WEBVTT
00:00:07.040 --> 00:00:09.279
Hi, an asalam alaikum.
00:00:09.679 --> 00:00:20.800
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of While We're Here, a podcast exploring the human mind through the lens of Islamic thought, reflection, and meaningful conversation.
00:00:21.120 --> 00:00:35.679
This journey started with a curiosity about psychology, and the deeper that curiosity went, the more it led back to Islam, learning how much of its wisdom speaks directly to the mind, the self, and how we grow.
00:00:36.000 --> 00:00:45.600
While we're here together, we'll explore psychological topics like identity, meaning, and mental well-being, and how they connect to Islamic thought.
00:00:45.840 --> 00:00:52.159
And whether you're Muslim or simply curious, you're invited to reflect, learn, and grow.
00:00:52.399 --> 00:00:55.359
Thank you for being here and enjoy the episode.
00:01:01.759 --> 00:01:08.799
I love for you where the rivers flow and the skies up.
00:01:09.120 --> 00:01:12.319
Asalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wa barakatuh.
00:01:12.560 --> 00:01:16.159
Or may God's peace, mercy, and blessings be upon you.
00:01:16.400 --> 00:01:20.319
Welcome back, dear listener, to another episode of While We're Here.
00:01:20.480 --> 00:01:22.719
I hope you're doing well and staying safe.
00:01:22.959 --> 00:01:31.599
If you're from Ashburn, Virginia, North Hills, California, or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a special shout out to you listening to the show.
00:01:31.760 --> 00:01:33.840
I appreciate you and see you.
00:01:34.079 --> 00:01:42.560
If you're listening to us today or want to share a special message, consider sharing and donating at our Ko-Fi page.
00:01:42.640 --> 00:01:48.319
That's ko-fi.com slash while we're here.
00:01:48.640 --> 00:01:54.959
Again, that's ko-fi.com slash while we're here.
00:01:55.120 --> 00:01:59.680
Every contribution helps me expand the show and bring better content to you.
00:01:59.920 --> 00:02:01.840
So consider donating today.
00:02:02.000 --> 00:02:05.680
Now let's get into our new segment called the Ruh Report.
00:02:15.680 --> 00:02:20.400
For today's report, we acknowledge that last week was World Mental Health Day.
00:02:20.560 --> 00:02:25.520
And while countries around the world were celebrating, let's look at one country in specific.
00:02:25.840 --> 00:02:39.039
Pakistan's news channel, ARY, reported that one in every four Pakistani experiences mental health challenges, while globally one in every seven people live with a mental health condition.
00:02:39.199 --> 00:02:39.680
But Dr.
00:02:39.840 --> 00:02:51.360
Meh Noor Chana, who works at the Jinnah Hospital in Karachi, urged people not to consider sadness, anxiety, or emotional distress as signs of weakness.
00:02:51.759 --> 00:02:55.680
You can find the full story, the link in the show notes below.
00:02:56.000 --> 00:03:09.599
In other news, internationally known writer and scholar Jamal Zarabozo, who we will reference soon, is holding his fall quarter Arabic and Islamic science classes this week on Saturday, October 17.
00:03:10.080 --> 00:03:23.360
Zarabozo has written a number of Islamic-based books, including commentary on the 40 hadith of Al-Nawal, how to approach and understand the Quran and the purification of the soul.
00:03:23.520 --> 00:03:29.039
Be sure to click on his link down in the show notes below to find which class is best for you.
00:03:31.199 --> 00:03:33.439
And that does it for today's Rook Reports.
00:03:33.599 --> 00:03:37.520
Now let's get into our reminders and what have we learned.
00:03:47.759 --> 00:03:57.520
For today's What Have We Learned, I want us to remind ourselves that Utz went through 250 theories of secular psychology, and none provided a clear understanding of human nature.
00:03:57.680 --> 00:04:08.879
We learned her theory refers to Islam offering a clear and comprehensive view of what it means to be human, and through constant connection to God, one can achieve a healthy state of mind.
00:04:09.120 --> 00:04:19.360
From the last episode, she aided that theory in explaining how human agency lies only within the choices presented to us, not in the choices themselves.
