Quran addresses timeless human experiences, fostering self-identification and ethical growth

• Behind the Story Essentials: Ethical Readings of Quranic Narratives
• ⁠Tafsir al-Jalalayn⁠ — A classical tafsir exploring thematic interpretations
• ⁠Sahih al-Bukhari⁠ — Authentic Prophetic sayings relevant to ethical behavior
• ⁠The Relevance of Prophetic Models⁠ — An article discussing how prophets serve as ethical exemplars

You can find Dr Samer on:

https://www.hbku.edu.qa/en/staff/dr-samer-rashwani

You can find me on:

Website: https://nouraamkieh.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nafsandtherapy

What if fiqh was not something you only look up when you are stuck, but something that helps you live with more clarity, steadiness, and sincerity?

In this conversation, Dr. Mohammad Fadel joins me to explore the meeting point between Islamic knowledge and mental health, and why many spiritual struggles are not a lack of faith but a struggle with meaning, responsibility, and what is realistically possible for us.

We talk about fiqh as a living tradition meant to guide everyday Muslims, how Islam holds obligation alongside capacity, and why doing religion right can become emotionally heavy when it is disconnected from context, mercy, and purpose. We also unpack the inner tension between free will and destiny, the implications of fatwa shopping, and how therapists can engage the spiritual world of clients with more care and depth.

At the heart of it all is a simple reminder: learning Islam is not only about finding answers, it is about forming a self that can return to Allah with honesty, even in complexity.

You can find Dr Fadel on:

https://jackmanlaw.utoronto.ca/people/mohammad-fadel

You can find me on:

Website: https://nouraamkieh.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nafsandtherapy

What happens when “doing religion right” starts to feel like anxiety, guilt, or a constant inner audit? In this conversation, Dr. Adnan A. Zulfiqar explores the meeting point between Islamic law, ethics, and mental health—and offers a more grounded, spacious way to think about moral responsibility, shame, and returning to faith.

Dr. Zulfiqar shares his personal path into Islamic studies, and why Islamic tradition can’t be reduced to a rigid checklist. We talk about how guilt and shame shape the inner life, how people get distanced from Allah through fear-based religious experiences, and what it means to create compassionate “pathways back” for those who feel overwhelmed.

Throughout, he invites listeners to approach sacred knowledge with humility, nuance, and the willingness to learn from diverse teachers and perspectives.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why Islamic tradition is deeper than rules—and how ethics sits at its heart

• Moral responsibility, uncertainty, and what we do with our imperfections

• The psychological weight of guilt and shame—and how it can distort faith

• How people become spiritually distant (and what helps them return)

• What a flexible, honest relationship with Islamic law can look like

• The value of seeking teachers who widen the heart, not tighten it

If this episode resonatedShare it with someone who feels exhausted by “religion as pressure,” and take one gentle step: seek a teacher, a community, or a reading that brings you back to mercy.

You can find Dr Adnan on:

https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/law/academics-faculty/faculty-directory/adnan-zulfiqar.html

You can find me on:

Website: https://nouraamkieh.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nafsandtherapy

What happens when “doing religion right” starts to feel like anxiety, guilt, or a constant inner audit? In this conversation, Dr. Adnan A. Zulfiqar explores the meeting point between Islamic law, ethics, and mental health—and offers a more grounded, spacious way to think about moral responsibility, shame, and returning to faith.

Dr. Zulfiqar shares his personal path into Islamic studies, and why Islamic tradition can’t be reduced to a rigid checklist. We talk about how guilt and shame shape the inner life, how people get distanced from Allah through fear-based religious experiences, and what it means to create compassionate “pathways back” for those who feel overwhelmed.

Throughout, he invites listeners to approach sacred knowledge with humility, nuance, and the willingness to learn from diverse teachers and perspectives.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why Islamic tradition is deeper than rules—and how ethics sits at its heart

• Moral responsibility, uncertainty, and what we do with our imperfections

• The psychological weight of guilt and shame—and how it can distort faith

• How people become spiritually distant (and what helps them return)

• What a flexible, honest relationship with Islamic law can look like

• The value of seeking teachers who widen the heart, not tighten it

If this episode resonated
Share it with someone who feels exhausted by “religion as pressure,” and take one gentle step: seek a teacher, a community, or a reading that brings you back to mercy.

You can find Dr Adnan on:

https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/law/academics-faculty/faculty-directory/adnan-zulfiqar.html

You can find me on:

Website: https://nouraamkieh.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nafsandtherapy

In this conversation, Dr. Abdallah Rothman shares his journey into Islamic psychology, emphasizing the integration of spirituality and mental health. He discusses the importance of understanding the soul, the impact of traditional practices on mental well-being, and introduces the Shifa method, which focuses on heart-centered healing. The conversation also explores themes of trust in Allah, the significance of experiential knowledge, and the need to revive Islamic psychology in the modern world, concluding with the reminder that true healing comes from Allah.

You can find Dr Abdallah on:

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/daralshifaa_wellbeing/

Website: https://dar-al-shifaa.com/

You can find me on:

Website: https://nouraamkieh.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nafsandtherapy

In this conversation with Mohammed Isaaq, we explore the threads that tie together spirituality, self-knowledge, love, and the realities of modern relationships. We sit with the question of what it truly means to stay connected—to God, to others, and to ourselves—and how easily we get caught in the illusion of success while neglecting the inner work.

Together, we reflect on the complexities of love today: how understanding our own hearts, our patterns, and our relationship with the Divine can reshape the way we show up with others. We touch on attachment, healing, and the quiet work of remembering our worth—not through people’s eyes, but through the gaze of God.

You can find Mohammed Isaaq on:

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/isaaq.mohammed/?hl=en

Website: https://www.mohammedisaaq.com/

You can find me on:

Website: https://nouraamkieh.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nafsandtherapy

In this deeply intimate conversation with Michael, we explore how trauma, faith, and personal growth weave through each of our lives and shape who we are today. We reflect on the paths that brought us to this work — from personal experiences to trauma recovery in conflict zones — and how faith carries its own weight and wisdom in moments of hardship. Together, we look at the role of community, the dance between certainty and doubt, and the humility needed to move through different faith environments with care. We also speak about the healing power of collective rituals and what it means to find steadiness in a world that often feels unsteady.

You can find me on:

Website: https://nouraamkieh.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nafsandtherapy

In this conversation with Salma and Mehboob, we explore how mental health and Islamic psychology intertwine, reflecting on how we can care for our hearts and minds with purpose and faith. Together, we discuss the value of proactive mental wellness, the power of collaboration between therapists and spiritual leaders, and the ways grief and love shape our human experience. We also look at the importance of cultural sensitivity in therapy and what we’ve learned from common patterns in couples work. At the heart of it all, we emphasize the strength we find in community, and the deep commitment required to nurture both healing and relationships.

You can find Salama and Mehboob on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rahmainstitute/

Website: https://rahmainstitute.org/team

You can find me on:

Website: https://nouraamkieh.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nafsandtherapy