THE ISLAMIC PSYCHOLOGY & COUNSELLING PROGORAMME - MASTER’S LEVEL (M.IPC)

Programme Introduction

The Islamic Psychology & Counselling Programme (M.IPC)) - A Master’s Level Module-Based Course (M.IPC)

The Islamic Psychology and Counselling Programme is designed not only for mental health professionals, psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists, psychiatrists, and social workers but also for Islamic scholars, imams, Muslim clergy, Muslim chaplains, Muslim pastors, and any Muslim who would like to apply Islamic-scientific psychology and counselling in da’wah, tarbiyah, and charity activities, as far as professional ethical guidelines allow.

The programme aims to provide:

An overview of Islamic-scientific psychology.
An overview of Islamic-scientific psychology.
An overview of Islamic-scientific psychology.

We recognise that the professionals who attend this master’s level (M.IPC) course will have a vast array of experiences and awareness in their areas of work. The course will provide an authentic methodology to amalgamate conventional and Islamic practices, faithful to both the context and the Islamic tradition.

It offers various level of licensure (ijazah) from intermediate-level certification (Islamically-informed), advanced-level certification (Islamically-integrated LIPC), and Master’s level certification (Islamic Psychology and Counselling LIPC).  LIPC refers to Licensed Islamic Professional Counsellor.

As graduates enter their professional careers, the Muslim community will recognise those who have completed this process and achieved various levels of licensures (Ijazah) as qualified and trustworthy professionals. This will provide the community with confidence and assurance that these qualified professionals will help demystify the issue of mental health within society.


Key Benefits:

Practical approach

Equip yourselves with the skills and knowledge to become authentic Islamic-scientific psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists, psychiatrists, social workers, or authentic users of Islamic-scientific psychology in various areas of work.

Trust

Gain the community's trust and reliance through recognized qualifications on Islamic-scientific psychology and counselling.


Bridging the Gap

Bridge the gap between conventional and Islamic practices in psychology, counselling, and mental health.

Programme Features

  • Online, on-demand course, with Q&A via chat with some of the leading experts on Islamic psychology and counselling
  • Seven unique free books peer-reviewed exclusively written and compiled for the programme
  • Access from anywhere in the world at any time
  • Additional reading materials and resources
  • Practical demonstrations on how to apply Islamic principles
  • Tips on how to improve Islamic psychology and counselling theory and practice
  • Islamic counselling supervision
  • World-class authentic Islamic qualifications

Islamic Qualifications

Ijazah or Ijaza: Authorisation in Islamic Tradition Ijazah or Ijaza is an Arabic word that means “permission,” “authorization,” or “license.” Technically, in Islam, Ijazah is a license authorizing its holder to transmit sacred knowledge, issued by someone already possessing such authority. In other words, Ijazah is a certificate used primarily by Muslims to indicate that one has been authorized by a higher authority, who already holds Ijazah, to practice the given subject.


There is a difference between Shahada and Ijazah. Shahada means that the teacher authorises the student to teach the subject. In contrast, Ijazah, in the context of the Master's level (M.IPC), means that the student has completed a certain area of study and is able to practice it. It should be noted that those who are awarded the advanced and Master's level Ijazah would already possess a conventional (or PCSP) qualification.

The focus of the Islamic Psychology & Counselling Programme (M.IPC) is to provide an Islamic traditional method of learning and dissemination. The programme aims to articulate the Islamic foundations without any external restrictions and constraints. This programme has been developed by experts with both secular and Islamic, academic, and traditional grounding in psychology and counselling.


Write your awesome label here.
Write your awesome label here.

The M.IPC & LIPC

Traditionally, Islamic knowledge was handed down from teacher to student in an unbroken chain going back to the Prophet ﷺ. This isnad system is unparalleled in the Islamic tradition, ensuring the authentic transmission of knowledge. Muslim societies eventually developed universities; indeed, the first known universities, as we understand them now, were established by Muslims.

However, with the rise of secular globalization, even universities in Muslim countries rapidly changed the ways in which they provide learning. Despite this shift, there have been notable exceptions in Islamic history, such as Al Azhar University, which has maintained its traditional methods.