00:04:20.319 --> 00:04:23.040
And that does it for today's What Have We Learned.
00:04:23.199 --> 00:04:28.399
Let's get into today's discussion on the weaknesses of secular psychology.
00:04:35.120 --> 00:04:44.160
Before we begin, I want to warn that today we will touch on a sensitive topic that might be triggering to you or others at around the 8.30 mark.
00:04:44.480 --> 00:04:46.639
So please be advised.
00:04:49.519 --> 00:05:00.240
To continue on Utze's writings, she brings in four main weaknesses of secular approaches to psychology directly from Zorobozo's work, The Purification of the Soul.
00:05:00.399 --> 00:05:13.759
But she references the work of psychologists Scott Richards and the late Alan Virgin, who are both widely recognized for integrating spirituality and religion into the treatment of mental health.
00:05:14.079 --> 00:05:30.560
In their 1997 book titled Spiritual Strategy for Counseling and Psychotherapy, the psychologists refer to psychotherapeutic approaches, adopting culturally diverse and spiritual slash religious beliefs as a positive trend.
00:05:30.800 --> 00:05:50.480
While I couldn't find the exact work without paying for it, the abstract of the book's chapter two titled The Alienation Between Religion and Psychology states that the philosophical and theoretical biases against spiritual perspectives became deeply rooted during the first half of the twentieth century.
00:05:50.800 --> 00:06:06.480
The psychologists then lean into this being the reason why religious and spiritual perspectives have not yet been more fully integrated into the modern day mainstream professions of psychology and psychotherapy.
00:06:07.040 --> 00:06:22.879
Otz draws from this further by including how Richard and Burgeon found that many scientists also agreed that scientific naturalism does not give an adequate answer or answers for human complexity and questions to one's life.
00:06:23.839 --> 00:06:54.879
On that topic, Woodz brings in the late David Ray Griffin, who was a professor of philosophy of religion and theology, who argued in his 2000 book, Religion and Scientific Naturalism, Overcoming the Conflicts, that the issue between the science community and the religious community is that of worldview with a twofold equation, religion with supernaturalism, and science, adopting a materialistic lens beginning specifically in the 1950s.
00:06:55.199 --> 00:07:13.040
With that, Otz highlights Griffin's first chapter that atheism, when combined with sensationalism and materialism, can lead to a deterministic, relativistic, and nihilistic worldview in which life has no ultimate meaning.
00:07:13.360 --> 00:07:30.000
Otz then reportedly adds that behavior scientists have rejected this view as well, because it could deny and trivialize some of the most important aspects of people, such as the mind and faith in a higher power.
00:07:35.759 --> 00:07:49.920
So to carry on from the last episode, what happens when these practices are applied by people in helpful professions, when their goals are often to promote healing and growth?
00:07:52.000 --> 00:08:02.079
Otz argues that these practices can damage one's spiritual well-being and guide them farther away, specifically from spiritual purification.
00:08:08.879 --> 00:08:16.319
And Otz further argues that they can be especially harmful when theories are fully embraced by patients.
00:08:17.920 --> 00:08:29.199
According to an article by Psychology Today, one in four of people who die by their own hands are actively in therapy at the time of their death.
00:08:29.439 --> 00:08:41.279
So a reasonable question should be asked, but separate from the therapists themselves, could a different approach of methodology have saved these patients' lives?
00:08:47.919 --> 00:09:03.039
But to circle back to the points of weaknesses in these practices, Ut refers to four laid out by Islamic Outer or Sheikh Jamal Zarabozo's book titled The Purification of the Soul.
00:09:03.200 --> 00:09:10.240
In his book, Zarabozo states that the weaknesses in secular psychology are as follows.
00:09:10.960 --> 00:09:16.960
First, humans are viewed as independent from a higher power, being or God.
00:09:17.440 --> 00:09:25.440
Two, theories are built on human intellect and disregard any intellectual capacity of an unseen power or God.
00:09:26.240 --> 00:09:36.960
Three, knowledge and research is only focused on tangible aspects of humans and ignores spiritual slash unseen elements of life.
00:09:37.200 --> 00:09:46.879
And four, behaviors generally seen to be determined by drives, reflexes, and social influences to name a few.
