Muslim Psychologist

Career prospects: psychological therapies

2009-12-05T15:07:00.002-01:00

Find out what you can do with your degree at http://www.whatcanidowithmydegree.nhs.uk

Career prospects: psychological therapies

Career news at a glance:

The job prospects for psychological therapists look bright at present, as across the board the NHS, government departments and private companies are investigating therapy-based solutions as alternatives to drug-based treatments. In addition, the government is funding a project to improve access to psychological therapies in the mental health sector.

Career health advice:

The various titles of practitioner psychologist are now statutorily regulated by the Health Professions Council. Psychologists will need to be registered with the HPC in order to work under any of the designated titles.
Counsellors and psychotherapists will also be regulated by the HPC from 2012.
A degree is not always sufficient for many forms of therapy. Some therapies require a practical component of supervised case work and this is usually undertaken at postgraduate level.
Employers often prefer to appoint a chartered psychologist because the title is the public’s guarantee that the person is properly trained, qualified and answerable to an independent professional body.
In addition to consulting NHS Jobs, don’t forget the professional body journals listing job advertisements.
Consider assistant jobs or voluntary work. Most jobs for psychological therapists, due to the independent nature of the work, require experience. Working as an assistant psychotherapist or assistant psychologist whilst training will provide invaluable experience.
Be open-minded when looking for posts, as many job titles will not necessarily mention the terms psychotherapy or psychology. Other titles include mental health practitioner or primary mental health worker.
Certain skills are more in demand than others. There are currently national shortages of clinical psychologists and neuropsychologists, and there is increasing demand for counselling psychologists. The need to lower levels of obesity also means more opportunities for health psychologists and exercise psychologists.
Psychotherapists often work in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or ‘talking therapies’. The Government has promised more money and access to talking therapies for mental health patients and GPs are being urged to offer CBT to patients with low-level mental health problems.

Career health warnings:

As more NHS services are shifted into the community it is likely that many more of the psychological therapies will move to primary care or community settings.
Look for job opportunities throughout England as you are more likely to be successful in securing a job if you can be flexible about where you live and work.

Working in the NHS:

Psychotherapists often work in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or ‘talking therapies’. The government has promised more money and access to talking therapies for mental health patients and GPs are being urged to offer CBT to patients with low-level mental health problems. With larger health centres opening up in primary care settings, it is possible that GPs will want to employ more psychotherapists to treat mental health patients and those chronic-disease patients at high risk of depression.

Child psychotherapists work in specialist child and adolescent mental health teams. Increasingly, they also work in jointly-funded positions within schools, social services and hospitals.

Health psychologists and exercise psychologists are increasingly used in primary care, as GPs are given more say over health budgets and changing people’s behaviours.

Working in the private sector:

Psychological therapists often work in private practice and will treat self-referred patients as well as those referred from private clinics, hospitals and doctors.

Occupational psychologists often work for large companies with human resources or personnel departments, or as overseers of change management.

There is a small, but growing, number of sports psychologists who work either as consultants and/or are employed by elite athletic and sports teams.

Psychology graduates are prized by market research firms, personnel management firms and employment agencies. There are also opportunities for psychology lecturers in nursing and medical schools.

As the NHS opens up to other providers many private clinics and hospitals are starting to expand and employ greater numbers of psychologists and psychotherapists.

Working in the independent/charitable sector:

Many charities and voluntary organisations employ therapists, particularly those dealing with children and young people, inter-cultural relations and ethnic minorities, drug and alcohol dependencies and sexual health agencies. Job opportunities for graduates in these organisations may grow in the future as some charities prepare to take on NHS services.

The current opening up of NHS services also opens the way to groups of therapists working in not-for-profit companies, to contract their services to the NHS or GPs.

Working abroad:

Each country has different regulation and education requirements for counsellors and psychotherapists. Graduates looking to work overseas need to research these and the rules each country operates in admitting overseas workers.

Future forecast:

In general the job prospects for psychological therapy graduates look very good. The overall demand for therapists is increasing due to the government’s focus on improving mental health, public health and obesity.

In psychotherapy there is likely to be a big demand for less intensive therapies, such as CBT, for minor mental health problems.

In child psychotherapy there are many more new jobs being created than in the past, particularly jointly-funded posts between the NHS, social services and education departments.

Funny things degrees

2009-09-22T20:33:00.003-01:00

Psychology is a funny thing!

Why? Just think about it what do you know about Psychology weather you're a student, graduate, someone who has heard of it somewhere or just interested in the subject.

Ask yourself what do you realy know about it?

For me, my experience of studying it and my knowledge after, to be honest hasnt really changed... I am still confused!

OK where am I headed with this... to be honest I have been struggling with where I am headed and how am I to get there... Psychology as a degree is a funny thing, you cant really get far with it.

As with many degrees the current climate for graduates dont look so promising, even if you have a first class degree (which by the way I dont have). Things will still be hard....or do they have to be?

Psychology, does it have a place in the world when ts just as degree level?... JUST at undergraduate degree level? It doesnt sound like much to me now, now after around 4 years after graduation, I look back and think how far have I really come with my degree. Can I really look myself in the mirror, can I really look at my CV and say, "yes doing that degree was worth it"?

In fact can YOU?

Can you justify those 3 or 4 years at university all that money spent, and say... "Yes those years were worth it"...

If you can or if you cant... tell me how you have come to where you are...
How succesful are you... do you think?
How has it changed you?

More importantly as I think about mine...what is your next step?

Islamic Counselling in London

2009-09-12T12:01:00.001-01:00

Assalamu alaykum

This sounds interesting...

ACCREDITED ISLAMIC COUNSELLING TRAINING (C London)

We are pleased to announce the availability of places on our part time VRQ Level 2 Certificate in Islamic Counselling. The course will be running from 24th September 2009 to January 14th 2010 and will be based near Edgware Road in London. These courses have been attended by teachers, scholars, social workers and counsellors in the past, all of whom have found them to be beneficial. If you are interested, do contact us at your earliest convenience as spaces are limited. Applications must reach us by 18th September 2009.

Our training is experiential. This involves learning by doing, which means that trainees are clients for each others' work in the development of their skills and knowledge. This work is
supported by traditional tuition, reading and assignments. Trainees are required to develop a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates their competence. Portfolios include documentary
evidence such as learning reviews, assignments and tutor observations.

For further information please contact:
E-mail: stephenmay@mac. com
Website: http://www.abraronl ine.net/en/ islamiccounselli ng.pdf

Make It Different

2009-08-22T12:56:00.002-01:00

From Muhammad Alshareef

ITS ON!

As salamu alaykum

You know what I'm talking about...Ramadan: It's ON!

We had so many things recently; Ramadan Ilminar, releasing the digital HeartWheelJournal, and then the printed version.

So now, who are YOU like?

Muslim A) In full-throttle Ramadan mode
Muslim B) Already started Ramadan *without* a plan

Whichever one you saw yourself as, I've got something for you.

...HeartWheel Journal ONLINE
http://www.heartwheeljournal.com/

Not just digital pdf.
A super software to do the HeartWheel Journal online.
http://www.heartwheeljournal.com/

=============
Do this right away:
1) Create account, still Fr-ee: http://www.heartwheeljournal.com/ (20 seconds)
2) Watch the WalkThrough video (2 mins)
2) Start from Day 1 (even if you're late, just start)
=============

With best wishes to see you succeed at the highest level!
- Muhammad Alshareef

PS: Be the first to experience the HeartWheel Journal.
http://www.heartwheeljournal.com/

PPS: Watch these "WalkThrough Videos" for the online and printed HeartWheel Journal by Nahyan, one of our DiscoverU LifeCoaches.
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=6FC244019EAC9552&sort_field=title

Anger Management - 'An Islamic Approach'

2009-07-15T13:55:00.003-01:00

Anger Management

An Islamic Psycho - Spiritual Approach
Anger is a powerful emotion. It can be used either in productive or counter-productive ways. It can lengthen or shorten our lives. Anger is a natural human emotion that everyone experiences at one time or another.

Examples of common factors that can make people angry are:

• Losing someone you love (grief)
• Sexual frustration
• Being tired, hungry or in pain
• Physical withdrawal from certain medicines or drugs
• Conditions, like pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)

Anger management is a form of counselling to help you cope with any angry feelings you may have that affect your health, work, social behaviour or personal relationships. This course on 'Anger Management' shall focus on psycho – spiritual approaches to anger with the Islamic theoretical aspect using Imam al-Ghazali's ‘Diagnosis of Anger’ and others, and practical steps in dealing with anger.

Special guest speaker includes Cici Collins [BAAM], a consultant dealing with anger.

The Prophet [s] said, "The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger." [Al-Bukhari]

Who should attend this course:

• Any person suffering from anger and rage
• Front-line employees/staff
• Parents who have difficulty dealing with their angry children
• Anyone who knows of someone suffering from anger issues
• Teachers who need to find creative ways of managing disruption in the classroom
• Health and care professionals

INSTRUCTORS
Dr. Mamoun Mobayed MD, DPM, MSc , Psychiatrist
Cici Collins Consultant [BAAM], Life Coach, EFT Practitioner, Cici Collins was Channel 4's Celebrity Wife Swap consultant

DATE Saturday 18th July 2009
TIME 9.00am – 6.30pm
VENUE Ebrahim College, 80 Greenfield Road, London, E1 1EJ
(behind East London Mosque [ELM]) (nearest tube station: Aldgate East and Whitechapel)
REGISTER Online at www.iidr.org
INFORMATION T: 07092 813 541
E: info@iidr.org

Future Focussed plus dua!

2009-06-28T21:03:00.001-01:00

Assalamu alaykum!

I just wanted to share this with you, a great future focussed hadith and dua which was e-mailed to me...

((مَا مِنْ فَجْرِ يَوْمٍ يَنْشَقُّ إلاَّ وَيُنَادِي مَلَكَان, يَا ابْنَ آدَمَ أنَا يَوْمٌ جَدِيْدٌ, وَعَلي عَمَلِكَ شَهِيْدٌ, فَتَزَوَّدْ مِنِّي فَإنِّي لا أعُوْدُ إلى يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَة))

“Not a single dawn breaks out without two angels calling out: ‘Oh Son of Adam, I am a new day and I witness your actions, so make the best out of me because I will never come back till the Day of Judgement’” (Al Ma’thur of the Prophet (saw))

Subhanallah, what better drive is that then that! To be reminded that today has gone, another sun has set on a day which we can never bring back. If we were able to reply this day what would we be proud of…? What would we change…?

Tomorrow, Alhamdulilah is another day; I pray Allah gives us the life to live to see that day, so we can implement anything we learnt form today… Ensure our actions are the best; our outcome is the finest, so that our judgment is successful.

"اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ يَوْمَنَا حَيرًا مِنْ أمْسِنَا وَجْعَلَ غَدَنَا خَيْرًا مِنْ يَوْمِنَا"

“O! Allah, make our today better than our yesterday, and make our tomorrow better than today”

So if one of your action points was to learn a new dua... how’s this one to learn? :)

Ma'salam

Reflections

2009-06-26T18:32:00.003-01:00

on the slippery road of life even the greatest of men and women need to take small safe steps

Special Offer... free cake anyone?

