While We're Here

Content note: This episode touches on suicide at  8th minute and 17 seconds mark. Please listen with care.

Assalamu alaikum and welcome back to While We’re Here! In this episode, we explore the weaknesses of secular psychology and why some scholars are calling for an approach that makes room for faith.

The Ruh Report: We mark World Mental Health Day with a look at Pakistan, where ARY News reports that one in four people experience mental health challenges. Dr. Mahennor Channa of Jinnah Hospital in Karachi urges people to see sadness, anxiety, and emotional distress as human experiences rather than signs of weakness. We also share news of Shaykh Jamaal Zarabozo’s fall quarter Arabic and Islamic sciences classes, starting Saturday, October 17.

What Have We Learned: A quick recap of Utz’s findings. After reviewing 250 theories of secular psychology, none gave a clear picture of human nature, and her theory points to Islam as offering a comprehensive view of what it means to be human. We also revisit her point that human agency lies in the choices presented to us, not in the choice itself.

Today’s Discussion: We draw on psychologists Scott Richards and the late Allen Bergin, whose 1997 book A Spiritual Strategy for Counseling and Psychotherapy argues that spiritual and religious perspectives belong in mainstream mental health care. We also look at philosopher David Ray Griffin’s Religion and Scientific Naturalism, which examines the divide between science and religion. Then we walk through the four weaknesses of secular psychology outlined in Zarabozo’s The Purification of the Soul, and ask what an Islamic approach to psychology could look like.

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Links and Sources

• World Mental Health Day: Experts Urge Pakistanis to Seek Help Without Fear of Stigma (ARY News): https://arynews.tv/world-mental-health-day-experts-urge-pakistanis-to-seek-help-without-fear-of-stigma
• Jamaal Zarabozo (classes and books): https://www.jamaalzarabozo.com/
• The Alienation Between Religion and Psychology (abstract): https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1997-09105-002
• Allen Bergin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_Bergin
• Scott Richards: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/contributors/p-scott-richards-phd
• Religion and Scientific Naturalism: Overcoming the Conflicts: https://epdf.pub/religion-and-scientific-naturalism-overcoming-the-conflicts.html
• How Patient Suicides Shape the Lives of Psychologists (Psychology Today): https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happybytes/202410/how-patient-suicides-shape-the-lives-of-psychologists
• Donate: https://ko-fi.com/whilewerehere

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Host: Robert Andaluz

Episode Summary

In this episode, we continue our study of psychology through an Islamic perspective, drawing from Dr. Aisha Utz's book Psychology: From an Islamic Perspective. This week's discussion centers on the concept of divine agency — how God's control over our own circumstances — relates to our own free will, and how surrendering the illusion of human "power" over our stress can bring peace to the heart.

In This Episode, we get into  

• The Ruh Report — a roundup of psychology news from the Muslim world
• What Have We Learned? — a recap of Dr. Utz's critique of secular psychological theory
• Main Discussion — God as the "owner and master" of the universe, the difference between the choices we're given and the choices we make, and how reliance on God (tawakkul) can relieve the stress of loss, rejection, and criticism

The Ruh Report — This Week's News

• Dr. Francesca Bocca-Aldaqre begins a new online cohort exploring Ilm al-Nafs (the Islamic science of the soul) starting Sunday, September 13. More info: bloggingtheologyacademy.com
• Cambridge Muslim College (UK) — Islam & Psychology postgraduate certificate begins Tuesday, September 15. Admissions currently closed; check cambridgemuslimcollege.ac.uk for reopening.

Key Takeaways

• Dr. Utz reviewed 250 secular psychological theories and argues none offer a complete understanding of human nature — she posits that submission to God provides a clearer framework for mental health.
• Human agency lies in choosing among the options presented to us — not in controlling what those options are (p. 33).
• Believing that only God can truly benefit or harm us can strip stressful events (a hurtful comment, financial loss, rejection) of the illusion of ultimate power they seem to hold over us.
• Reflection prompt from the episode: Could the person or thing that hurt you have done so without permission from something greater than themselves?

