In both Islamic and secular psychology, the way we perceive and define problems directly influences the solutions we seek. In the Western cognitive and structuralist world, problems are often defined by fixed meanings, detached from cultural and spiritual contexts. Words like “anxiety,” “depression,”or “trauma” are often treated as static clinical categories, presumed to have universal meanings. However, in reality, these concepts are fluid, contextual, and culturally influenced.
From an Islamic perspective, human struggles are viewed through a holistic lens that includes both the material and spiritual dimensions. The Qur’an and Sunnah teach us that problems are rarely absolute; they are accompanied by exceptions, nuances, and opportunities for growth. Even in the midst of difficulty, there are glimpses of ease and mercy, as Allah says:
“Verily, with every hardship comes ease.” (94:6)
The Concept of Problems: Defining by Exceptions
In therapy, problems are often treated as all-encompassing states. A client may describe themselves as “depressed” or “anxious,” using language that suggests totality and permanence. However, the reality is that no human experience is completely void of exceptions:
– A person who claims to be constantly anxious may still have moments of calm.
– Someone describing persistent sadness may recall fleeting instances of joy.
– Even in chronic pain, there are intervals of relief or lessened intensity.
Recognising exceptions to problems is essential in Islamic therapy because:
– Problems without exceptions are not problems- they are simply facts of life.
– Problems with exceptions hold the key to solutions.
– By identifying moments of exception, clients discover their own strengths and resources, fostering empowerment.
The Qur’anic Principle: Hardship and Ease Coexist
The Qur’an teaches that problems are never absolute; they are accompanied by exceptions and moments of ease:
“For indeed, with hardship comes ease. Indeed, with hardship comes ease.” (94:5-6)
This repetition highlights a profound truth: no hardship is entirely without ease. In Islamic therapy, this translates to helping clients notice the exceptions, guiding them towards recognising the moments of peace, comfort, or strength they experience, even in the midst of suffering.
The Role of Opposites in Understanding Problems
In Islamic psychology, the notion that we come to know things by their opposites is central to understanding human experiences.
– We know light by its contrast with darkness.
– We appreciate peace after experiencing conflict.
– We recognise comfort only after enduring pain.
The Prophet ﷺ beautifully demonstrated this wisdom when he described the alternating states of life:
“Know that victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and ease with hardship.” (Musnad Ahmad)
This understanding is crucial in therapy:
– It prevents emotional absolutism, where clients perceive their suffering as total and permanent.
– It encourages the client to recollect moments of relief, highlighting that their pain is not the entirety of their existence.
– It fosters hope and resilience, showing that discomfort and ease exist in cycles.
Death as a Fact of Life, Not a Problem
Some realities of life, such as death or aging, have no exceptions. They are not problems but part of the human condition. When clients perceive inevitable realities as “problems”, it creates unnecessary suffering.
– Death is not a problem- it is a certainty.
– Aging is not an affliction- it is a natural progression.
– The unpredictability of life is not a disorder- it is the divine decree of Allah.
In Islamic counselling, part of the healing process is helping clients reframe unavoidable realities. For example:
– When a client fears death, the therapist helps them reorient towards preparing for the Hereafter, rather than viewing death as a problem.
– When a client laments aging, they are guided to embrace the wisdom and spiritual maturity that come with age.
– When a client resists uncertainty, they are encouraged to cultivate tawakkul (reliance on Allah) and accept divine decree.
Identifying Exceptions in Therapy: The Key to Solutions
In Islamic psychotherapy, rather than fixating on the problem, therapists help clients identify the exceptions, which serve as entry points for healing.
The Exception-Focused Dialogue
A client who says,
“I feel anxious all the time.”
An effective therapist might respond with:
“Can you recall a moment recently when you felt calm or slightly less anxious?”
By doing so, the therapist:
– Disrupts the client’s cognitive absolutism, gently challenging the belief that their suffering is constant.
– Helps the client reconnect with moments of ease, however brief, which fosters hope and self-efficacy.
– Guides the client to draw strength from their exceptions, showing that they are not entirely powerless.
Islamic Counselling and Gratitude: Finding Ease Within Hardship
Gratitude (shukr) is a powerful tool for identifying exceptions. Even in the midst of difficulty, Islam encourages recognising blessings. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Look at those below you and do not look at those above you, lest you belittle the favours Allah conferred upon you.” (Muslim)
In therapy:
– Clients are encouraged to reflect on their blessings, even during hardship.
– Identifying moments of ease or comfort breaks the cognitive distortion of “all-or-nothing” thinking.
– Gratitude becomes a spiritual intervention that helps reframe problems with a broader perspective.
Exceptions as Opportunities for Growth
In Islamic psychology, exceptions to problems are not only moments of relief but also opportunities for spiritual growth.
– Suffering with moments of ease reminds the believer of Allah’s mercy, preventing despair.
– Temporarily overcoming a struggle fosters hope in Allah’s ability to remove hardships.
– Recognising personal strength during moments of exception increases self-confidence and resilience.
The Qur’anic Perspective: Problems as Growth Opportunities
Allah describes trials as opportunities for growth and purification:
“We will surely test you with fear and hunger, and loss of wealth, lives, and fruits. But give glad tidings to the patient.” (2:155)
In therapy, clients are encouraged to:
– View difficulties as spiritual opportunities for sabr (patience) and tawakkul (reliance on Allah).
– Recognise that moments of ease within hardship are divine signs of mercy.
– Use exceptional moments of peace as reference points for their strength.
In Islamic psychology, the therapeutic process is not limited to problem-focused exploration. It goes beyond identifying pain and seeks moments of relief and strength, using them as tools for healing.
– Problems are defined by their exceptions, and it is in these exceptions that solutions and hope lie.
– Even when enduring hardship, there are always glimpses of mercy.
– By redirecting clients’ focus towards moments of ease, therapists empower them to find hope, gratitude, and resilience.
As Muslim therapists, we must help clients see that problems are never absolute. The divine wisdom in hardship is that ease always accompanies it. Thus, therapy becomes not merely a process of pain management but a path of spiritual transformation and renewal.
“Verily, with hardship comes ease.” (94:6)