2009-06-23T09:44:00.002-01:00

Assalamu alaykum all!

Jazakillah khair to those who have taken advantage of the free 30 min session!

And if you are reading this and haven’t yet had a session, this is because I know you will soon, Inshallah and just wanted to let you know the special offer.

What's the Offer?

I only have a week left on my offer of free sessions and have 30 spaces left.

So what I will do is for 3 referrals you guys give me, you will receive a free MyBaked Cakes 10” cake! MyBaked Cakes is the new cake business that I and my family are setting up; we have a generation of cake baking behind us.

You can see some of them on my facebook page

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=118130&id=507254609&l=de9df16fd6

What You Need To Do

So What do you need to do to get one of these 10” cakes for free?

1) Ensured you have had the free 30 min session yourself
2) Fill the online survey
3) Refer at least 3 sisters to myself (make sure they mention your name!)
4) Your referees complete the survey
5) Eat your cake, baked just the way you like it! :D

Offer ends 26th June 2009

Ma’salam

Sara Bhatti
DiscoverU Lifecoach

07888697639

And if you’re a brother reading this, never fear you can take advantage of this too, all you have to do is instead of referring 3 sisters, you will have to refer 4 sisters! :)

This is the time

2009-06-11T21:28:00.003-01:00

Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatualli wa barakatu!

Sara Bhatti here, I hope you have been well Inshallah. I wanted to share what I have been up to most recently.

I start by asking you….

Are you ready to TAKE YOURSELF ON!?

"This is the time to become who

YOU have been destined to be"

Do you come home thinking “What did I do today?” Do you want to be able to enjoy your life and be in control? Perhaps you hoped things were different?

· ...wish people would treat you better?
· ...not quite sure where your life is leading?
· ...you want to achieve more?
· ...your parents don't listen to you?
· ...pleasing other people and their dreams and not fulfilling your own?
· …your children seem to have taken over your life?
· ...are you feeling unappreciated?

I have been there

I have wanted better. I have studied Psychology, Counselling, NLP, read self development books and even pop psychology books. I have been on Parent Coaching courses, experienced working with troubled families, worked with youth, Islamic Societies, experienced close bereavement, and seen things go wrong and how to succeed while being a Mediator in the Muslim community.

Recently trained by Muhammad Alshareef in Lifecoaching, I have gained a new perspective, putting together elements of NLP, mixing it up with SMART goals within the context of Islam made it complete, living with Ehsan, living with excellence.
I can see for sure There is a way to get back control.

Is this for Me?

· ...starting new things, a new job, the gym, a new degree but they are just not for you?
· ...want to get married, but just not the right time/person?
· ...expert in procrastination on things you thought you wanted to do?
· ...want to change something but don't know what?
· ...you want to fulfil your dreams?
· ...just not sure where you're headed?

Why not try Lifecoaching? E-mail me and we can get started Inshallah! saraybhatti@yahoo.co.uk

How it Works

To be honest I was a bit skeptical about the whole lifecoach thing, until my curiosity got the better of me. The benefits are many, there is something for everyone!

Things to expect:
· ...holding yourself accountable to do things you're committed to do
· ...consistently grow and face new challenges
· ...clarify what you want
· ...understand your passion to drive you forward
· ...a wake up call to fulfill your dreams
· ...and more...!

Kick your excuses where the sun doesn’t shine!

Testimonials

This is what my clients have said:

“…You were remarkably professional… I definitely appreciated that (and your flexibility!). Other than that I really liked your ability to not give me answers but make me think of them, difficult as they were to vocalise. I realise my inability to answer certain things stems from a reluctance to search for the answers within myself, and I guess the session (and advice) has provided the start point from which I realise I need to search for certain answers.” – Zahra

“My Life Coach projected a contagious enthusiasm that dispelled the lethargy and got me motivated again about the steps I needed to take. Apparently she's been told she's bossy, but personally I need discipline and someone to egg me on, especially since I can lose interest easily. Thank you very much.” – EA

Your Future

You have two choices here, stop reading and continue your life as you have been or start the beginning of a new chapter and reveal the path you have been destined to walk. E-mail now!

Remember....

إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُغَيِّرُ مَا بِقَوْمٍ حَتَّىٰ يُغَيِّرُوا مَا بِأَنْفُسِهِمْ

Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves. (13:11)

Small steps in the beginning to make change for yourself, is the start of your journey with Allah's aide.Helping you to fulfill challenges you face in your life. Book your free 30 min session. What are you waiting for?

Visit www.discoverulife.com for more information.

Sara Bhatti
DiscoverU Lifecoach

saraybhatti@yahoo.co.uk

07888697639

E-mail me. I am waiting to take this exciting journey with you!

Free 30 min session are offered for a limited time, please contact me before 19th June 2009 to book your free session

"This is the time to become who
YOU have been destined to be"

An evening with Ashima

2009-02-26T12:41:00.002-01:00

An evening with Ashima

"We no longer sit around as victims of the Kashmir conflict, we shall stop it”

An inspirational evening with an experienced peace worker in Kashmir. on 06 April at 18:00.

Ashima Kaur works for Athwaas, an organisation which aims to create safe and secure spaces for women to come together in order to make the shift from being victims to possible changemakers in Kashmir.

We will hear further about Ashima’s work and have a conversation with her about how her work links to our situation here in the UK.

Athwaas explains their work:
Since November 2007, we have set up 6 new Samanbals. (Samanbal is a Kashmiri word, meaning ‘a meeting place’) Athwaas came up with the idea to create safe and secure spaces for women to come together and share, articulate and express themselves so as to make the shift from being victims to possible changemakers. These new Samanbals are still in their initial stage of formation i.e. they are still establishing a permanent meeting place. The Samanbals are diverse; we have widows in Dardpora, teachers in Badgam, young women in Bijbehar, migrant group (IDPs) Purkha and Muthee small scale traders in Leh. Each Samanbal works towards group formation and strengthen/capacity building. They choose an activity, which often is income generating due to the high poverty levels in the region. They also pursue a common advocacy strategy.

In Purkha migrant camp 20 women who have been displaced from different villages in the valley came together to form a Samanbal. The camp is made up of displaced Kashmir Pandits. The Samanbal provides a context for the women to share a common space for reflection and listening. They taken up tailoring so as to step beyond the cramped conditions of the camp dominated by hate, revenge and chest thumping. The basic principle in the Samanbal is to share information/experience, start the healing process, and acquire financial independence. They are then empowered to tackle the big issues affecting the region, the conflict in Kashmir.

Includes Kashmiri refreashments.

This event is organised jointly by Conflict and Change, Peace Direct and Muslim Mediation Service.

If you would like more information please contact:

Hanin on 020 8552 2050 at Conflict and Change
Sara/ Halima on 020 8432 2805 at Muslim Mediation Service

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=507254609&k=54155Y5XP6VM511BUB5UP4

Confidence and Self-Esteem

2009-01-05T18:00:00.002-01:00

Confidence and Self-Esteem were best friends.

They went everywhere together.

If Confidence bought a new dress,

Self-Esteem bought one just like it.

They were very close.

One day a new kid came to their school.

His name was Peer Pressure.

He had a friend called Hateful Words.

They decided to give Confidence a hard time.

They constantly teased her.

They forced her to do terrible things.

It was so terrible that Confidence

lost Self-Esteem.

When Self-Esteem wanted to start some classes,

Confidence said they wouldn't be any good.

Then one day, Peer Pressure introduced

Confidence to Doubt.

He wanted to ruin Confidence,

but Peer Pressure said he couldn't yet.

Self Esteem couldn't understand what

was wrong with Confidence.

Confidence now hung around with Depression,

Low Self-Esteem, and Overeating.

These girls were friends of Peer Pressure.

Self-Esteem no longer had any friends.

She no longer felt good about herself.

She went to see her Imaam Good Words.

Imaam Good Words told her how to talk to Confidence.

He introduced her to his daughter, Encouragement.

Encouragement and Self-Esteem

went to find Confidence.

Self Esteem hoped she wasn't too late.

The girls found Confidence in a stupor.

She was no longer a vibrant,

happy young girl.

There were dark circles under her eyes.

She had gained so much weight from eating

that she couldn't move.

Encouragement gasped and Self-Esteem cried.

She begged Encouragement to do something.

Encouragement began to hug Confidence.

She kissed her and loved her.

She told her that she was a beautiful young lady

who had a lot going for her.

Encouragement held Confidence so tightly

that Self-Esteem thought she would smother her.

Confidence began to cry.

As she cried, she seemed to lose weight.

Then a bright light suddenly glowed from

Confidence and she began to smile.

Peer Pressure and his friends didn't like

what Encouragement was doing

and tried to attack her.

They hit at her and pulled at her, but they

couldn't pull her away from Confidence.

Then Confidence began to speak.

"Get away from me, Peer Pressure.

Take your friends and go.

You no longer have any power over me.

" Confidence was now a glowing light.

She and her friends made sure that

Peer Pressure and his gang never

bothered anyone in their town again.

If you feel that Encouragement is not your friend,

then try to find Encouragement in yourself.

Self-Esteem and Confidence will follow.

Volunteers neede for Muslim young offenders

2008-12-20T15:45:00.000-01:00

VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED TO HELP YOUNG MUSLIM OFFENDERS (NW London)

Barnet Muslim Forum would like to work closely with the Youth
Offending Team in Barnet to assist Young Muslim Offenders. We
are looking for volunteers who can help, advise and support
the service. Currently there is a real shortage of Muslims
involved in the Justice System although the number of Muslim
young offenders remains high. This rewarding role would help
you give to your community a much needed service and would
reflect well upon your experience.

For more information please contact:
Tel: 07939 007 234
E-mail: zaheer.ali@barnetmu slimforum. co.uk
Website: www.barnetmuslimfor um.co.uk

INTRODUCTION TO MUSLIM YOUTH WORK COURSE

2008-08-15T19:09:00.001-01:00

INTRODUCTION TO MUSLIM YOUTH WORK COURSE

Dates: Saturday 30th August - Sunday 31st August 2008
Time: 10.00 am - 4.00 pm
Venue: Islamic Foundation, Markfield Conference Centre, Ratby Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire, LE67 9SY

A certified course suitable for Youth and Community Workers, Imaams, Madrassah Teachers, and Mentors. This course aims to develop some basic but essential generic youth work skills, necessary to be able to respond to the ever changing needs of young people. It has been specifically designed for Muslim workers and draws from authentic sources of Islam. The course will be very interactive and practical in nature. There will be ample opportunities for discussion and enquiry to enable participants to explore the area of youth work.

This two day course will cover: the role and skills of a youth worker; cornerstones of youth work; content, context and method equality; participation and communication; how to plan needs - responsive projects; issues affecting young Muslims. The course is open to both brothers and sisters. The cost for both days is £85 (voluntary organisations / individuals) and £190 (statutory organisations).

For further information and bookings please contact:
Tel: 07861 698 132
E-mail: courses@muslimyouthskills.co.uk
Website: www.muslimyouthskills.co.uk

How to increase self-esteem or self respect among childrens?

2008-08-12T07:31:00.002-01:00

Interview Advice

2008-07-19T09:40:00.002-01:00

Interview Advice

Getting Started
Here is some information that may help you to successfully overcome the hurdles of attending an interview. Some of them you may find obvious, but sometimes we can forget the most obvious things!

