This book explores the integration of narrative therapy within the framework of Islāmic psychotherapy, combining modern therapeutic practices with the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Islām.
Narrative therapy, which emphasises the importance of personal stories in shaping an individual’s identity and experiences, finds a natural complement in the Islāmic tradition, where narration has always played an important role. This integration provides a culturally sensitive therapeutic model that respects and utilises the client’s faith and cultural background. The book details how narrative therapy principles align with Islāmic teachings, particularly the emphasis on introspection, personal responsibility, and the transformative power of stories found in the Qur’ân and hādith. It provides detailed guidelines and techniques for therapists to use narrative therapy with Muslim clients, including culturally relevant storytelling methods and exercises. These techniques are illustrated with real-life examples and case studies. In addition to practical techniques, the book addresses the ethical considerations involved in integrating narrative therapy with Islāmic psychotherapy along with emerging trends, ongoing research, and potential areas for further development.
This book offers an original contribution by developing a culturally and spiritually integrated model of narrative therapy tailored for Muslim clients. By aligning therapeutic techniques with Islāmic teachings, it provides mental health professionals with practical, faith-sensitive tools, making it especially valuable for therapists, counsellors, and scholars working within Muslim communities.
Table of Contents:
Section 1: Theoretical, Conceptual and model 1. Foundations of narrative therapy 2. Process and therapeutic conversation in narrative therapy 3. Narrative therapy and Islāmic worldview: Conflict, harmony and integration 4. Unveiling an Islāmic Integrated Narrative Therapy 5. Spiritual interventions in Islāmic Integrated Narrative Therapy Model 6. Islāmic perspectives on storytelling 7. Metaphor in Islāmic Integrated Narrative Therapy Section 2. Clinical applications 8. Clinical applications of Islāmic Integrated Narrative Therapy 9. Clinical Applications: Qur’ânic stories and metaphors 10. Challenges and considerations
About the Author :
G. Hussein Rassool, PhD, is Professor of Islāmic Psychology at the Centre for Islāmic Studies & Civilisations, Charles Sturt University, Australia. He serves as Director of Studies at the Department of Islamic Psychology, Psychotherapy & Counselling, Al Balagh Academy. He is also Chair of Al Balagh Institute of Islamic Psychology Research and Director of Academic & Clinical Affairs at Sakina Way (Online Addiction Service), https://www.sakinaway.com. He is Director of Academic Affairs and Consultant, Yashfeen Psychiatry & Islamic Psychology, Bangladesh. He is also involved in mentorship and supervision at the Department of Islamic Psychology, Mind and Brain Hospital, India.
Review :
"A much needed book on Islāmic Integrated narrative therapy written by a practising, respected and leading authority on Islāmic psychology and psychotherapy. Narrative therapy is powerful, because it enables individuals to reshape their life stories, empowering them to view their problems from a new perspective, simultaneously fostering personal growth and change. Blending narrative therapy with Islāmic teachings offers counselling practitioners practical tools to assist in guiding their Muslim clients to transform their lives using spiritual, cultural and faith informed therapeutic practice. Professor Rassool offers practical guidance, maintaining his commitment to psychotherapy, spiritual growth and cultural sensitivity when working with Muslim clients. This book will be a valuable asset to students, clinicians, clinical academics, researchers and the general public globally who are looking to develop greater insights into the area."
Janine Owens. Research Fellow, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, , The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
"Islāmic Integrated Narrative Therapy is a pioneering work that revolutionises the field of psychotherapy by seamlessly integrating Islāmic values and spirituality with narrative therapy. By drawing on the rich tradition of Qur’ānic storytelling and Islāmic teachings, Professor Rassool offers a culturally sensitive and spiritually grounded framework that empowers Muslim clients to re-author their life stories and find meaning, hope, and connection to Allah. This book is a vital resource for therapists, mental health professionals, and scholars working with Muslim populations, providing practical tools and strategies for faith-informed therapeutic practice. With its compelling case studies and insightful analysis, this book sets a new standard for culturally adapted therapy and is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of Islam and psychotherapy."
Yasien Mohamed, Emeritus Professor of Arabic language and Islāmic philosophy
Department of Foreign Languages, University of the Western Cape. South Africa.
"The book, Islāmic Integrated Narrative Therapy, presents a significant and much-needed contribution to the field of Islāmic Counseling, psychology and psychotherapy. By integrating narrative therapy, a well-established postmodern approach with Islāmic epistemology and spiritual practices, the book bridges a critical gap in the literature. The structure, clarity of writing and balance between theory and practice are strong. The inclusion of Qur’ānic stories, hadīths, metaphors, and spiritual practices such as dhikr and supplication provides a culturally congruent framework for Muslim clients and therapists. Furthermore, the inclusion of practical case vignettes brings the concepts to life, effectively bridging theory and practice. The book is highly relevant to practitioners, students, and researchers in Islāmic counseling, psychology and psychotherapy."
Salasiah Hanin Hamjah, Professor, Centre for Da’wah and Leadership, Faculty of Islāmic Studies.Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (National University of Malaysia), Selangor, Malaysia.
"Islāmic Integrated Narrative Therapy is an extremely important resource which beautifully highlights the intersection between theory and practice. The narrative tradition has been accepted as an important element presented in the Qur’ān and the therapeutic significance of this approach has been widely researched. This book encapsulates this by bringing together various principles of narrative therapy in a meaningful and practical way. The contents are relevant and topical and can be situated within the broader discourse of narrative therapy in psychology, while at the same time offering something nuanced and applicable. Storytelling has the capacity to transcend barriers with the aim of gaining insight and understanding of the true human experience. The role of narrative therapy is clearly presented in this book, providing a holistic overview of the topic. This book is a must-read for clinicians and anyone interested in gaining a better understanding on this intriguing topic."
Zarina Hassem. Senior Lecturer -International Open University (IOU); Lecturer Independent Institute of Education South Africa.
"This book is an essential resource in an era when spiritually and culturally grounded therapeutic approaches are especially needed. Professor Rassool has seamlessly woven the principles of narrative therapy with the profound wisdom of the Islāmic tradition, creating a practical and resonant framework for clinicians working with Muslim clients. It is a theoretical integration with a rich guide offering actionable tools from Qur’ānic storytelling to the powerful use of metaphor, demonstrated through compelling case studies. For any mental health professionals, students or scholars seeking to provide holistic care that honours faith and identity, Islāmic Integrated Narrative Therapy is a necessary and transformative read."
Shireen Ismail, Educational Psychologist in Private Practice, South Africa
