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Would Studying Psychology Turn Me Into an Atheist?

03 August, 2024
Q Assalamu Alaykum,

I want to become a clinical Islam psychologist and I’ve seen a story where some people become atheists while studying it and I worry because I want to be a Muslim forever. I want to know if there’s anything I can do because I’m afraid that if I start studying it I might be among them.

Also my parents don’t want me to study psychology, I’ve been begging them and I’ve cried to them and I’ve also prayed to Allah to please help me. I really want to become a psychologist.

Answer

In her counseling response, Aisha Mohammed reflects upon studying psychology as a Muslim.

Does this field really threatens our faith in Islam? Listen to her advice to discover why you do not need to be afraid of becoming a psychologist.

Psychology is a very broad field, and clinical psychology is one of the venues one can choose as a career path. 

Some people say it could be dangerous to learn about theories that are not in line with Islam, beacuse it can confuse and distort the correct belief in the principles of the religion.

However, this criticism could be applied to many other fields, specially related to sciences or philosophy.  

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Being Certain in Islam

But no matter which field you choose, you are going to study it as a Muslim.

Just because you learn about theories that contradicts Islam, you are not going to stop being a Muslim as long as you are firmly grounded in your belief. 

When you are certain in your faith, love Islam and Allah, choosing a career path in these fields are not going to threaten your foundations. 

The Benefits of Being a Muslim Psychologist

As a Muslim clinical psychologist you are going to support people with psychopatologies. If you are an Islamic psychologist you can offer more comprehensive assistance by adding the spiritual, religious perspective of Islam into the understanding and treatment of the problem.

Writing down the benefits of being a Muslim psychologist would help to see clearly the importance of this path.

You can share the list with your family as well to let them realize that serving the community through mental health support is indeed in line with Islam, and the Muslim Ummah needs your aid.

Listen the audio for the details. 

Disclaimer: The conceptualization and recommendations stated in this response are very general and purely based on the limited information that was provided in the question. In no event shall AboutIslam, it’s volunteers, writers, scholars, counselors, or employees be held liable for any direct, indirect, exemplary, punitive, consequential or other damages whatsoever that may arise through your decision or action in the use of the services which our website provides. 

About Aisha Mohammad
Aisha has a PhD in psychology, an MS in public health and a PsyD. Aisha worked as a Counselor/Psychologist for 12 years at Geneva B. Scruggs Community Health Care Center in New York. She has worked with clients with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, panic disorder, trauma, and OCD. She also facilitated support groups and provided specialized services for victims of domestic violence, HIV positive individuals, as well youth/teen issues. Aisha is certified in Mindfulness, Trauma Informed Care, Behavioral Management, Restorative Justice/ Healing Circles, Conflict Resolution, Mediation, and Confidentiality & Security. Aisha is also a Certified Life Coach, and Relationship Workshop facilitator. Aisha has a part-time Life Coaching practice in which she integrates the educational concepts of stress reduction, mindfulness, introspection, empowerment, self love and acceptance and spirituality to create a holistic healing journey for clients. Aisha is also a part of several organizations that advocates for prisoner rights/reentry, social & food justice, as well as advocating for an end to oppression & racism. In her spare time, Aisha enjoys her family, photography, nature, martial arts classes, Islamic studies, volunteering/charity work, as well as working on her book and spoken word projects.