This guide is broken down into four sections:

Before the interview
On the day of the interview
The interview itself (including practice interview quiz)
Potential questions for you to ask

Before the Interview
Preparation for an interview is an absolutely key process and will often be the difference between success and failure for applicants. Good preparation not only gives you an idea of what to expect but it will give you the all important confidence, which can carry you through.

So what specific preparation should you carry out?

Company Research:

Interviewers will expect you to have a good grasp of what the company does, how big it is, how it is divided up and who it’s main competitors are. With these facts at your command you will be able to hold a meaningful conversation about the company and put other company information into context.

Role Research:

You need to make sure you have fully understood the job description and know how it fits in to the overall company structure. If you have any queries about it then try to raise them before the interview or be prepared to bring them up as you go along.

Ask yourself what the key skills are that the job requires and think of examples of occasions when you have demonstrated those skills.

Interview Research:

Make sure you find out what format the interview will take. Often they can be combinations of standard interviews and role-specific tests (such as role plays or psychometric questionnaires). The fewer surprises on the day, the better.

Personal Appraisal:

You can never predict every question that you will encounter, so approach the interview with an inventory of important points.

Make a list of the points about yourself that you want the interviewer to know. For example, if you were to apply for a job as a Sales Representative, you might want to list the products you have sold before, types of customers (by industry, age, etc.), languages spoken, personal experience in that industry and related knowledge (perhaps from your academic program).

Each question will be an opportunity to provide some of this information to the interviewer.

On the day of the Interview
Take special care to dress appropriately - most of the time smart business dress will be appropriate. In some rare occasions, smart casual may be appropriate but ensure you err on the side of smartness.

Make sure you are punctual – try to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled interview time. If you are going to be late for any reason then make sure you inform the interviewer as early as possible.

The Interview itself
Some important points to remember:

Don't assume anything. You will be evaluated on your answers, not your CV. Therefore, ensure you incorporate the relevant information from your CV in your answers.
Pause a couple of seconds before you respond to each question, even if you know exactly what you want to say. Take this time to quickly plan your answer, this helps to avoid misunderstandings and produces much more concise answers.
If you don't understand a question, ask for clarification. This is expected and is preferable to providing an unsuitable answer.

If you need time to collect your thoughts - take it. When people are nervous they tend either to "draw a blank" or to babble. It is better to think for a few moments and make sure that your answer is doing you justice and that there is a point to what you are saying.
Always expand. Never answer a question with a "yes" or "no."

The interview is an opportunity for you to sell yourself. Don't be afraid to 'blow your own trumpet'. As long as you can back up what you are saying with examples which demonstrate that what you are saying is true, you are not bragging. Third party observations can also be mentioned. For example, "My last employer told me that I was promoted because of how I handled conflicts with clients."

Be very positive. Don't complain about anything - from your former employer to the weather - and don't apologise for experience that you don't have. Just sell what you do have and let the employer decide if you have what he/she is looking for. Also, avoid negative words. For example, you would not say "I have a little experience...," you would say "I have experience..."
Don't be afraid to repeat important points. In fact, it is a good idea to do this.

In terms of your manner and body language, try to ensure the following - be confident, positive and look directly at the interviewer when you talk and listen, speak clearly, be enthusiastic and express a keen interest in the position, keep to the point and be concise and always be honest.
Interviews generally follow a set pattern. The interviewer will:-

Tell you about the company and the job.
Ask you questions to assess your abilities, personality and motivation.
Ask if you have any questions.
Inform you of the next stage of the process and when a final decision will be made.
The most important thing to remember is that the interview is a two way process. You are there to find out information about them as much as they are there to find out about you. This is your chance to find out information that isn’t in the job description and this can help you make an informed decision about whether you definitely want the job.

To help you succeed at interview we have prepared a random interview question generator, which displays questions selected from a list of over a hundred. You can use this to try to think about how you might answer the questions in an interview situation.

Potential questions for you to ask
Can you tell me more about the company?
Can you describe my area of responsibility?
Is this post a new or existing one?
What are the promotion prospects?
Is there a clearly defined career path?
Do you run any training schemes?
What type of clients do you deal with?
Will you be holding second interviews?

Free First Aid Training

2008-07-03T19:14:00.001-01:00

Women's Consortium First Aid Training

First Aid training for Women

5th July

10 am - 12 pm

Venue:

The Willow Children's Centre

Barnhill Road

Wembley

HA9 9YP

Contact for Information/ Booking

Khaleda Khan: 0780 9443756

khaleda@womensconsortium.org.uk

www.womensconsortium.org.uk

Vacancy – Volunteer Director At The Muslim Mediation Service

2008-06-22T11:40:00.000-01:00

Vacancy – Volunteer Director At The Muslim Mediation Service

Do you have the expertise to lead and wish to give back to the community? Or do you want to develop your management skills and build upon your CV? Becoming the first Director of the Muslim Mediation Service may be the opportunity you were looking for! For our East London office, we are looking to recruit a Director in a voluntary capacity who can give a minimum of four hours a week during the day to oversee the general management of our staff and service.

The Board of Trustees are offering you an exciting and unique opportunity to take command of this national charity at a pivotal moment in its growth. Muslim Mediation Service is embarking upon a period of rapid development in which it will considerably broaden in the direct support services it offers to Muslims across the UK.

For a full job description and service information, or further information please contact Sana Saleem:

E-mail: sana@muslimmediation.org.uk

Telephone: 020 8432 2805

Post: Muslim Mediaton Service, 2a Streatfield Avenue, East Ham, London E6 2LA

To apply, please submit a CV, and supporting statement/cover letter stating why you are applying and why you are the most suitable person for the post, addressed to Sana Saleem at the above postal or email address.

Closing Date: Monday 21st July 2008

Some words on Reflection

2008-06-11T18:51:00.006-01:00

Assalamu alaykum ya ummati

Yay my post grad in counselling psychology is over, but still got coursework to do…. For one of these works in question, we had to keep a diary.

I must admit, the basis for keeping a diary was not completely clear to me at first. I have kept a blog for about two years and I can see how it helps, but to write an essay based on it did seem daunting. Well that’s what I have just done, handed my “Personal and Professional Development” coursework in about 5 hours ago.

It does help, reflecting on what you have learnt, how you have grown, what skills that you have developed, and where you would like to develop more. But its not just what has changed professionally, but how as a person, have you changed. We have to discuss how we see ourselves changed during the last year.

But should we not be used to reflecting? At least spiritually? We have been reminded time and time again, to reflect, to ponder over our existence, to contemplate our final abode….

3:191 [and] who remember God when they stand, and when they sit, and when they lie down to sleep, and [thus] reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth: "O our Sustainer! Thou hast not created [aught of] this without meaning and purpose. Limitless art Thou in Thy glory! Keep us safe, then, from suffering through fire!

الَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ اللّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىَ جُنُوبِهِمْ
وَيَتَفَكَّرُونَ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَذا
بَاطِلاً سُبْحَانَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
(3:191)

I put it to you, reflect over at least the last month or year, what have you achieve; in your profession, in your life and in the preparation of the inevitable death?

How are we to progress in our journeys if we do not know how we have traveled the road so far?

Caution!

2008-06-04T17:46:00.004-01:00

Assalamu alaykum

Dear all... I have been surfing the net, all in aid of research for uni work (I assure you) and I have come across some very, how do I put it, some wierd views and people propogating a narrow, and in some ways an inaccurate view on Islamic Psychology.

So I would just like to caution you all who read THIS blog be weary of the net, not just in this matter but in all mattres concerning the deen. We do not want to make a mocery of our Islam, it is not something we can be too wearing about!

Manchester Conference "race Culture & Psychological perspectives 18th June

2008-05-25T19:22:00.000-01:00

Mental Health Conference

Mental distress or “madness” is recognised worldwide. However, culture influences the presentation and meaning individuals, family members and community members give to experiences and matters to do with the mind. In one culture mental distress may be seen as a result of demonic possession or as a result of the effects of witchcraft or sorcery requiring spiritual healing. In another cultural context it may be seen as a result of genetically inherited disease such as schizophrenia requiring administration of anti psychotic medication.

What happens when an individual who believes they are possessed by a jinn (spirit) is considered by mental health professionals to be psychotic and is treated with medication as opposed to by a spiritual healer? Is the outcome the same for the individual whether they are treated by a spiritual healer or by anti psychotic medication? To what extent do and can mental health professionals practising within the Western biomedical model work collaboratively with spiritual healers?

What is the best way to treat an individual who believes they have been affected by the “evil eye”? Should the individual seek help from a healer? Should they be prescribed anti depressants and/or offered psychological therapy such as CBT?

Where different cultures have divergent meaning systems, what counts as a symptom and what do the symptoms signify? Are the notions derived from some cultures given less value because of racism or cultural arrogance? Are mental health services equipped to deal with the diverse definitions of what constitutes a ‘problem’ and ‘treatment? How universally applicable is Western biomedical disease medicine? Does one size really fit us all? To what extent are psychological therapies such as psychotherapy which promote an individualised notion of the self applicable across all cultures?

Ethnic clothes mental health link

2008-05-18T19:22:00.001-01:00

Interesting article... wounder how true it really is.... post your view

Ethnic clothes mental health link

Teenage girls from some minority communities who stick to their family customs have better mental health, researchers say.

Queen Mary University of London found Bangladeshi girls who chose traditional rather than Western dress had fewer behavioural and emotional problems.

The team said close-knit families and communities could help protect them.
Pressure to integrate fully could be stressful, the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health reported.

Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to mental health problems, and the researchers said that identity, often bound up in friendship choices or clothing, played a role.
They questioned a total of 1,000 white British and Bangladeshi 11 to 14-year-olds about their culture, social life and health, including questions designed to reveal any emotional or mental problems.

Bangladeshi pupils who wore traditional clothing were significantly less likely to have mental health problems than those whose style of dress was a mix of traditional and white British styles.
When this was broken down by gender, it appeared that only girls were affected.
No similar effect was found in white British adolescents who chose a mixture of clothes from their own and other cultures.

More support
Professor Kam Bhui, one of the study authors, said that the result was "surprising" - he had expected that girls who were less fully integrated to show signs of greater strain.
"Traditional clothing represents a tighter family unit, and this may offer some protection against some of the pressures that young people face.

"What it suggests is that we need to assist people who are moving from traditional cultures and becoming integrated into Western societies, as they may be more vulnerable to mental health problems."

Professor James Nazroo, a medical sociologist at the University of Manchester, said that the findings meant that "notions of Britishness" should be dealt with in a sophisticated way.
"There are many ways in which people can be British - these girls who have good mental health, and still have a strong traditional culture, are by implication settled and comfortable with their identities."

Training courses - Mediation

2008-05-18T12:02:00.001-01:00

Free Courses!

Want to make a difference?

At work? At home? In life?

We are pleased to inform you of the trainings we will be running over the next few months. Starting in October we are running a Two Day OCN accredited course in Understanding Conflict Resolution at Conflict & Change in East Ham. The course will cover:
-Our own relationship to conflict
-A deeper understanding of anger
-Building on our own skills to work with conflict
-Steps for resolving conflict in our own lives and the community
-Moving on from conflict

The dates for this training are Saturday 28th June and Saturday 5th July 2008, 9:30 – 4:00.