The institutionalisation of psychology and counselling in the West developed distinct approaches that often contrast with religious teachings. The imposition of secular frameworks in these fields has posed challenges for integrating traditional Islamic perspectives on mental health and counselling.

In many societies where Muslims reside, there are numerous limitations and restrictions on practicing authentic Islamic psychology and counselling. Muslims often need to operate within a purely secular system, which creates problems and limits the development of approaches grounded in Islamic tradition.


The M.IPC & LIPC programme does not operate under any such restrictions. Similar to how many Islamic seminaries produce scholars, the Islamic Psychology & Counselling Master’s Level programme is independent of external limitations. It stands as the premier programme globally, professionally developed with high academic standards that surpass most MA programmes at universities. This independence instils confidence and trust in professionals and the global Muslim community, demonstrating that world-class Islamic standards are met. A unique aspect of the programme is its development and instruction by experts in both the Islamic tradition and psychology and counselling.

There was an attempt to get the programme accredited by universities, and many showed keen interest. However, we did not pursue accreditation for two main reasons: 1) the high fees charged by universities would hamper eager students' participation, and 2) accreditation would impose restrictions on what can be taught and said.

We believe we have developed a unique world-class course that does not compromise on Islamic teachings nor on high academic standards. The M.IPC & LIPC operates at an informed level, meaning graduates will be able to practice Islamic psychology and counselling while remaining faithful to their faith and Islamic teachings. However, it does not necessarily equip graduates to undertake the task of legal reasoning (Ijtihad). It is independently accredited by The Association of Islamic Mental Health Specialists (AIMS). 

Three levels of expertise in this programme

Islamically Informed Level (cert) – completed 8 modules, 2,000-3,000-word essay.

Certificate Level is (open to and) awarded to all with various practical, Islamic, professional and academic background. (imams, scholars, chaplains, social workers, religious ministers, teachers, community activists, and students of metal health). On the certification it will state the person has attended the programme. The attendee is not required to complete the essay. However, those who have prior counselling qualification and complete the essay, the cert will state LIPC informed level. 

Islamically Integrated LIPC Level (Advanced Level) - completed 8 modules, 2,000-3,000-word essay, video-recorded role-play, and 50 -hours online Islamic counselling supervision and clinical work.

Advanced LIPC level is (open to and) awarded to only those with practical and professional and academic backgrounds in psychology, psychiatry, counselling, and mental health. (Qualified practitioners). Those who complete the programme with the additional advanced level assessments will obtain the LIPC advanced level ijazah (authorisation). They may add the post nominal letters ‘LIPC’ and M.IPC after their names. If they do not complete the role play and the supervision & clinical hours, the cert will state LIPC informed level.

Islamic Psychology & Counselling LIPC level (Master Level) - completed 8 modules, 2,000-3,000-word essay, video-recorded role-play, and 50-hours online Islamic counselling supervision, and clinical work.

Master Level LIPC is (open to and) awarded to only those with practical and professional and academic backgrounds in psychology, psychiatry, counselling, and mental health. They should have at least 2 years of practical experience in their respective fields. (Qualified practitioners). Those who complete the programme with the additional master level assessments will obtain the LIPC master level ijazah (authorisation). They may add the post nominal letters ‘LIPC’ and M.IPC after their names. Upon completion the master’s level the Islamic practitioner is able to provide Islamic supervision.

Note: LIPC = Licensed Islamic Professional Counsellor

Write your awesome label here.
Write your awesome label here.

Month 1: An Introduction to Islamic-Scientific Psychology

Module 1 - Overview of Islamic Scientific Psychology

Aims/Objectives

To acquaint the student with a high-level overview of Islamic-scientific psychology:

1. Compare and contrast various approaches to Islamisation of psychology
2.Compare and contrast various definitions of psychology
3. Evaluate various issues and debates in secular psychology from Islamic-scientific perspective  

Coverage (3-5 hours for each on demand learning) and 5 hours per module live session (each month)

1.Various approaches to Islamisation of psychology

2.Definitions of Islamic psychology and Islamic-scientific psychology

3. Issues and debates in psychology from Islamic-scientific perspective e.g. nature vs nurture, consciousness vs unconsciousness, observable behaviours vs internal mental processes, free-will vs determinism, and universalism vs uniqueness

Write your awesome label here.
Module 2 - Islamic-scientific methods in psychology 
To develop an understanding of the philosophy and methods of research in Islamic-scientific psychology.

