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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 ethicsHow desires (Shahwa vs. Hawwa) influence moral decision-makingThe role of character formation and habituation in moral developmentThe concept of the soul as the real doer in human actionsNavigating ethical dilemmas, biases, and diversity of opinions in Islamic lawThe importance of self-awareness and continuous striving for humanityDr. Mutaz shares his personal journey of building a library lost to war, emphasizing the value of purposeful knowledgeThe distinction between theoretical (knowing) and practical (acting) wisdom rooted in Greek and Islamic philosophyHow Islamic ethics does not aim to eradicate desires but to purify and regulate them through moderationThe significance of intentions, motivations, and inner states (Baath, Dafa'a) in moral actionsThe process of habit formation in character, highlighting the importance of repetition and consistencyPractical advice on evaluating one's qualifications for responsibility and moral effortThe concept of continuity in actions leading to stable change and character transformationAligning intentions, emotions, and rationality to foster genuine virtue over superficial complianceHamad bin Khalifa UniversityImam Ghazali’s writings on Nafs and moralityClassical Islamic Ethics LiteratureYou 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 implicationsHow Quranic stories serve as models for moral resilience and emotional engagementStrategies for lay Muslims to interpret Quranic verses responsibly and meaningfullyThe significance of context and comprehensive reading over isolated versesThe prophetic approach to tough verses, emphasizing compassion, patience, and understandingAddressing verses about gender roles and the importance of holistic interpretationHow Quranic stories function as moral typologies rather than strict historical accountsThe role of divine love, fear, and hope in understanding Allah's interaction with prophetsPractical guidance for engaging with the Quran—consulting translations, tafsir, and embracing multiple interpretationsEmphasizing that the Quran addresses timeless human experiences, fostering self-identification and ethical growthBehind the Story Essentials: Ethical Readings of Quranic Narratives⁠Tafsir al-Jalalayn⁠ — A classical tafsir exploring thematic interpretations⁠Sahih al-Bukhari⁠ — Authentic Prophetic sayings relevant to ethical behavior⁠The Relevance of Prophetic Models⁠ — An article discussing how prophets serve as ethical exemplarsYou 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

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

In this conversation, we explore the tender and often challenging relationship between Salah (prayer) and ADHD. We talk about what it feels like to struggle with focus, guilt, or distraction in prayer, and how our emotional and relational worlds shape the way we connect with Allah. Together, we reflect on the true purpose of Salah as a moment of presence and belonging, and how acceptance, compassion, and small acts of consistency can help us nurture a lifelong relationship with prayer. We also share practical ways to make Salah more mindful and adaptable for those living with ADHD. You can find Halah Zumrawi on: Instagram: @salahandadhd www.salahandadhd.com [email protected] You can find me on: Website: https://nouraamkieh.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nafsandtherapy

*Disclaimer* this episode talks about psychosis, if this is a triggering topic, please skip. In this deep and meaningful conversation, we open up about the tender and complex relationship between psychosis, mental health, and spirituality. Together, we reflect on lived experiences with psychosis, the role of community support, and how moments of deep struggle can sometimes hold the seeds of spiritual awakening. Our dialogue is rooted in compassion and understanding, as we explore how to gently integrate these experiences into daily life while confronting the stigma that so often surrounds mental health. You can find Imtithal Mohammed on: Instagram: @salikah.alchemist @transpersonal.counsellor Interview: https://youtu.be/UKdrJduigLw?si=wI5-xk7HWYRABTU2 Article: https://thesalikahalchemist.substack.com/p/the-nature-of-madness-pyshosis-or-spiritual-awakening You can find me on: Website: https://nouraamkieh.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nafsandtherapy

In this episode, Armaan, a psychiatry resident, opens up about his journey through medical training and how he’s weaving Islamic psychology into the fabric of modern psychiatry. He reflects on what it means to care for both the mind and the soul, reminding us that true healing goes beyond prescriptions and diagnoses. Together, we explore the challenges of being a healthcare professional, the quiet power of faith in recovery, and the profound act of simply witnessing a patient’s suffering without rushing to “fix” it. Armaan also shares his thoughts on moral injury in medicine and the hopeful, transformative role Islamic psychology can play in reimagining clinical care. You can find Dr. Armaan Rowther on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/armaan-rowther-4341a936/ [email protected] His publications: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=syEpacQAAAAJ&hl=en You can find me on: Website: https://nouraamkieh.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nafsandtherapy

In this episode, I share reflections from the Shifaa Method training, a unique approach that integrates psychological, spiritual, and relational dimensions of healing. We look at how these teachings can shape the way we understand and practice care. I also give you a glimpse into what’s ahead this season, episodes that will explore psychiatry in today’s context, the intersection of ADHD and salat, and lived experiences of psychosis. Each conversation is meant to open space for dialogue between clinical knowledge and spiritual wisdom, and to bring depth and nuance to how we think about mental health and well-being. To find Dar Al Shifaa's training: https://dar-al-shifaa.com/practitioners-training-register-your-interest/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=February+Intro+Email&utm_campaign=Level+2+Practitioner+Training+Reminder

Disclaimer: This episode contains descriptions of war, trauma, and graphic content. Please listen with care and pause if it feels heavy. This conversation is not a substitute for therapy or professional mental health support. In this special episode of Nafs & Therapy, we sit with Dr. Adil Husain, who served as an emergency medicine doctor in Gaza. Together, we step into the heart of the hospital during times of war—witnessing the depth of suffering, the weight of grief, and the moments of quiet resilience that emerge in between. We explore what it means to live through trauma when the world itself feels unsafe, and how faith, community, and the bonds of care become lifelines in the darkest of times. Dr. Husain reminds us of the importance of humanizing those enduring violence, and of carrying their stories forward as an act of witness and solidarity. Even in the midst of devastation, we find glimpses of joy, love, and strength—the resilience of the human spirit that insists on surviving, even flourishing, against all odds. You can find Dr Adil Husain on: Instagram: @adil.husain525 You can find me on: Website: https://nouraamkieh.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nafsandtherapy

In this episode, we sit with Dr. Hooman Keshavarzi to explore where Islamic psychology and OCD meet, with a special focus on religious OCD, often called scrupulosity. Together, we talk about the symptoms of OCD, how the inner critic shows up in our lives, and the ways spirituality can play a healing role. We share practical strategies for coping, and reflect on why it matters to seek support from practitioners who truly understand the religious context. Most importantly, we highlight the hope that treatment brings — reminding ourselves and our listeners that recovery is possible, and that none of us have to walk this journey alone. You can find Dr Hooman on: https://khalilcenter.com/staff/dr-hooman-keshavarzi OCD Workbook: https://khalilcenter.com/articles/ocdworkbook You can find me on: Website: https://nouraamkieh.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nafsandtherapy

Join me on this episode as I sit down with Dr. Sameer Mahmood to explore where psychology, spirituality, and love converge through an Islamic lens. We reflect on Freud and Jung and what we have learnt from these two, but keep coming back to how Islamic wisdom grounds our understanding of the soul, the modern search for meaning, and the way beauty awakens true love. Dr. Sameer and I dive into why lived experience matters, and how balancing our vertical relationship with the Divine and our horizontal bonds with each other opens the door to genuine purpose and connection. You can find Dr Samir on: Website: https://www.samirmahmoud.com/ He has alot of content available on YouTube as well. You can find me on: Website: https://nouraamkieh.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nafsandtherapy