Please note the accreditation is optional and requires written work.Please respond asap to reserve your place on this course.We will follow this up with two One Day trainings that can be taken together or separately. They are:
· Communicating for Results on Tuesday 15th July, and
· Dealing with Prejudice and Discrimination on Tuesday 22nd July.

Please note that completion of ALL FOUR of these days will make you eligible for our 4 Day Mediators Training later in the year.If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We look forward to hearing from you.

For more information about this or other free courses call:
Ed or Jean on 020 8552 2050
Email: training@conflictandchange.co.uk

www.conflictandchange.co.uk

Race, Culture and Psychological Perspectives

2008-04-09T09:53:00.001-01:00

Race, Culture and Psychological Perspectives

18th June 2008 Manchester – bookings.bme@googlemail.com

Registration and coffee

9.00

Melba Wilson

Chair’s welcome and introduction

9.30 - 9.45

Professor Wen-Shing Tseng

Asian Culture and Psychotherapy: Implications for East and West

9.45 - 10.35

Colin Lago

Race, Culture and Psychological Work: The Ongoing Challenge

10.35 - 11.25

Tea Break

15 minutes

Dr. Inga-Britt Krause

Why we need Cross-Cultural Psychotherapy?

11.40 - 12.30pm

Q&A for Morning session

Lunch 1.00 - 2.00pm

Professor Lena Robinson

Revisiting Black Perspectives in Psychology

2.00 – 2.50pm

Philip Messent

Issues for a White Therapist Working Cross Cultural Difference: A Systemic Perspective

2.50pm - 3.40pm

Professor Rachel Tribe

Working with Unfamiliar Languages and Cultures in the Context of Talking Therapy

3.40p - 4.40pm

Q&A for afternoon session

Plenary

5.00 – 5.15pm

Comments and Questions

2008-03-26T12:23:00.003-01:00

Assalamu alaykum

Jazakamullahu khairun for all the e-mails with comments and questions, I have read them all and really appreciate the encouragment and concern.

Reading through them has sparked of a renewed dedication for me to continue on my quest and to get further in my field and to encouarge those who wish to do the same.

I have also received e-mails requesting advice, I have read them all and would like to request your patience. I will reply to you Inshallah and post something on the blog, I want to do some research before I reply so I can reply with the most accurate information and guidence Inshallah

Take care all and keep on reaching for those stars in whatever you wish to do. Keep studying, keep progressing and keep on going!

wassalam
bintyaqub

Graduate exhibition

2008-02-24T10:01:00.002-01:00

Assalamu alaykum peps

This looks interesting... maybe of use what ever your careers prospects are.

About the exhibition
Concerned about finding a job after graduation…?
Weighed down by student debt…?
Undecided about what career you want to pursue…?

…Visit the National Graduate Recruitment Exhibition.

7 & 8 March 2008
Hall 1, Barbican, London

Free CV Advice
Mock Assessment Centre
Company Presentations
Careers Presentations

This is your opportunity to find the answers to all your career-related questions all under one roof.

Find out who's recruiting
Research career opportunities
Listen to company presentations
Perfect your CV
Talk to those recruiting
Apply for jobs
Attend interviews
Prepare for assessment centres
GET A JOB!
Remember, you're always up against tough competition - read the Top 10 Tips to ensure you get a good return on your investment of time.

Diversity
The National Graduate Recruitment Exhibition actively supports and encourages the recruitment of students and graduates from all backgrounds regardless of gender, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnicity or origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation or age and hosts events offering opportunities with employers who share these values. For more information please contact diversity.ngr@vmgl.com

Psychologist warns of "educational television" myth

2008-02-13T16:06:00.002-01:00

LONDON (Reuters)

He's been characterised as the ultimate killjoy, the extremist fringe thinker who refuses to recognise the realities of modern life.

But for Dr Aric Sigman, an American psychologist living in Britain and the author of "Remotely Controlled: How Television is Damaging Our Lives", the battle against what he calls the "recreational junk food" of TV is one well worth fighting.

And as the BBC announced on Tuesday the launch of the nation's first ever television quiz show for pre-school children, Sigman's frustration with TV executives who claim to entertain and educate is growing.

"Television-makers will always justify themselves by saying that children enjoy their programmes," Sigman told Reuters in an interview. "They say they make children smile and laugh."

"But children will also smile if you give them cocaine. The argument that children enjoy something or laugh at something is not the basis on which you decide what is good for them."

The BBC's new show, "Kerwhizz", which it describes as a "new breakthrough multi-platform entertainment format" aimed at 4- to 6-year-olds is a perfect example, says Sigman, of another common claim by television makers: Our programmes are educational.

"The phrase 'educational television' was, of course, invented by people who make television," he says. "To me it's an oxymoron".

According to Sigman, who bases his assertions on studies published by medics from some of America's leading universities as well as his own worldwide research, science now suggests the quality of television children watch is of little consequence.

He points to the Tellytubbies, the globally successful toddler TV series hailed for its innovation and educational value, but also the subject of several warning studies including one by two Harvard academics entitled "Say No To Tellytubbies".

"Medical evidence is growing that for young children, being exposed to TV, computers and DVDs, -- irrespective of the quality of the programme -- has an impact on their health and development," he said.

"There is a definite inverse relationship between time spent watching any kind of television or screen when you are young and your ability to read and concentrate when you are older."

With the BBC billing its new pre-school quiz as being "visually stunning and packed with gags" -- and adding that it was "designed with the assistance of teachers" -- Sigman bemoans a lack of confidence among parents and child carers in their own ability to entertain and engage children.

Studies of brain activity have shown that a child doing simple mental arithmetic with coloured counters or beans has greater blood flow to the brain than one engaged what may look like a far more complex computer game, he says.

And it may be precisely the complexity -- the speed of edits, the colours and sounds and speeds children's media -- that is having a detrimental effect on their brain development.

"It may well be that your child learns from the TV that a certain country is in Africa, but that may well also come at the cost of doing something to their attention span," he said.

"Whereas if a parent is talking their children about geography or nature, they can learn without that risk and will physically exercise their brains in the process."

Sigman freely admits he has a TV at home -- only one -- which his children watch occasionally, but insists society is wrong to chastise as "kill-joys" the relatively few parents who ban television altogether, or allow only a few hours a week.

"My children have candy sometimes, and television is just like candy, it's recreational junk food," he said. "But it's a complete myth that children somehow inherently need TV -- otherwise they would be born with a television built into their stomachs, just like the Tellytubbies".

(Editing by Paul Casciato)

By Kate Kelland Reuters - Tuesday, February 12 06:28 pm

Whats your view?

Qualitative Psychology conference

2008-01-23T19:36:00.000-01:00

Don't forget to submit your abstracts - deadline 29 Feb 08.

Inaugural Section Conference

2-4 Sept 08, University of Leeds

Call for papers

Conference theme: Qualitative Psychology: Real world relevance?

This theme is designed to provoke discussion of the oft cited claim of 'ecological validity' attributed to qualitative research. This claim centres around the bottom-up nature of much qualitative research whereby 'insider' accounts on a given topic are gathered, often within research interview settings.

A range of papers, symposia, posters and workshops will be presented on all aspects of Qualitative Psychology.

Deadline for submissions: 29 Feb 08

All abstracts must be submitted online at: www.bps.org. uk/qmip2008 or click here.

Keynote speakers:

Prof Ken Gergen (Swarthmore College, PA, USA)

Dr Zazie Todd, Chair of the Section (University of Leeds, UK)

Prof Chris Griffin (University of Bath, UK)

Prof Andy Miller (University of Nottingham, UK)

Prof Nick Pidgeon (University of Cardiff, UK)

For further information please contact Brendan Gough at B.Gough@leeds. ac.uk.
__._,_.___

Become a mentor

2008-01-13T11:53:00.000-01:00

Volunteer Mentors Needed For Young Muslims In Redbridge

The following is a request for all those who feel they would like to give something back! Alot of the problems that we face in this ummah and our communities can stem from our youth. Many do not have the right role model who that can look up to. This is you chnace to change that!

The Redbridge Social Inclusion Mentoring Project works with young Muslims from
Redbridge aged 8-17 years and offers them access to a trained mentor who is
recruited from the local community. The aim of the mentoring relationship is to
improve the young person's social skills, reduce their social exclusion, and
empower them to take advantage of opportunities that are available to them.

Successfully recruited and trained mentors will be matched with a young
person. You should be available to meet with your mentee for at least an hour
once a week at an agreed time and place that is convenient for you both. The
mentoring relationship is voluntary for the young person and it will last for up
to 12 months. You will
receive ongoing support and supervision during this
period.

If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a
mentor, please request an application pack by emailing:
sana.saleem@redbridge.gov.uk or
RedbridgeMentoringProject@redbridge.gov.uk
The deadline for receipt of completed application forms is Friday 18th January.

shift

2007-12-16T10:24:00.000-01:00

Assalamu alaykum

After many months of hard work/ Convincing and lobbying SHIFT has been Comissioned some work around Stigma and Discrimination.

It has many interesting reads for those interested!

www.shift.org.uk

"Shift is a five year initiative that works in areas where people say they experience discrimination the most. With young people, in public services, with employers and the media.

Shift and the National Social Inclusion Programme work together to make sure people with a history of mental health problems have the same chances and opportunities as everyone else.

At Shift, we believe that we all have a mental health problem: the negative effects of the stigma and discrimination that surrounds mental health issues.

We want to build a society where people with mental health problems have the same rights and chances as anybody else. We think that we can all benefit from the skills, knowledge and experience of people with mental health problems.

If you want to know more about how we work, see the About Us section."

25 Ways to Deal with Stress and Anxiety

2007-11-19T13:57:00.000-01:00

25 Ways to Deal with Stress and Anxiety

by Abdul Malik Mujahid

Stress is life. Stress is anything that causes mental, physical, or spiritual tension. There is no running away from it. All that matters is how you deal with it. This article does not deal with the factors of stress, anxiety, and depression, nor is it a clinical advice. If you feel depressed, you are not alone. It has been estimated that 75 to 90 percent of all visits to primary care physicians in America are for stress-related problems. This is why it is wise to consult a doctor if you are having physical symptoms of stress. However, here are some tips that can help from a spiritual perspective. Please send us your feedback so that we can improve this article Insha Allah.
Torture. Beatings. Loss of property. The death of loved ones. These were just some of the enormous challenges the Muslims of Makkah faced in the seventh century following their acceptance of Islam in fiercely tribal and polytheistic Makkah.

Detention. Harassment. Beatings. Discrimination. Loss of Job. Profiling. Hate Crimes. Constant media attention. Surveillance. These are just some of the challenges Muslims in America today face, post-9/11. Like our predecessors in Makkah, we have begun to face great stress, anxiety, and pressure, more than ever in our recent history on this continent, although Muslims who were brought here as slaves faced worse than what we can even imagine.