1. Describe briefly the traditional methodology of usul fiqh, `ulum Qur’an and `ulum Hadith

2. Evaluate Western philosophy of research and various psychological research methods from Islamic-scientific perspective

3. Apply biopsychosocial-spiritual models in explaining human phenomena
Coverage (3-5 hours for each on demand learning) and 5 hours per module live session (each month)
1. Introduction to usul fiqh, `ulum Qur’an, and `ulum Hadith and how they can contribute to the development of Islamic-scientific psychology.

2. Positivism, social constructionism and various psychological research methods from Islamic-perspective e.g. experiment, survey, observational method, case-study, and qualitative methods together with several research issues e.g. probability in statistics, representative sample, and research ethics.

3. Biopsychosocial-spiritual model as guide to Islamic-scientific psychological research.

Month 2:  An Introduction to Psychological Perspectives I

(Psychodynamic Perspective, and Behavioural Perspective) with Islamic-scientific Perspective

Module 3 - Psychodynamic Perspective: An Islamic-scientific evaluation 

Evaluation of Psychodynamic perspective from Islamic-scientific point of view.

1. Describe Islamic-scientific perspective on the influence of unconscious factors to human behaviours.

2.Evaluate psychodynamic theories from Freudian psychoanalysis to neo-Freudian theories from Islamic-scientific perspective.

3. Apply psychodynamic models to counselling, psychotherapies and various psychology sub-disciplines form Islamic-scientific perspective.

4. Integrate Islamic-scientific psychodynamic model to the broader biopsychosocial-spiritual model



Module 4 - Behavioural Perspective: An Islamic-scientific evaluation

Evaluation of behaviourism from Islamic-scientific point of view.


1. Describe Islamic-scientific perspective on the influence of environmental factors to human behaviours


2. Evaluate behaviourism from Islamic-scientific perspective


3. Apply behaviourism to counselling, psychotherapies, and various psychology sub-disciplines from Islamic-scientific perspective.


4. Integrate Islamic-scientific behavioural model to the broader biopsychosocial-spiritual model


Coverage (3-5 hours for each on demand learning) and 5 hours per module live session (each month)
1. Biography of Sigmund Freud and other neo-Freudians

2. Historical context Freudian psychoanalysis and later psychodynamic, with addition from Islamic psychological history.

3. Basic concepts of Freudian psychoanalysis and later psychodynamic, plus Islamic-scientific perspective.

4. Psychodynamic model of counselling and psychotherapy, plus Islamic-scientific perspective

5. Psychodynamic model in other areas of psychology, plus Islamic-scientific perspective

6. How does Islamic-scientific psychodynamic model fit the broader biopsychosocial-spiritual model.


Coverage (3-5 hours for each on demand learning) and 5 hours per module live session (each month)
1. Biography of J.B. Watson and B.F. Skinner and other behaviour therapists e.g. Joseph Wolpe and Hans Eysenck

2. Historical context of early behaviourism and later behaviourism, with addition from Islamic psychological history.

3. Basic concepts of behaviourism, plus Islamic-scientific perspective

4. Behavioural model of counselling and psychotherapy, plus Islamic-scientific perspective

5. Behavioural model in other areas of psychology, plus Islamic-scientific perspective

6. How does Islamic-scientific behavioural model fit the broader biopsychosocial-spiritual model.

Month 3: An Introduction to Psychological Perspectives II 

(Humanistic-Existentialist Perspective, and Cognitive Perspective) with Islamic-scientific Perspective

Module 5 - Humanistic-Existentialist Perspective: An Islamic-scientific evaluation

Evaluation of Humanistic-Existentialist perspective from Islamic-scientific point of view.

