The Science of the Soul: Exploring Islamic Psychology

This event is an educational panel exploring the intersection of Islamic psychology and contemporary clinical practice with a focus on addressing mental health stigma within the Muslim community and the growing need for culturally and spiritually informed care.

The session will bring together a distinguished panel of speakers with expertise across Islamic scholarship, psychiatry, and psychology. The discussion will examine how traditional Islamic understandings of the nafs (self) can meaningfully inform modern therapeutic approaches, particularly in supporting Muslim patients navigating mental health challenges.

Confirmed speakers include Yahya Ibrahim (Islamic scholar and community leader), Ahmed Munib (psychiatrist), Mirza Bakhtier (clinical psychologist), Dr Sajid Mahmoud (consultant psychiatrist) and Abdallah Rothman (specialist in Islamic psychology, joining remotely from Cambridge Muslim College). Each speaker brings recognised experience in their respective fields, contributing to a balanced and academically grounded discussion.

The event will be structured as a series of short presentations followed by a moderated panel discussion and audience Q&A.

This event is open to all students and members of the public, particularly those with an interest in healthcare, psychology, and faith-based approaches to wellbeing. It is intended to provide an informative and open environment for learning and discussion.

This event is being delivered in collaboration with the AIMA Students Wing (Australian Islamic Medical Association). The University of Western Australia Muslim Students Association (UWAMSA) is the primary organising body and is responsible for event logistics, coordination and adherence with university requirements.