1. Ask Him. He Listens: Dua

Turn each anxiety, each fear and each concern into a Dua (supplication) . Look at it as another reason to submit to God and be in Sajdah (prostration) , during which you are closest to Allah. God listens and already knows what is in your heart, but He wants you to ask Him for what you want. The Prophet said: Allah is angry with those who do not ask Him for anything (Tirmidhi).
The Prophet once said that in prayer, he would find rest and relief (Nasai). He would also regularly ask for God’s forgiveness and remain in prostration during prayer praising God (Tasbeeh) and asking for His forgiveness (Bukhari).

Allah wants you to be specific. The Prophet advised us to ask Allah for exactly what we want instead of making vague Duas. Dua is the essence of worship (the Prophet as quoted in Tirmidhi).

"Call on your Lord with humility and in private: for Allah loveth not those who trespass beyond bounds. Do not make mischief on the earth, after it hath been set in order, but call on Him with fear. And longing (in your hearts): for the mercy of Allah is (always) near to those who do good" (Quran 7:55-56).

2. Tie your Camel: Do your Part

One day Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, noticed a Bedouin leaving his camel without tying it. He asked the Bedouin, "Why don't you tie down your camel?" The Bedouin answered, "I put my trust in Allah." The Prophet then said, "Tie your camel first, then put your trust in Allah" (Tirmidhi).

Muslims must never become fatalistic. Although we know only Allah is in control and that He has decreed all things, we are each responsible for making the right choices and doing the right thing in all situations of our lives. We must take action (link to planning articles on SV). We must work to alleviate the hardships we, our families and our communities face.

Ask yourself the following questions if you are worried about the state of the world: are you part of the peace movement? Is your Masjid part of the peace movement? Are you part of an interfaith group with an agenda of peace and justice? Are you working with a group fighting discrimination? If your answer is no, it is time that you sat down to plan your share of time and money in finding solutions to the problems you face. "Verily Allah does not change men’s condition unless they change their inner selves" (Quran 13: 11).

Turn each worry into a Dua and each Dua into an action plan. That will show your commitment to your request and will focus your energy in the right direction.

3. Remember that human responsibility is limited

While we need to carry out our duty to the best of our abilities, always remember that you don't control the outcome of events. Even the Prophets did not control the outcome of their efforts. Some were successful, others were not. Once you have done your duty, leave the results to Allah. Regardless of the results of your efforts, you will be rewarded for the part you have played.

However, never underestimate your abilities. Understand the concept of Barakah (blessings from Allah) and remember that Allah can and Insha Allah will expand them if you are sincerely exerting your energies for the right path.

4. Leave the world behind you five times a day

Use the five daily prayers as a means to become more Hereafter-oriented and less attached to this temporary world. Start distancing yourself as soon as you hear Adhan, the call to prayer. When you perform Wudu, keep repeating Shahada, the declaration of faith, as water drops slip down your face, hands, arms, and hair. When you stand ready to pray, mentally prepare yourself to leave this world and all of its worries and stresses behind you.

Of course, Shaytan will try to distract you during prayer. But whenever this happens, go back and remember Allah. The more you return, the more Allah will reward you for it. Also, make sure your Sajdas (prostrations) are talking Sajdas, in which you are really connecting to God and seeking His Mercy, praising Him, and asking His forgiveness. (link to Sajda article…ramadan page)

5. Seek help through Sabr

Seek help through Sabr and Salat (Quran 2:45). This instruction from Allah provides us with two critical tools that can ease our worries and pain. Patience and prayer are two oft-neglected stressbusters. Sabr is often translated as patience but it is not just that. It includes self-control, perseverance, endurance, and a focussed struggle to achieve one’s goal. Unlike patience, which implies resignation, the concept of Sabr includes a duty to remain steadfast to achieve your goals despite all odds.

Being patient gives us control in situations where we feel we have little or no control. ‘We cannot control what happens to us but we can control our reaction to our circumstances’ is the mantra of many modern-day self-help books. Patience helps us keep our mind and attitude towards our difficulties in check.

6. Excuse Me! You are Not Running the World, He is.

It is important to remind ourselves that we don’t control all the variables in the world. God does. He is the Wise, the All-Knowing. Sometimes our limited human faculties are not able to comprehend His wisdom behind what happens to us and to others, but knowing that He is in control and that as human beings we submit to His Will, enriches our humanity and enhances our obedience (Uboodiah in Arabic) towards him. Read the story of the encounter of Moses with the mysteries behind God’s decision (Quran: 18:60-82). Familiarize yourself with God's 99 Names, which are also known as His Attributes. It is a powerful way of knowing Him.
"God-there is no deity save Him, the Ever-Living, the Self-Subsistent Fount of All being. Neither slumber overtakes Him, nor sleep. His is all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth. Who is there that could intercede with Him, unless it be by His leave? He knows all that lies open before men and all that is hidden from them, whereas they cannot attain to aught of His knowledge save that which He wills them to attain. His eternal power overspreads the heavens and the earth, and their upholding wearies Him not. And He alone is truly exalted, tremendous." (Quran 2:255).

The Prophet recommended reading this verse, known as Ayat al kursi, after each prayer, Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him. Once Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, approached the Prophet during a difficult time and he found the Prophet in Sajda, where he kept repeating "Ya Hayy Ya Qayyum", words which are part of this verse.

7. Birds Don’t Carry their Food

Allah is al Razzaq (the Provider). "How many are the creatures that carry not their own sustenance? It is Allah Who feeds them and you, for He hears and knows all things (Quran 29:60)." By reminding yourself that He is the Provider, you will remember that getting a job or providing for your family in these economically and politically challenging times, when Muslims are often the last to be hired and the first to be fired, is in God’s Hands, not yours. As Allah says in the Quran: "And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine. And if anyone puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is (Allah) for him. For Allah will surely accomplish His purpose. Verily, for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion (Quran 65:3).

8. God controls Life and Death

If you fear for your physical safety and security, remember that only Allah gives life and takes it back and, that He has appointed the time for it. No one can harm you except if Allah wills. As He says in the Quran: "Wherever you are, death will find you out, even if you are in towers built up strong and high!" (Quran 4:78).

9. Remember that life is short

It's easy to get caught up in our own stress and anxiety. However, if we remember that our life is short and temporary, and that the everlasting life is in the Hereafter, this will put our worries in perspective.

This belief in the transitory nature of the life of this world reminds us that whatever difficulties, trials, anxieties, and grief we suffer in this world are, Insha Allah, something we will only experience for a short period of time. And more importantly, if we handle these tests with patience, Allah will reward us for it.

10. Do Zikr !

"… without doubt in the remembrance (Zikr) of Allah do hearts find tranquility" (Quran 13:28).
If you commute, use your time in Zikr. Pick any Tasbeeh and do that instead of listening to the radio or reading the newspaper. Maybe you can divide it up between Zikr and planning. Personally, I recite the Tasbeeh of "Subhana Allahe wa be hamdihi, subhan Allahil Azeem" 100 times as I drive. The Prophet taught us these two short phrases which are easy to say but will weigh heavy on our scale of good deeds in the Hereafter.

When your heart feels heavy with stress or grief, remember Allah and surround yourself with His Zikr. Zikr refers to all forms of the remembrance of Allah, including Salat, Tasbeeh, Tahmeed, Tahleel, making supplication (Dua), and reading Quran.

"And your Lord says: ‘Call on Me; I will answer your (prayer)…" (Quran 40:60)
By remembering Allah in the way He has taught us to, we are more likely to gain acceptance of our prayers and His Mercy in times of difficulty. We are communicating with the only One Who not only Hears and Knows all, but Who can change our situation and give us the patience to deal with our difficulties.

"Remember Me, and I shall remember you; be grateful to Me, and deny Me not" (Quran 2:152).
11. Relying on Allah: Tawakkul

When you awaken in the morning, thank Allah for giving you life after that short death called sleep. When you step out of your home, say 'in Your Name Allah, I put my trust in Allah, and there is no power or force except with Allah' (Bismillahi Tawakal to al Allah wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah). At night, remember Allah, with His praises on your lips.
Once you have established a plan you intend to follow through on to deal with a specific issue or problem in your life, put your trust in the most Wise and the All-Knowing. "When you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah" (Quran 3: 159).

Rely on Allah by constantly remembering Him throughout your day. When you lay down to sleep, remember that sleep is death. That is why one of the recommended supplications before going to sleep is "with Your (Allah's) Name I die and become alive".

12. Connect with other human beings

You are not alone. Muslims are not alone. We are not suffering in silence. There are millions of good people who are not Muslim with beautiful hearts and minds. These are people who have supported us, individually and collectively, post-9/11, by checking up on us and making sure we are safe. These are individuals and organizations who have spoken up in defense of Muslims as we endured harassment and discrimination.

We must think of them, talk to them, connect with them, and pray for them. Through our connections, we will break the chain of isolation that leads to depression and anxiety.

13. Compare your dining table with that of those who don't have as much as you do

The Prophet said: Whenever you see someone better than you in wealth, face or figure, you should look at someone who is inferior to you in these respects (so that you may thank Allah for His blessings) (Bukhari, Muslim).

Next time you sit down to eat, eye the table carefully. Check out the selection of food, the quality, the taste, the quantity, and then think of the millions of others who don't have even half as much. The Prophet's Hadith reminds us of this so that we can appreciate and thank God for all that we have.

Also remember that the Prophet only encouraged us to compare ourselves to others in two respects: in our Islamic knowledge and level of belief in God (Deen). In these two areas, we should compare ourselves with those who have more than what we do.

14. Say it Loud: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar: Takbirat & Adhan

Find a corner of a lake, go out in the wilderness, or even stand on your lawn at your home and call the Adhan with your heart. While driving, instead of listening to the same news over and over again, say Allahu Akbar as loudly as you can or as softly as you want, based on your mood. Year ago, I remember calling Adhan on a Lake Michigan shore in Chicago after sunset as the water gushed against my knees. I was calling it for myself. There was no one else accept the waves after waves of water with their symphony. It was relaxing and meaningful. Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar.

15. Pray in congregation (Jamat)

Pray with other people instead of alone. If you can't pray all five prayers in congregation, at least find one or two prayers you can pray with others. If you are away, establish Jamat in your own family. During the Prophet's time, even though the Muslims endured great persecution, including physical beatings, they would sometimes meet on the side of a mountain or valley and tried to pray together. This is a great morale booster.

16. How is your Imam's Dua?

Does the Imam at your local mosque make Dua silently or out loud? Ask him to supplicate with the whole congregation. Suggest Duas for him to make. Ask him to make Dua for other people.

17. Work for the Unity of Muslims

Bringing Muslims together will not only help the Muslims, but it will also encourage you to focus your energies on something constructive versus zeroing in on and consistently fretting about difficulties you are going through.

Invite Muslims from other ethnic groups to your functions. Visit Masjids other than yours in your city. When you meet a Muslim leader, after thanking him for his efforts, ask him what he is doing for Muslim unity. Ask Imams to make Dua for this. These are just small ways you can help yourself and the Muslim community.

18. Sleep the way the Prophet slept

End your day on a positive note. Make Wudu, then think of your day. Thank Allah for all the good things you accomplished, like Zikr and Salat. Ask yourself what you did today to bring humanity together and what you did to help Muslims become servants of humanity. For everything positive, say Alhamdu lillah (Praise be to Allah). For everything negative say Astaghfirullah wa atoobo ilayk (I seek Allah's forgiveness and I turn to You [Allah]). Recite the last two chapters of the Quran, thinking and praying as you turn on your right side with your hand below your right cheek, the way the Prophet used to sleep. Then close your day with the name of Allah on your tongue. Insha Allah, you will have a good, restful night.