Quran Citations Referenced

• Surah Al-Kahf (18) — on saying "InshaAllah"
• Surah Az-Zumar (39:38) — on God as creator and sole source of harm or mercy
• Surah Al-Jathiyah (45:23) — on taking one's own desires as one's god

Book Referenced

Psychology: From an Islamic Perspective by Dr. Aisha Utz

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Connect & Follow If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who is seeking clarity, healing, or a deeper understanding of themselves and their Creator.

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YOUTUBE! www.youtube.com/@PsychinIslam

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Episode Summary

In this final episode under the name Psych in Islam, host Robert Andaluz announces an exciting transition — the podcast is being renamed While We're Here, with the same content and mission continuing under its new title. To close out this chapter, Robert shares Part 2 of his conversation with his wife, Aida Maravilla, diving deep into what it means to be a servant of Allah, how remembrance of God shapes daily life, and how faith can be a source of courage in moments of fear.

A Note on the Rebrand

• This is the last episode released under the Psych in Islam name.
• Beginning next episode, the show will continue as While We're Here — same hosts, same mission, same exploration of psychology through an Islamic lens.
• The name change is intended to help the podcast reach a wider audience.

In This Episode

• Reflecting on servanthood: Robert opens up about what it means to serve Allah and how understanding God as "the Most Compassionate" shapes how he tries to live and show compassion himself.
• A moment with Hafsa: Robert shares a touching story about his 10-year-old stepdaughter, who — after admitting she felt scared — reminded herself that she "fears Allah," prompting a reflection on how remembrance of God can be a source of courage in moments of anxiety.
• Ida's story of conversion: Ida recounts the difficult period of becoming Muslim, including being kicked out of her family's home, and how surrendering her trust to Allah carried her through fear and uncertainty.
• Wisdom from an unexpected source: Ida shares how her non-Muslim father has always encouraged her to "surrender to God" — a lesson that shaped how she copes with fear and hardship.
• Remembrance as a way of life: The conversation then turns to how Islam integrates the remembrance of Allah into everyday actions — saying Bismillah before eating, Subhanallah in moments of awe, and the five daily prayers — framing faith as something lived moment to moment, not confined to formal worship.
• Intention behind everyday acts: Last but not least, Aida reflects on how even mundane tasks, like cooking for her family, become acts of worship when done with the right intention ("for Allah's sake").

Closing Reflection

Robert leaves listeners — Muslim and non-Muslim alike — with a question to sit with:

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In this episode, moderator Robert Andaluz is joined by co-host Aida Maravilla for a rich conversation exploring what Islam says about human identity, purpose, and daily living. Drawing from Dr. Utz's book Psychology Through an Islamic Lens, they dive deeper into the first chapter and examine four powerful Quranic verses that frame Allah as the Creator, Sustainer, and the One in whose hand is all dominion.

In This Episode You'll Hear About:

• The Islamic vs. secular understanding of human nature and psychology
• What it means that Allah created us and everything we do
• A clarifying note on divine attributes — why Allah's "hand" is not to be taken literally
• How remembering our place in creation leads to humility and purpose
• Why worship in Islam goes far beyond ritual prayer
• Living with tawakkul — trusting Allah's plan while still doing your best

Ruh Report — Islamic Psychology in the News

• Qatar's Ministry of Public Health released a new booklet: Hajj: A School of Psychology and Behavioral Development, focused on mental well-being, patience, humility, and self-control during pilgrimage. Download that booklet here. 
• Researchers are proposing a new framework blending Islamic psychology with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), aiming to make faith-sensitive therapy more accessible within mainstream healthcare systems like the NHS. Read that story here.
• Scholars are pushing to expand Islamic psychology beyond one-on-one therapy into schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers, serving younger and older populations. Read a research paper from Alkaram Institute on that here.  
• If you'd like to follow along with us as we go through Utz's book, get a free pdf copy here. 

Quranic Verses Referenced

• Quran 39:62-63 — Allah is the Creator of all things and the Maintainer of everything
• Quran 67:1 — Blessed is He in Whose Hand is the Dominion, and He is over all things competent
• Quran 23:88 — In Whose Hand is the realm of all things, and He protects while none can protect against Him
• Quran 37:96 — Allah created you and that which you do

Key Takeaways

• We are part of something far greater than ourselves — recognizing this is the beginning of humility.
• Having a soul, free will, and moral discernment is a gift, not a given.
• Doing things for Allah's sake transforms ordinary actions into acts of worship.
• We exist to praise Allah — not only in prayer, but in every choice, intention, and effort.
• Life is an adventure; we plan and strive, but ultimate power belongs to Allah alone.