1. Describe Islamic-scientific perspective on the influence of self-factor to human behaviours

2. Evaluate humanistic-existentialist perspective from Islamic-scientific perspective

3. Apply humanistic-existentialist perspective to counselling, psychotherapies, and various psychology sub-disciplines from Islamic-scientific perspective

4. Integrate Islamic-scientific behavioural model to the broader biopsychosocial-spiritual model


Module 6 - Cognitive Perspective: An Islamic-scientific evaluation

Evaluation of Cognitive perspective from Islamic-scientific point of view

1. Describe Islamic-scientific perspective on the influence of cognitive factor to human behaviours

2. Evaluate cognitive perspective from Islamic-scientific perspective

3. Apply cognitive perspective to counselling, psychotherapies and various psychology sub-disciplines from Islamic-scientific perspective

4. Integrate Islamic-scientific cognitive model to the broader biopsychosocial-spiritual model

Note: Briefing on assessments.


Coverage (3-5 hours for each on demand learning) and 5 hours per module live session (each month)

1. Biography of Carl Rogers and Victor Frankl

2. Historical context of Humanistic-Existentialist perspective, with addition from Islamic psychological history.

3. Basic concepts of humanistic-existential perspective, plus Islamic-scientific perspective

4. Humanistic-existentialist model of counselling and psychotherapy, plus Islamic-scientific perspective

5. Humanistic-existentialist model in other areas of psychology, plus Islamic-scientific perspective

6. How does Islamic-scientific humanistic-existential model fit the broader biopsychosocial-spiritual model.


Coverage (3-5 hours for each on demand learning) and 5 hours per module live session (each month)

1. Biography of Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis

2. Historical context of cognitive-behavioural and cognitive perspectives, with addition from Islamic psychological history.


3. Basic concepts of cognitive-behavioural and cognitive perspectives, plus Islamic-scientific perspective

4. Cognitive-behavioural and cognitive models of counselling and psychotherapy, plus Islamic-scientific perspective

5. Cognitive-behavioural and cognitive models in other areas of psychology, plus Islamic-scientific perspective

6. How does Islamic-scientific cognitive-behavioural and cognitive models fit the broader biopsychosocial-spiritual model.


Month 4: An Introduction Psychological Perspectives III 

(Biological Perspective) and Islamic-Scientific Basic Psychology


Module 7 - Biological Perspective: An Islamic-scientific evaluation

Evaluation of Biological perspective from Islamic-scientific point of view

1. Describe Islamic-scientific perspective on the influence of biological factor to human behaviours

2. Evaluate biological perspective from Islamic-scientific perspective

3. Apply biological perspective to counselling, psychotherapies, and various psychology sub-disciplines from Islamic-scientific perspective

4. Integrate Islamic-scientific biological model to the broader biopsychosocial-spiritual model


Module 8 - Applications of biopsychosocial-spiritual perspective to basic psychology disciplines 

Exposure to various basic psychology disciplines from Islamic-scientific perspective:

1. Describe the Islamic philosophy of learning cognition, development, motivation, emotion, and society.

2. Evaluate psychology of learning, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, motivation and emotion, and social psychology from Islamic-scientific perspective.

3. Apply biopsychosocial-spiritual model to psychology of learning, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, motivation and emotion, and social psychology


Coverage (3-5 hours for each on demand learning) and 5 hours per module live session (each month)

1. The biological bases of behaviours (genetic, neuronal, and hormonal activities).

2. Historical context of psychosurgery, drug therapy, and electro-convulsive therapy, with addition from Islamic psychological history.


3. Basic concepts of biological perspective, plus Islamic-scientific perspective


4. Biological model of counselling and psychotherapy, plus Islamic-scientific perspective


5. Biological model in other areas of psychology, plus Islamic-scientific perspective

6. How does Islamic-scientific cognitive-behavioural and cognitive models fit the broader biopsychosocial-spiritual model.


Coverage (3-5 hours for each on demand learning) and 5 hours per module live session (each month)

1. Psychology of learning: Islamic-scientific perspective


2. Cognitive psychology: Islamic-scientific perspective


3. Developmental psychology: Islamic-scientific perspective


4. Motivation and emotion: Islamic-scientific perspective


5. Social psychology: Islamic-scientific perspective

Month 5: An Introduction to Islamic-scientific Applied Psychology

Module 9 - Applications of biopsychosocial-spiritual perspective to applied psychology disciplines I 

Exposure to various basic psychology disciplines from Islamic-scientific perspective:

1. Describe the Islamic philosophy of education, health, and work.

2. Evaluate educational psychology, health psychology and work/organizational psychology from Islamic-scientific perspective