19. Begin the Day on a Positive Note

Get up early. Get up thanking God that He has given you another day. Alhamdu lillahil lazi ahyana bada ma amatana, wa ilaihin Nushoor (Praise be to Allah Who gave us life after death and unto Him will be the return). Invest in an audio tape driven alarm clock so you can get up to the melody of the Quran. Develop your to do list for the day if you didn't do it the night before. Begin with the name of Allah, with Whose name nothing in the heavens or the earth can hurt you. He is the Highest and the Greatest. (Bismillahillazi la yazurru maa ismihi shaiun fil arze wa la fis samae, wahuwal Alee ul Azeem). The Prophet used to say this after every Fajr and Maghrib prayers.

20. Avoid Media Overexposure: Switch from News to Books

Don't spend too much time checking out the news on the radio, television or internet. Spend more time reading good books and journals. When you listen to the persistent barrage of bad news, especially relating to Muslims nowadays, you feel not only depressed, but powerless. Cut down media time to reduce your stress and anxiety. It's important to know what's going on but not to an extent that it ruins your day or your mood.

21. Pray for Others to Heal Yourself.

The Prophet was always concerned about other people, Muslims and non-Muslims, and would regularly pray for them. Praying for others connects you with them and helps you understand their suffering. This in itself has a healing component to it. The Prophet has said that praying for someone who is not present increases love.

22. Make the Quran your Partner

Reading and listening to the Quran will help refresh our hearts and our minds. Recite it out loud or in a low voice. Listen to it in the car. When you are praying Nafl or extra prayers, pick it up and use it to recite portions of the Quran you are not as familiar with. Connecting to the Quran means connecting to God. Let it be a means to heal your heart of stress and worries. Invest in different recordings of the Quran and their translations.

"O humanity! There has come to you a direction from your Lord and a cure for all [the ills] in men’s hearts - and for those who believe, a Guidance and a Mercy" (Quran 10:57).

23. Be thankful to Allah

"If you are grateful, I will give you more" (Quran 14:7).
Counting our blessings helps us not only be grateful for what we have, but it also reminds us that we are so much better off than millions of others, whether that is in terms of our health, family, financial situation, or other aspects of our life. And being grateful for all we have helps us maintain a positive attitude in the face of worries and challenges we are facing almost daily.

24. Ideals: One step at a time

Ideals are wonderful things to pursue. But do that gradually. Think, prioritize, plan, and move forward. One step at a time.

25. Efforts not Results Count in the Eyes of Allah

Our success depends on our sincere efforts to the best of our abilities. It is the mercy of Allah that He does not demand results, Alhamdu lillah. He is happy if He finds us making our best sincere effort. Thank you Allah!

Public Forum on Faith and Mental Health

2007-10-14T13:37:00.000-01:00

PUBLIC FORUM ON FAITH AND MENTAL HEALTH

Date: Thursday 18th October 2007
Time: 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm
Venue: Gloucester Room, Ilford Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford,
Essex, IG1 1EA

The aim of the forum will be to investigate the role of spirituality in mental health and examine how faith leaders can play a vital role in fostering a greater understanding of this complex area, as well as helping those affected by the illness to move towards recovery.

Speakers will include Peter Spelman (Principal Officer for Mental Health in Redbridge since October 2000) and Professor Adil Al-Mousawi (Visiting Professor, Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, and Consultant Psychiatrist, Mental Health Centre,
Northwick Park Hospital). The forum is a free event, open to all, and refreshments will be provided.

For more information please contact:
Tel: 020 8708 2478 / 07894 354 019
E-mail: aslam.el-soudani@redbridge.gov.uk

Depression leads to worst health

2007-10-14T13:28:00.000-01:00

Depression leads to worst health

Depression is a more disabling condition than angina, arthritis, asthma and diabetes, World Health Organization research shows.
And those with depression plus a chronic illness, such as diabetes, fare particularly badly, the study of more than 245,000 people suggests.

Better treatment for depression would improve people's overall health, the researchers concluded in the Lancet.

Experts called for better funding for mental health services.

Dr Somnath Chatterji and colleagues asked people from 60 countries taking part in the World Health Survey a variety of questions about their health, such as how they sleep, how much pain they have, and whether they have any problems with memory or concentration.

After taking into account factors such as poverty and other health conditions, the researchers found that depression had the largest effect on worsening health.

And people with depression who also had one or more chronic diseases had the worst health scores of all the diseases looked at or combinations of diseases.

Urgency

Dr Somnath Chatterji said: "The co-morbid state of depression incrementally worsens health compared with depression alone, with any of the chronic diseases alone, and with any combination of chronic diseases without depression.

"These results indicate the urgency of addressing depression as a public health priority to reduce disease burden and disability, and to improve the overall health of populations."

The team called on doctors around the world to be more alert in the diagnosis and treatment of the condition, noting that it is fairly easy to recognise and treat.

Marcus Roberts, head of policy at mental health charity Mind, said the impact of depression could be devastating on relationships, finances and physical health.

"The treatment of depression must be given equal footing to the treatment of other conditions.

"While treatments for most physical health problems are readily accessible, mental health treatments such as talking therapies are limited, with some patients waiting months or even years for their first appointment with a therapist."

He added that mental health was often overlooked in those with chronic health problems, as doctors focused on the physical symptoms.

'Vast sea of misery'

A spokesperson for the Department of Health said: "Seven million adults in England suffer from a common mental health problem such as anxiety, eating disorders and depression.

"We recognise that many of those with depression do not receive treatment at the moment, partly because they do not seek appropriate help.

"The government is committed to providing greater choice and access to timely and appropriate treatment options and is currently working to expand access to and choice of talking therapies in the NHS."

Marjorie Wallace, chief executive of the mental health charity SANE, said: "We now have yet more evidence, as if it were needed, of the destructive and life-threatening effects of depression, which this global study shows can be an even greater danger than many chronic physical conditions.

"Yet even in developed countries like our own, proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment can be patchy at best.

"A vast sea of misery could be avoided if this condition received the same attention and resources as Aids or cancer."

Lynn Mitchell, who has terminal lung condition, chronic obstructive lung disease, reached rock bottom two years ago with her depression.

And although she had always received quick treatment for her lung problems on the NHS she struggled to get help for her mental illness.

Now she is on antidepressants and feels a different woman.

"I think if I hadn't had help with my mental attitude I would have been dead.

"My life was so bad and so bleak it was just horrendous really. I didn't want to live but now I don't want to die."

SOURCE

Is fasting beneficial for human health?

2007-09-24T11:32:00.000-01:00

Assalamu alaykum

Well Ramadan has already come and we have only 18 days remaining! How quickly does something you love go when it has just arrived.

For us who fast, we know how we benefit from the yearly abstinence. However now we se that the rest of the world has found evidence to support what we have known all our lives.

Of course fasting has many benefit not least medical and physical ones, it is not these reasons why we fast. Fasting brings about Taqwa, fear of Allah and relistion of His blessing that He has bestowed upon us. By fasting we empathise and sympathise with the oor who have no food, or drink as well as those who cannot get married or those who cannot be with their spouses. In this blessed month we have the pooptunity to overcome Shaytaan and his hole he has on us, this month is the time we can put into practice the template of beleif we want to achieve... so achieve it what you waiting for!!!

Is fasting beneficial for human health?

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the basic religious duties of Muslims. In the past it was thought that the benefits of fasting were limited to spiritual and emotional effects. However, recent studies indicate that a person can benefit in many physical and psychological ways from fasting. The studies reveal that the body’s immune system, blood circulation, digestive organs, reproductive and urinary systems as well as the heart may all benefit from fasting.

Many Muslims think that fasting has a detrimental effect on their physical performance. Such thinking has led many Islamic countries to decrease working hours during Ramadan.

But a new U.S. study conducted by the Institute of Islamic Medicine for Education and Research in Panama City, Florida has proven that fasting does not have a negative effect on the muscles or on physical performance. Nor does it necessarily result in tiredness or lethargy.

The study concluded that there is in fact an improvement in the body’s ability to bear physical and muscular effort and the performance of the heart is also said to improve. The study monitored the physical performance of 20 healthy people, including 12 males and 8 females, before and during fasting. The participant’s ages ranged from 12 to 52 years old.

The study found that participants’ heart rates decreased from 170 beats per minute before fasting to 159 per minute while fasting. That suggests a 6 percent improvement in heart rate. Moreover, a significant improvement in blood pressure was also recorded.

The study also found that participants noticed less breathing difficulties during Ramadan, and felt less tiredness in the legs when exercising. Muscle performance was also said to improve.

Various other studies have shown that fasting increases the amount of free fatty acids in the blood, which aside from glucose are the body’s main source of energy. Fatty acids help to reduce the depletion of glycogen in the liver and muscles during exercise, and prevent the depletion of glucose in blood. Under the normal conditions, glucose is the main source of energy. However, physical effort forces the body to use up glucose quickly, leaving a person feeling tired and exhausted.

The body’s dependence on glucose decreases during fasting since sufficient quantities of amino acids are available in the blood to supply the body with energy. The result of this is an improvement in overall muscle performance.

Another recent study, prepared by Dr. Jad al-Moula Abdul-Aziz, a professor at the Faculty of Medicine of Cairo University, concluded that fasting helps to eliminate about 35 percent of the toxins that accumulate in the body during our normal activities such as eating and breathing. Fasting helps to reduce these harmful toxins and in so doing protects the body’s cells from diseases and delays aging.

Another scientific study shows that fasting helps to regulate the blood pressure. Dr. Ibrahim Hamed, researcher in the Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, at the National Research Center in Cairo, concluded that fasting is an effective treatment for patients suffering from arteriosclerosis, characterized by the hardening of plaque-covered arteries. During a period of fasting, which continues for more than 12 hours a day, the digestive system has nothing to do and thus stops working. This prevents the blood from gathering around the stomach and intestines and allows the circulatory system to flow freely and regularly, which as a side effect may reduce pain caused by arteriosclerosis.

He added that during a period of fasting, the body burns any stored fats in the body and converts them to energy. This, it has been found, reduces the possibility of infecting healthy people with arteriosclerosis.

Research Launch:

2007-09-01T12:26:00.000-01:00

Research Launch: Providing Faith & Culturally Sensitive Support to Young British Muslims

(Report written and researched by Rabia Malik, Aaliyah Shaikh, Mustafa Suleyman)

One Whitehall Place, London - Thursday 6th September – 6.00pm-8.00pm

The National Youth Agency is pleased to launch the findings of research carried out in partnership with The Muslim Youth Helpline.

The report seeks to redress lack of research and data available to inform service providers and policy makers about the social condition of Muslim youth. With over 50% of the UK Muslim population under the age of 25 years of age, according to the last census, there are little if any effective national services reaching out to young Muslims.

The Muslim Youth Helpline (MYH) provides faith and culturally sensitive peer support services to young British Muslims aged 16-25 years of age across a range of BME communities across the UK. The services of MYH are designed to reduce the isolation of young Muslims in the UK. Since its inception it has been run by Young British Muslims, for young British Muslims.