00:09:48.080 --> 00:09:56.080
But now that we have differentiated the weaknesses of secular psychology, Utz guides us to an alternative definition of it.
00:09:56.720 --> 00:10:07.759
One definition that doesn't exclude God, one that doesn't ignore unseen elements, one that comes from the Islamic perspective.
00:10:11.600 --> 00:10:22.159
Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, substance abuse, or just need someone to talk to, caring counselors are here for you.
00:10:22.480 --> 00:10:28.720
Call 988 to reach the national lifeline to talk to someone today.
00:10:29.519 --> 00:10:37.200
You can also text home to 741-741 from anywhere in the United States.
00:10:37.519 --> 00:10:41.440
Open 24-7, free, confidential.
00:10:41.759 --> 00:10:44.720
The Crisis Text line is here for you.
00:10:55.919 --> 00:10:58.879
And that does it for this episode of While We're Here.
00:10:59.039 --> 00:11:06.480
If something from today's episode gave you a new question to sit with, or a moment of reflection you didn't expect, Alhamdulillah.
00:11:06.720 --> 00:11:07.840
Praise be to God.
00:11:08.000 --> 00:11:14.159
Life isn't about arriving at answers quickly, but about slowing down enough to actually look and understand them.
00:11:14.320 --> 00:11:16.320
And we are lucky to slow down with you.
00:11:16.559 --> 00:11:21.360
If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone who might benefit from it.
00:11:21.519 --> 00:11:26.080
And follow along on Instagram at while we're here.pc for more.
00:11:26.320 --> 00:11:29.360
This podcast is made possible by listeners like you.
00:11:29.519 --> 00:11:35.120
If you'd like to support the show, you can do so on Kofi at Kofi.com slash while we're here.
00:11:35.440 --> 00:11:37.919
Every bit helps us keep these conversations going.
00:11:38.080 --> 00:11:42.080
Until then, keep reflecting, keep learning, and keep growing while we're here.
00:11:42.320 --> 00:11:44.960
Asalamalaikum, peace be upon you, and thank you.
00:00:07.040 --> 00:00:09.279
Hi, an asalam alaikum.
00:00:09.679 --> 00:00:20.800
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of While We're Here, a podcast exploring the human mind through the lens of Islamic thought, reflection, and meaningful conversation.
00:00:21.120 --> 00:00:35.679
This journey started with a curiosity about psychology, and the deeper that curiosity went, the more it led back to Islam, learning how much of its wisdom speaks directly to the mind, the self, and how we grow.
00:00:36.000 --> 00:00:45.600
While we're here together, we'll explore psychological topics like identity, meaning, and mental well-being, and how they connect to Islamic thought.
00:00:45.840 --> 00:00:52.159
And whether you're Muslim or simply curious, you're invited to reflect, learn, and grow.
00:00:52.399 --> 00:00:55.359
Thank you for being here and enjoy the episode.
00:01:01.759 --> 00:01:08.799
I love for you where the rivers flow and the skies up.
00:01:09.120 --> 00:01:12.319
Asalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wa barakatuh.
00:01:12.560 --> 00:01:16.159
Or may God's peace, mercy, and blessings be upon you.
00:01:16.400 --> 00:01:20.319
Welcome back, dear listener, to another episode of While We're Here.
00:01:20.480 --> 00:01:22.719
I hope you're doing well and staying safe.
00:01:22.959 --> 00:01:31.599
If you're from Ashburn, Virginia, North Hills, California, or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a special shout out to you listening to the show.
00:01:31.760 --> 00:01:33.840
I appreciate you and see you.
00:01:34.079 --> 00:01:42.560
If you're listening to us today or want to share a special message, consider sharing and donating at our Ko-Fi page.
00:01:42.640 --> 00:01:48.319
That's ko-fi.com slash while we're here.
00:01:48.640 --> 00:01:54.959
Again, that's ko-fi.com slash while we're here.
00:01:55.120 --> 00:01:59.680
Every contribution helps me expand the show and bring better content to you.
00:01:59.920 --> 00:02:01.840
So consider donating today.