Connect & Follow If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who is seeking clarity, healing, or a deeper understanding of themselves and their Creator.

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YOUTUBE! www.youtube.com/@PsychinIslam

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What does the Quran have to say about mental health — and how can its verses bring real peace to the overwhelmed, the lonely, and the searching? In this episode of Psych in Islam, Robert Andaluz and Abdul Rahman Salaam open with the latest news in Islamic psychology, then dive deep into a conversation grounded in Dr. Aisha Utz's Psychology from an Islamic Lens.

Drawing from Surah Az-Zumar (39:41), the hosts explore how Islam offers a holistic model for mental well-being — one that nourishes the spiritual, emotional, psychological, and social dimensions of the human being. Abdul Rahman shares candidly about navigating loneliness on the graveyard shift, being separated from family, and how Quranic reflection became his anchor. Robert reflects on the simple but profound peace he found by making it to the masjid after a long day of work.

Together, they remind us: it's not about racing through pages — it's about letting one ayah truly land.

In This Episode Here Are Some Key Takeaways...

•  Islamic psychology is growing — new conferences, clinical research, and an AI mental health chatbot (Yaqin) built for Muslim women in the UK
• The mosque offers community, comfort, and grounding
• The Quran can serve as a companion — not just a book to finish
• From caterpillar to butterfly: sitting with just one ayat/verse, can be a source transformation, instead of rushing past it
• Look at the example of Umar (RA) — 10 years on Surah Al-Baqarah, 10 ayat at a time

Key Verse "Indeed, We sent down to you the Book for the people in truth. So whoever is guided — it is for the benefit of his soul." — Quran 39:41

As-salamu alaykum — peace be upon you.

Connect & Follow If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who is seeking clarity, healing, or a deeper understanding of themselves and their Creator.

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In this first episode of Psych in Islam, we explore the connection between psychology and spirituality through an Islamic lens.

Host Robert is joined by Fareed as they discuss insights from Psychology from the Islamic Perspective by Dr. Aisha Utz—highlighting the limitations of secular psychology and the importance of incorporating faith into understanding human nature.

Together, they dive into:

•  Why modern psychology can feel incomplete without spirituality 
•  The role of Islam in shaping identity, purpose, and mental well-being 
•  Personal reflections on growing up Muslim in the West 
•  The importance of seeking knowledge and self-understanding 
•  How concepts like death and the Hereafter can bring clarity and peace 

Also, here is a free pdf copy of the book if you'd like to tag along with us as we go through it. 

https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/my-drive

Here is the post Robert refers to. 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14324463/God-comeback-Gen-Z-atheists-parents.html

And according to Claude.ai, the statistics cited are real, but the article presents a  narrow finding as a sweeping religious revival. It's worth treating the framing with skepticism and seeking out more nuanced sources (like Pew Research or academic surveys) for the full picture.

And the Al Fatiha (Opening) Tasfir mentioned by Fareed can be found below. 

https://quran.com/1:1/tafsirs/en-tafisr-ibn-kathir

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Connect & Follow If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who is seeking clarity, healing, or a deeper understanding of themselves and their Creator.

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In this introductory episode of Psych in Islam, we share the vision behind a podcast exploring psychology through an Islamic lens. As a young convert and intending to be the podcast's moderator, Robert Andaluz reflects on discovering the depth and beauty of Islam beyond media narratives and cultural assumptions. With fellow brothers, join us to embark on a thoughtful journey to explore life’s fundamental questions like: Who are we? Why are we here? And how can we cultivate healthy minds and become our best selves? Whether Muslim or not, we invite all types of listeners to explore faith, psychology, and personal growth. 

Follow us on Social Media here for exclusive behind the scene and more! https://www.instagram.com/psychinislam/

Connect & Follow If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who is seeking clarity, healing, or a deeper understanding of themselves and their Creator.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/whilewerehere.pc

YOUTUBE! www.youtube.com/@PsychinIslam

BE A SUPPORTER OF THE SHOW!

Support the show: ko-fi.com/whilewerehere