The research, carried out with MYH users and volunteers, highlights the sociological and psychological issues facing young British Muslims and their impact on mental health; develops an understanding of young Muslim clients and workers experiences of MYH and identify features of good practice; and highlights areas of concern and possible ways forward for policy makers, service providers and Muslim communities and raises awareness of potential challenges The research will be of interest to policy makers, researchers, providers of children and young people’s services, and others. Speakers will include the authors of the research report, and representatives form both The NYA and MYH. There will be an opportunity for networking from 7.00pm, when soft drinks and canapés will be provided.

Please confirm your attendance by either replying to this email on events@nya.org. uk or calling the events team on 0116 242 7501. Please specify your

Name

Organisation

Postal address

Any special requirements you may have

Please forward to a colleague if you are unable to attend.

Amy Lawrence, Events Team
The National Youth Agency
Eastgate House,
19-23 Humberstone Road,
Leicester,
LE5 3GJ
Email: amyl@nya.org. uk
Telephone: 0116 242 7366
Fax : 0116 242 7502

Psychologists and Torture

2007-08-26T11:35:00.000-01:00

Assalamu alaykum

August issue of the British Psychologist - The Psychologist magazine, has an intriging article, please read and share your thoughts.

August 2007 484
The Psychologist Vol 20 No 8

Psychologists and torture

Islamic Religiosity Models & Scales Thematic Issue JMMH

2007-08-05T10:55:00.000-01:00

JOURNAL OF MUSLIM MENTAL HEALTH
Announces

"ISLAMIC RELIGIOSITY – MEASURES AND MENTAL HEALTH
Guest Editors:
Mona M. Amer, Ph.D. - Yale University School of Medicine; monaamer75@gmail. com
Ralph W. Hood, Jr., Ph.D. - University of Tennessee at Chattanooga; Ralph-Hood@utc. edu

The Journal of Muslim Mental Health is pleased to announce the upcoming thematic issues focused on Islamic religiosity scheduled for publication November 2007 and May 2008. The two issues will: explore theoretical controversies and practical challenges in researching psychology of religion among Muslims, introduce new measures of religiosity for use with Muslim populations, and explore the links between religiosity and aspects of interpersonal and mental health.

Instruments discussed in the thematic issues assess constructs such as:
- Religious commitment and general religiosity
- Questing and religious reflection
- Fundamentalism
- Religious coping
- Perceived religious discrimination
- Religiosity in spousal selection and marital satisfaction

The thematic issues have international representation, with authors from:
- Australia
- Kuwait
- Iran
- Pakistan
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States

Additional features are included such as book review and clinical case study.

In light of the dearth of validated instruments for use with Muslims, this will be an essential reference volume for researchers and clinicians working with Muslim populations.

For more information about the Journal of Muslim Mental Health and how to subscribe, please visit
http://www.tandf. co.uk/journals/ titles/15564908. asp
or contact: journal@muslimmenta lhealth.com .

My Iraq: Child psychiatrist

2007-06-30T10:21:00.000-01:00

As part of the BBC's Iraq week, child psychiatrist Dr Haidr al-Maliki describes his personal and professional anxieties.

My Iraq: Child psychiatrist

Dr Haidr al-Maliki was an army psychiatrist during Saddam Hussein's regime.

He now works as a child psychiatrist at Ab Ibn Rushed Hospital in Baghdad. He lives with his wife and four children.

There used to be about 80 psychiatrists in Iraq, now there are just 20 to 25.

And some of them will leave. Fifteen or so will eventually go to the UAE or to Jordan; it's difficult.

About a year ago, during Ramadan, four boys aged about 15 to 20 came into my private clinic, in front of my patient.

They asked "Are you Dr Haidr?" I said yes. And they shot me several times.

One bullet went into my right shoulder, another into my right arm. I am left with nerve injury and muscle atrophy.

Afterwards they told me I couldn't go to my clinic and that I had to leave the country. They didn't say why.

So, now I don't go out, I just stay at home. My own private jail.

During Saddam's regime we could take our families to the cinema.

I want to drink, I want to dance, I want to visit my friends. But I can't do anything. If I even think about going for a drink in my club 500m from my house, I will be killed.

Iraqi people are living in difficult times. Most of us have been exposed to aggression: attacks in the street, car bombings, kidnappings.

Most Iraqi people now deal with each other in an aggressive way; they show disturbed behaviour; they have lost their civility.

We don't know how to treat these problems really.

But I can't leave Iraq. If I and my friends leave, who will help our people?

Limitations of care

I was asked to open the child psychiatry centre in Ab Ibn Rushed hospital, but I have no training in children, really.

I read books and I try to help.

Most of the children are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, especially those who have been exposed to kidnapping.

Most of the children I see are bedwetting. They have disturbed behaviour or epilepsy.

We treat them with simple medication; it is very difficult.

Most of the families come here for help and sometimes we can do nothing for them, except offer support and advice.

Source

Psychologists - Instrumental to Torture

2007-06-19T10:12:00.000-01:00

Pentagon Says Psychologists Have Been Instrumental to Torture

A new Pentagon report confirms that military psychologists played a central role in designing and implementing psychological torture at Guantanamo and in Iraq and Afghanistan. In response, PHR has called on the American Psychological Association (APA) to respond with immediate corrective action.

The Pentagon report reveals that military psychologists with the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) program transformed torture methods used in "resistance training" for US personnel into standard operating procedure for military interrogations. The methods, which are known to cause extreme harm, include stress positions, prolonged sleep deprivation, isolation, sensory bombardment, sexual humiliation, forced nudity, induced hypothermia, exploitation of fears and phobias and more.

The APA must do more than merely reiterate the Association's general policy against torture. PHR is urging the APA to reverse Association guidelines, written in part by SERE psychologists, that encourage a key role for psychologists in national security interrogations. In a letter to APA President Sharon Brehm, PhD, PHR calls for the APA "particularly to reject these [SERE] interrogation methods and prohibit any role of psychologists in designing, implementing, training or observing their use or evaluating detainees subjected to them."

PHR's letter to Dr. Brehm coincides with a growing movement of concerned APA members and other psychologists seeking to protect and restore psychological ethics in the national security setting. PHR urges psychologists to support this movement by endorsing a resolution currently before the APA Council of Representatives calling for a "Moratorium on Psychologist Involvement in Interrogations at US Detention Centers for Foreign Detainees." The Council of Representatives will vote on the resolution at the upcoming APA national convention in August.

For More Information visit Physicians for human rights website

What do you make?

2007-06-16T12:09:00.000-01:00

Assalamu alaykum

Its funny how I have always seen teaching as my last resort. Nevertheless at the of my mind I felt that it was something not that I didnt want to do, but rather ity was somthing I was kind of scared of doing.

Sisters and teachers amke the best combination. Not only is it good practice :) but also its rewarding and it gives great flexibility.

After all that I have said in the past, I may keep it open as an option afterall.

If you are unsure, chek this out from Muslim Matter....

This is an inspiring video, and after watching it I couldn’t resist posting it here. It’s entertaining, but there is a good message about teachers and the impact they can have on their students.

Watch the video.

Here is a transcript of the poem:
What Teachers Make, or
Objection Overruled, or
If things don’t work out, you can always go to law school

By Taylor Mali
www.taylormali.com

He says the problem with teachers is, “What’s a kid going to learn
from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?”

He reminds the other dinner guests that it’s true what they say about
teachers:

That those who can, do; those who can’t, teach.

I decide to bite my tongue instead of his
and resist the urge to remind the other dinner guests
that it’s also true what they say about lawyers.

Because we’re eating, after all, and this is polite conversation.

“I mean, you’re a teacher, Taylor”
“Be honest. What do you make?”

And I wish he hadn’t done that
(asked me to be honest)
because, you see, I have a policy
about honesty and ass-kicking:
which is, if you ask for it, then I have to let you have it.

You want to know what I make?

I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.
I can make a C+ feel like a Congressional medal of honor
and I can make an A- feel like a slap in the face.
How dare you waste my time with anything less than your very best.

You wanna know what I make?

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hall
in absolute silence.
No, you can not work in groups.
No, you can not ask a question (so put your hand down)
Why won’t I let you go to the bathroom?
Because you’re bored and you don’t really have to go, do you?

You wanna know what I make?

I make parents tremble in fear when I call home at around dinner time:
“Hi, This is Mr. Mali, I hope I haven’t called at a bad time,
I just wanted to talk to you about something your son did today.
he said, “Leave the kid alone. I still cry sometimes, don’t you?”
And it was the noblest act of courage I have ever seen.

I make parents see their children for who they are
and who they can be.

You want to know what I make?

I make kids question.
I make them criticize.
I make them apologize and mean it.
I make them write, write, write.
And then I make them read.
I make them spell definitely beautiful, definitely beautiful, definitely
beautiful
over and over again until they will never misspell
either one of those words again.
I make them show all their work in math.
And then hide it on their final drafts in English.
I make them realize that if you got this (brains)
then you follow this (heart) and if someone ever tries to judge you
by what you make, you give them this (the finger).

Let me break it down for you, so you know what I say is true:
I make a difference! What about you?

How to write a cover letter

2007-05-27T11:06:00.000-01:00

WHAT SHOULD YOUR COVER LETTER DO FOR YOU?

It should answer the question - Why should I hire you? It should grab the employers attention and point out why you, above all other applicants, should be contacted for a personal interview.

YOUR ADDRESS (Do not put your name here)

TODAY'S DATE
Mr./Ms. EMPLOYER'S NAME (If you don't have one, get one!)

TITLE

COMPANY'S NAME

ADDRESS
DEAR Mr./Ms. EMPLOYER:

FIRST PARAGRAPH: This is the "why I'm writing to you" paragraph which immediately tells the employer the position you want to be considered for. This is short - usually 2-3 sentences. Points to cover:

*Why you are writing and which position you are applying for.
*How you heard about the position is irrelevant unless it is a mutual contact or recruiting program. Do not write, "I learned of this opportunity through the Career Services Office."
*Show from your research why you are interested in this position or organization. The goal is to make a connection - do this Briefly and Specifically or leave it out; sweeping statements will not work.

SECOND PARAGRAPH: This is the "why I'm qualified" paragraph. Highlight some of your most relevant experiences and qualities as they relate to the position for which you are applying.

Choose 2 - 3 points you want to make about Specific experiences/accomplishments or about general qualities you have exhibited, and provide Specific examples to support those points.

This paragraph will change according to the job/employer for which you are applying. This is usually the longest paragraph of the letter. You may break this paragraph into two if it looks too lengthy or if your points work best in separate paragraphs. Points to ponder:

The first sentence should be a hard-hitting opener. It is a quick introduction, which is accomplishment-oriented and directed at the skills and qualifications needed for the job/industry.

The body of the paragraph should provide evidence to back up what you've just claimed. Cite specific jobs/internships/activities/projects and accomplishments associated with those experiences. Use your resume to come up with some specifics, but NEVER reiterate passages from your resume word for word. Discuss why what you did is to the employer- relate the facts to the job. Strong examples are important!

The final sentence is a summary of what you've discussed above. It's a good idea to mention the position title and company name to bring the reader back to the specific job in question.