00:02:02.000 --> 00:02:05.680
Now let's get into our new segment called the Ruh Report.
00:02:15.680 --> 00:02:20.400
For today's report, we acknowledge that last week was World Mental Health Day.
00:02:20.560 --> 00:02:25.520
And while countries around the world were celebrating, let's look at one country in specific.
00:02:25.840 --> 00:02:39.039
Pakistan's news channel, ARY, reported that one in every four Pakistani experiences mental health challenges, while globally one in every seven people live with a mental health condition.
00:02:39.199 --> 00:02:39.680
But Dr.
00:02:39.840 --> 00:02:51.360
Meh Noor Chana, who works at the Jinnah Hospital in Karachi, urged people not to consider sadness, anxiety, or emotional distress as signs of weakness.
00:02:51.759 --> 00:02:55.680
You can find the full story, the link in the show notes below.
00:02:56.000 --> 00:03:09.599
In other news, internationally known writer and scholar Jamal Zarabozo, who we will reference soon, is holding his fall quarter Arabic and Islamic science classes this week on Saturday, October 17.
00:03:10.080 --> 00:03:23.360
Zarabozo has written a number of Islamic-based books, including commentary on the 40 hadith of Al-Nawal, how to approach and understand the Quran and the purification of the soul.
00:03:23.520 --> 00:03:29.039
Be sure to click on his link down in the show notes below to find which class is best for you.
00:03:31.199 --> 00:03:33.439
And that does it for today's Rook Reports.
00:03:33.599 --> 00:03:37.520
Now let's get into our reminders and what have we learned.
00:03:47.759 --> 00:03:57.520
For today's What Have We Learned, I want us to remind ourselves that Utz went through 250 theories of secular psychology, and none provided a clear understanding of human nature.
00:03:57.680 --> 00:04:08.879
We learned her theory refers to Islam offering a clear and comprehensive view of what it means to be human, and through constant connection to God, one can achieve a healthy state of mind.
00:04:09.120 --> 00:04:19.360
From the last episode, she aided that theory in explaining how human agency lies only within the choices presented to us, not in the choices themselves.
00:04:20.319 --> 00:04:23.040
And that does it for today's What Have We Learned.
00:04:23.199 --> 00:04:28.399
Let's get into today's discussion on the weaknesses of secular psychology.
00:04:35.120 --> 00:04:44.160
Before we begin, I want to warn that today we will touch on a sensitive topic that might be triggering to you or others at around the 8.30 mark.
00:04:44.480 --> 00:04:46.639
So please be advised.
00:04:49.519 --> 00:05:00.240
To continue on Utze's writings, she brings in four main weaknesses of secular approaches to psychology directly from Zorobozo's work, The Purification of the Soul.
00:05:00.399 --> 00:05:13.759
But she references the work of psychologists Scott Richards and the late Alan Virgin, who are both widely recognized for integrating spirituality and religion into the treatment of mental health.
00:05:14.079 --> 00:05:30.560
In their 1997 book titled Spiritual Strategy for Counseling and Psychotherapy, the psychologists refer to psychotherapeutic approaches, adopting culturally diverse and spiritual slash religious beliefs as a positive trend.
00:05:30.800 --> 00:05:50.480
While I couldn't find the exact work without paying for it, the abstract of the book's chapter two titled The Alienation Between Religion and Psychology states that the philosophical and theoretical biases against spiritual perspectives became deeply rooted during the first half of the twentieth century.
00:05:50.800 --> 00:06:06.480
The psychologists then lean into this being the reason why religious and spiritual perspectives have not yet been more fully integrated into the modern day mainstream professions of psychology and psychotherapy.
00:06:07.040 --> 00:06:22.879
Otz draws from this further by including how Richard and Burgeon found that many scientists also agreed that scientific naturalism does not give an adequate answer or answers for human complexity and questions to one's life.
00:06:23.839 --> 00:06:54.879
On that topic, Woodz brings in the late David Ray Griffin, who was a professor of philosophy of religion and theology, who argued in his 2000 book, Religion and Scientific Naturalism, Overcoming the Conflicts, that the issue between the science community and the religious community is that of worldview with a twofold equation, religion with supernaturalism, and science, adopting a materialistic lens beginning specifically in the 1950s.