3. Apply biopsychosocial-spiritual model to educational psychology, health psychology and work/organizational psychology


Module 10 - Applications of biopsychosocial-spiritual perspective to applied psychology disciplines II 

Exposure to various basic psychology disciplines from Islamic-scientific perspective:

1. Describe the Islamic philosophy of crime, sport, and environment.


2. Evaluate forensic psychology, sport psychology and environmental psychology from Islamic-scientific perspective


3. Apply biopsychosocial-spiritual model to forensic psychology, sport psychology and environmental psychology


Coverage (3-5 hours for each on demand learning) and 5 hours per module live session (each month)

1. Educational Psychology: Islamic-scientific perspective


2. Health Psychology: Islamic-scientific perspective


3. Work/Organisational Psychology: Islamic-scientific perspective


Coverage (3-5 hours for each on demand learning) and 5 hours per module live session (each month)

1. Forensic Psychology: Islamic-scientific perspective


2. Sport Psychology: Islamic-scientific perspective


3. Environmental Psychology: Islamic-scientific perspective


Month 6:  An Introduction to Practical integrated Islamic Psychology and Counselling Framework

Module 11 - Applications of biopsychosocial-spiritual perspective to integrating the Islamic applied Psychology practical Counselling model I 

1. Evaluate various perspective about soul, human being, mental illness, and psychotherapy from Islamic-scientific perspective.

2. Analysis the development of human psychology throughout the life-span and various factors that affecting it.

3. Apply Islamic-scientific psychology to improve the behaviours and morals of human being.


Module 12 - Applications of biopsychosocial-spiritual perspective to integrating the Islamic applied Psychology practical Counselling model II

Applications of biopsychosocial-spiritual perspective to integrating the Islamic applied Psychology practical Counselling model II

1. Development of theories and models

2. Principles of integrating intervention, techniques, and approaches from the Islamic-scientific perspective in Counselling.

3. Major therapeutic techniques and interventions and applications using Islamic-scientific approaches

4. Case studies


Coverage (3-5 hours for each on demand learning) and 5 hours per module live session (each month)

1. Muslim presentations of Mental Illness.

2. Human from the Islamic and conventional perspectives


3. Islamically-sensitive/informed psychotherapy, Islamically-integrated psychotherapy and Islamic psychotherapy

4. Advantages and disadvantages of western models for Muslim clients

5. Current models of Islamic psychotherapy

6. The metaphysics of the soul in relation to the nature of God


7. Human development: from pre-birth to old age


8. Human development: changes and problems,


9. Factors influencing physical, cognitive, social and personality development.

10. Approaches and perspectives of human development and the common processes that every individual experiences


11. Application: Applying the concepts and theories learnt to explain own development.

12. Human nature and development to the western perspective of developmental psychology


Month 7: An Introduction to the Islamic Human Psychological Mainframe 

Module 13 - The Human Psychological Mainframe - Holistic Islamic Psychology & Counselling. Understanding the human dimensions

1. Explain the various human dimensions in the Qur’an and Sunnah


2. Explain the key factors in developing an authentic Islamic psychological and counselling framework of theory and application


3. Explain the problems of pathologising normal human behaviour from Islamic-scientific perspective


Module 14 - Mental Illness and legal Capacity

1. Explain mental illness in psychology and in Islamic context


2. Explain the concepts of insanity and legal capacity


3. Discuss case studies


4. Explain legal impediments in Islamic jurisprudence


5. Explain the impediments of illness in Islamic jurisprudence


6. Analyse various contemporary classifications of mental disorders


7. Analyse current fatwas in the light of scientific evidence and Islamic jurisprudence


Coverage (3-5 hours for each on demand learning) and 5 hours per module live session (each month)

1. Islamic human psychological mainframe


2. Qur’anic conceptualisations of the human soul, self and human nature

3. Psychological problems from Islamic-scientific perspective


Coverage (3-5 hours for each on demand learning) and 5 hours per module live session (each month)

1. Mental illness and mental disorder within the context of Islamic jurisprudence.

2. Definitions and interpretations of mental illness from Islamic perspective.

3. Mental disorders as diseases from Islamic perspective.


4. Dualistic theories and their historical significance from Islamic perspective.

5. Mind-body problem, mental illness and its implications for fatwa issuance.

6. Classical Islamic concepts of insanity, its causes, and manifestations


7. Cases of insanity in Islamic legal-historical contexts


8. Classical concepts and contemporary psychological definitions of insanity


Month 8: An Introduction to Islamic Psychology & Counselling from the Qur’an, Hadith and Early Muslim Scholars 

Module 15 - Selected Qur’anic verses and Ahadith for Counsellors and Psychologists 

Exposure to selected Qur’anic verses and Ahadith al-Nabawiyah related to counselling and psychology:

8. Integrate several tafsir of Qur’anic verses with scientific research to build Islamic-scientific theories and practices in counselling and psychology

9. Integrate several syarah of ahadith al-nabawiyah with scientific research to build Islamic-scientific theories and practices in counselling and psychology


Module 16 - Early Muslim Scholars Contribution to Psychology & Counselling 

Exposure to selected early Muslim scholars’ contribution to psychology.

1. Describe early Muslim scholars’ contribution to psychology

2. Integrate early Muslim scholars’ contribution with contemporary scientific psychology


Coverage (3-5 hours for each on demand learning) and 5 hours per module live session (each month)

1. Qur’anic verses and ahadith related to basic psychology


2. Qur’anic verses and ahadith related to applied psychology


3. Qur’anic verses and ahadith related to counselling and psychotherapy


1. Al-Kindi

2. Abu Bakr Al-Razi

3. Al-Farabi

4. Ibn Miskawayh

5. Ikhwan al-Safa

6. Ibn Sina

7. Ibn Hazm

8. Al-Ghazali

9. Ibn Bajjah

10. Ibn Tufayl

11. Ibn Rushd

12. Fakhr al-Din al-Razi

13. Ibn Taimiyyah

14. Ibn Qayyim

15. Al-Balkhi

The Islamic Psychology & Counselling Master’s Level (M.IPC) Programme 

Dates / guidelines / class rules / complaints procedure
Our aim and vision are to provide a qualification that accredits individuals who have demonstrated a firm understanding of mainstream Western psychology, psychotherapy, and counselling models, as well as the Islamic tradition. This unique combination gives students a deep and profound understanding of various dimensions in this area of study.

The M.IPC course is structured over eight weekends. The majority of the programme is on-demand, meaning participants will have access to high-level studio-recorded classes and specially written books for each module, allowing them to study at their own pace.

Each month, we will release (student portal) the on-demand recordings and materials for that month’s modules, enabling participants to study according to their schedules. The on-demand recorded lessons, spanning around 30-40 hours, have been curated in a professional recording studio with state-of-the-art editing. Additionally, there will be live sessions each month, lasting around 4 hours each month with breaks, to cover the modules taught during that month.

Key Features:

  • Comprehensive understanding of both Western psychology and the Islamic tradition.
  • Flexible on-demand learning with studio-recorded classes and tailored books.
  • Monthly live sessions to reinforce and expand on the recorded material.
  • A qualification that prepares individuals to become authentic Islamic therapists trusted by their communities.
Write your awesome label here.
Please note that we have the right to change/cancel any of the live dates stated above for any emergencies or logistical reasons as well as make any changes to the live class times. Should a class be cancelled, this will be rescheduled to a later date, we aim to ensure that students are informed as soon as possible should there be any changes to the dates or class times.
The M.IPC programme is a rigorous and in-depth course – we therefore request individuals to be mindful that sensitive topics may be discussed under the direction and guidance of the class tutor.

If you feel you may not be able to partake in such topics and discussions then consult your tutor or contact the administrator to notify him/her prior to joining the course. This course is a training programme to teach people how to become Islamic counsellors and is therefore not intended to be a counselling session for students. If students require counselling, then the institute can sign post students to relevant parties/bodies. The course is strictly adherent to the format of a normal academic Islamic course.

Please note that discussion and conversations during the class are strictly confidential and should not be shared or discussed with individuals outside of class.  

Islamic Accreditor

The Association of Islamic Mental Health Specialists (AIMS)
The Association of Islamic Mental Health Specialists (AIMS) is the professional association for mental health professionals and specialists from the global Muslim community. The vision of AIMS is to empower individuals so they can contribute to, serve, and better support their communities.

Created with