00:06:55.199 --> 00:07:13.040
With that, Otz highlights Griffin's first chapter that atheism, when combined with sensationalism and materialism, can lead to a deterministic, relativistic, and nihilistic worldview in which life has no ultimate meaning.
00:07:13.360 --> 00:07:30.000
Otz then reportedly adds that behavior scientists have rejected this view as well, because it could deny and trivialize some of the most important aspects of people, such as the mind and faith in a higher power.
00:07:35.759 --> 00:07:49.920
So to carry on from the last episode, what happens when these practices are applied by people in helpful professions, when their goals are often to promote healing and growth?
00:07:52.000 --> 00:08:02.079
Otz argues that these practices can damage one's spiritual well-being and guide them farther away, specifically from spiritual purification.
00:08:08.879 --> 00:08:16.319
And Otz further argues that they can be especially harmful when theories are fully embraced by patients.
00:08:17.920 --> 00:08:29.199
According to an article by Psychology Today, one in four of people who die by their own hands are actively in therapy at the time of their death.
00:08:29.439 --> 00:08:41.279
So a reasonable question should be asked, but separate from the therapists themselves, could a different approach of methodology have saved these patients' lives?
00:08:47.919 --> 00:09:03.039
But to circle back to the points of weaknesses in these practices, Ut refers to four laid out by Islamic Outer or Sheikh Jamal Zarabozo's book titled The Purification of the Soul.
00:09:03.200 --> 00:09:10.240
In his book, Zarabozo states that the weaknesses in secular psychology are as follows.
00:09:10.960 --> 00:09:16.960
First, humans are viewed as independent from a higher power, being or God.
00:09:17.440 --> 00:09:25.440
Two, theories are built on human intellect and disregard any intellectual capacity of an unseen power or God.
00:09:26.240 --> 00:09:36.960
Three, knowledge and research is only focused on tangible aspects of humans and ignores spiritual slash unseen elements of life.
00:09:37.200 --> 00:09:46.879
And four, behaviors generally seen to be determined by drives, reflexes, and social influences to name a few.
00:09:48.080 --> 00:09:56.080
But now that we have differentiated the weaknesses of secular psychology, Utz guides us to an alternative definition of it.
00:09:56.720 --> 00:10:07.759
One definition that doesn't exclude God, one that doesn't ignore unseen elements, one that comes from the Islamic perspective.
00:10:11.600 --> 00:10:22.159
Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, substance abuse, or just need someone to talk to, caring counselors are here for you.
00:10:22.480 --> 00:10:28.720
Call 988 to reach the national lifeline to talk to someone today.
00:10:29.519 --> 00:10:37.200
You can also text home to 741-741 from anywhere in the United States.
00:10:37.519 --> 00:10:41.440
Open 24-7, free, confidential.
00:10:41.759 --> 00:10:44.720
The Crisis Text line is here for you.
00:10:55.919 --> 00:10:58.879
And that does it for this episode of While We're Here.
00:10:59.039 --> 00:11:06.480
If something from today's episode gave you a new question to sit with, or a moment of reflection you didn't expect, Alhamdulillah.
00:11:06.720 --> 00:11:07.840
Praise be to God.
00:11:08.000 --> 00:11:14.159
Life isn't about arriving at answers quickly, but about slowing down enough to actually look and understand them.
00:11:14.320 --> 00:11:16.320
And we are lucky to slow down with you.
00:11:16.559 --> 00:11:21.360
If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone who might benefit from it.
00:11:21.519 --> 00:11:26.080
And follow along on Instagram at while we're here.pc for more.
00:11:26.320 --> 00:11:29.360
This podcast is made possible by listeners like you.
00:11:29.519 --> 00:11:35.120
If you'd like to support the show, you can do so on Kofi at Kofi.com slash while we're here.
00:11:35.440 --> 00:11:37.919
Every bit helps us keep these conversations going.
00:11:38.080 --> 00:11:42.080
Until then, keep reflecting, keep learning, and keep growing while we're here.
00:11:42.320 --> 00:11:44.960
Asalamalaikum, peace be upon you, and thank you.