FINAL PARAGRAPH: This is a short 2-4 sentences paragraph. You should refer to the enclosed resume, request an interview and let the reader know what will happen next (Contact them within specific period of time unless it is a recruiting program). It is vital that you thank the reader for his/her time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your Name

Enclosure(s)

Tips to Make Your Letter Professional

*Research the company and the specifics about the position so you can tailor your letter to the needs of the organization.

*Avoid using too many sentences that start with "I" or writing in the passive voice (ex. "This experience enabled me to..." or "Through my internship, I was responsible for..."); instead, make yourself the subject of each sentence and use active descriptions (ex., "In this internship, I demonstrated sound judgment and problem-solving skills on a daily basis.").

*Do not use contractions (I'd, didn't, it's).

*Spelling, grammar, or punctuation mistakes are out of the question! Cover letters are a reflection of your writing skills, so make each cover letter an example of your best work.
Be sure to sign your letters. (Black ink is suggested)

*Keep your letter short and simple. This is not the time to tell your whole life's story.
Have a Career Specialist review your cover letters during drop-in hours: Monday-Friday 1:30 – 4:30 and Wednesday 8:30am – 11:30am OR you can make an appointment anytime.

*Use good quality paper that matches your resume paper and envelopes.

More info

Are you a seeker?

2007-05-14T14:08:00.000-01:00

Assalamu alaykum

Ever needed a quick fix for happiness? Well you know what there is one! But there is a catch! Our hearts must ne fist open, ready for acceptence and ready to give from whatever is needed from us and others.

The following is some great traits which we should all try to obtain to make ourselves and others feel wanted and loved, to fill pur lives with sustenence, to grasp the concept of tranquility, for our hearts to be complete, and to be a true seeker of happiness.

Characteristics of The Seeker of Happiness

Ibn al-Qayyim said:

"...The seeker of Allah and the Hereafter - rather, the one who seeks to obtain all knowledge, productiveness, and leadership, such that he is a leader who is taken as an example in all of this - should be brave, bold, in control of his whims, and not under the control of his imagination.

He should be abstinent from everything except that which he is after, passionate about what he has turned his face towards, knowing the path to it, as well as the paths which lead away from it.

He should be bold in his aspiration, firm in his resolve, and not swayed from his goal by the blame of the blamers or the discouragement of the discouragers.

He should generally be tranquil, constantly in thought, and not be moved by the sweetness of a compliment or the pain of criticism.

He should be forthcoming in providing himself with what he needs to help him obtain his goal, and should not be incited by those who oppose him.

His slogan should be patience, and his rest should be his fatigue, and he should love to have the best manners.

He should make the best of his time, not mixing with the people except in a most cautious state, just like a bird that quickly comes down to snatch a morsel from between two people.

He should stand over himself, encouraging himself by way of hope and fear, and should seek to be outstanding amongst his group..."

['al-Fawa'id'; p. 265]

Muslim Mediation

2007-04-25T12:44:00.000-01:00

assalamu alaykum

I always say that we need to get more involved within our communities and do things that are relevant to the skills we have.

So any aspiring psychologists out there... this is for you (and me!)

I will be having my "Informal Interview" next week for this.. make dua!

DO YOU WANT TO BECOME A FAMILY MEDIATOR? (E London)

The Muslim Mediation Service has been serving the community for the past three years and is based in East Ham. We support couples, parents, children and relatives who are in dispute, to communicate their concerns to one another in an effective way in order to help resolve their conflicts.

We are currently recruiting people to join our team of experienced and trained Volunteer Mediators. Do you think you have the qualities to bring about understanding between people? Could you remain impartial regardless of which party you felt was to blame for the dispute? Can you spare on average 2 hours twice a week during weekdays or evenings?

It is necessary for all volunteers to have completed a training programme in Conflict Management in order to become Mediators. The 8-day training will take place on the following dates in Summer 2007 from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm each day:

Tuesday 29th May, Saturday 2nd June, Tuesday 05th June, Saturday 9th June, Tuesday 12th June, Tuesday 19th June, Saturday 23rd June, Tuesday 26th June.

We especially need people who can speak a variety of languages, especially Bengali and Punjabi, and either live in Newham or the surrounding boroughs. We also need revert brothers and sisters as we are getting cases from people who have converted to Islam and are now struggling with their faith due to the disputes they may be experiencing with family and friends.

If you are available during the day on all of these dates and would like more information, please contact Halima by emailing Halima@conflictandchange.co. uk or call Zak on 020 8552 2050 to request a pack.

Absolutly skillfull!

2007-04-05T15:25:00.000-01:00

Assalamu alaykum

While searching for jobs, I came across this. Now I am using it to spice up my application forms...

Having a psychology degree is much more then a certificate and a few letters after your name. It can change your life if you really apply yourself to learning and reeling in all the abilities and skills you acquire. So why not flaunt them!

Want to sell yourself? Try adding these!

What skills have I got ?

A common characteristic of students is their difficulty in articulating what skills they have developed through studying psychology. It is easy to assume that all graduates possess the same skills. Few disciplines though, can offer such a comprehensive list. For example, those statistics you have sweated blood over but managed to master, prove you can handle and interpret statistical data which is a useful skill in many careers.

Listed below are some of the skills a typical psychology graduate will have acquired during their degree course.

Literacy

The ability to write both succinct reports and more lengthy analyses. Psychology graduates are accustomed to writing essays which allow them to explore issues in detail, but they also become familiar with the techniques of concise writing within a pre-set format as they write up their practical reports. The ability to produce a concise report is often cited by managers as a skill they would like their management trainees to have.

Numeracy

The ability to handle and interpret statistical information. Psychology graduates are good at manipulating and summarising data, and at drawing implications from data summaries and probability statements.

Computer literacy

The ability to use a computer package, whether for word processing, statistics, or data management, and the ability to learn new ones.

Interpersonal awareness

Knowledge of the mechanisms of social communication and the potential sources of personal conflict. This makes a difference in understanding and dealing with interpersonal problems when they arise in the workplace.

Environmental awareness

Knowing how environments and organisations can directly influence people's understanding and behaviour.

Problem-solving skills

The ability to identify different strategies and approaches to solving problems. This may be on a macro-level, in applying totally different perspectives or levels of analysis to the problem, or at a more basic level, in terms of choosing appropriate methods to deal with it. Psychology graduates are brilliant at solving problems as they are trained in relevant methods from the moment they step into a laboratory.

Information-gathering skills

In seeking information on a particular topic or general area, knowing where to look, what to use and how to use it.

Critical evaluation

The ability to appraise information and situations realistically, and to anticipate problems or difficulties.

Research skills

Knowing how to go about gathering systematic information. Psychology students are trained in a number of methods Рat the least, observational, experimental and case-study techniques.

Measurement skills

Knowing how to design questionnaires and develop other measurement tools.

Perspectives

The ability to look at issues from several different points of view.

Higher-order analysis

The ability to extract general principles from immediate or concrete situations. Psychology graduates tend to be better than most people at spotting recurrent patterns or similarities between situations, and at looking at issues in terms of their underlying principles rather than becoming bogged down with the details of the immediate situation.

Pragmatism

The abilty to make the best of a non-ideal situation. Psychology students know that the perfect experiment is going to be elusive and they will have to get on with doing it as well as possible. As graduates, this tends to give them a strongly practical element.

on the verge of giving up

2007-03-27T10:33:00.000-01:00

Assalamu alaykum

well the time has come crunch time!

as sisters in this wounderful deen there comes a time when reality stricks you, what is expected from us by others and ourselves. These two expections usually colide and opose one another.

I had a dream, a very idealic one I know, I wanted to help the ummah in a way which I thought was very well thought out and plausible. But Qadr... its a funny thing that is, destiny, no matter how well you plan Allah always has an ulktimate plan for us all in the end.

The role of a woman can take so many roads, the one i am on now seems never ending, i havent had the chance to write on here, because i just havent had the time. I working for a muslim charity at the moment, the work feels like i am wasting my skills, but on the other hand i cant do anything else, no one else wants to employ me because of my lack of experince... well how am I going to get a job without experience and how am i going to get experince without a job! ahhh its a never ending ficious cycle. So I am stuck in two jobs which is not creativly stimulating at all....

But there is hope at the end if the tunnel.. I hope, and pray! Inshallah i will be going back to studying, to do a graduate course in counselling, so the only way toi fix a problem is to be proactive, if you want to make a chnage in your life, start by changing yourself change the attitude!

Aim high! Reach high!

2007-02-05T14:14:00.000-01:00

Assalamu alaykum

Haven't had the chance to write on here, because basically the psychologist in me has yet to have a chance in the big wide world,... that is til now!

Alhamdulailah I have the opportunity to start some volunteer work, but getting here has been a journey in its self. Graduates know that its always going to be a case of climbing the ladder in careers, and the goals of what you want to achieve always seem to chance and you always want more then you have. The trick is to make those first steps on that ladder and make it a firm and one which will not make you fall flat on your face.... had too much experience of that!

I never knew just having a degree isn't enough in Psychology, well a bit late now... I wounder why no one told me, but then again how would they, there is no real network system for under gradates to mix and mingle of those in the high power jobs ones which we strive and aim for.

The only way we can succeed is to persist in our dream and to have the right intention and motivation, you never know who else you may be motivating just by you striving for what you want.

I always say to those who just want to give up on heir degree why did you start doing this in the first place? We have tendency to have very short memories and very fluid intention when it comes to seeking knowledge. At the end of the day we wish to do something that we are passionate about. Think about what is it that made you want to do a degree, or more generally what mad you begin to study what you doing now.

I myself wanted just throw in the towel in my second year, but Alhamdulilah through the wisdom and guidance of firstly Allah then some precious sisters Allah enabled me to stick through it more outstandingly actually pass and get a degree, Walhamdulilah!

"Actions are but by intention and every man shall have only that which he intended..."

(Bukhari and Muslim)

The more you put into something the more you will get out of it.

One day Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, noticed a Bedouin leaving his camel without tying it. He asked the Bedouin, "Why don't you tie down your camel?" The Bedouin answered, "I put my trust in Allah." The Prophet then said, "Tie your camel first, then put your trust in Allah"

(Tirmidhi).

The tighter you tie your camel the more likely you will get that what you strive for.

What ever you choose, choose well the and put your trust in Allah, He knows all of our affairs, that which has already passed and the ones to be.

"When you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah" (Quran 3: 159).

Remember the fundamentals of seeking knowledge firstly to have the correct intention;

* Seeking the pleasure of Allah and making our studying an act of worship in of itself

* Removing the ignorance from ourselves

Golden 15

2007-01-24T07:02:00.000-01:00

In his book "Tibb an Nabawi" (trans. Medicine of The Prophet by Jalal Abual Rub, Darussalam publishers) Ibn Qayyim rahimullah says the following at the end of the chapter

"The Prophet's Guidance on Treating Sadness, Grief and Depression."

"These cures that we mention are of 15 types. If they are not sufficient to remove sadness, depression and grief, then the sickness has become chronic and needs to be completely removed and dissipated.

1 - Affirming Allaah's Oneness in His Lordship

2 - Affirming Allaah's Oneness in His Worship

3 - The belief in the creed of Tawheed

4 - Praising Allaah for not dealing with His slave with injustice and for not punishing him without a reason

5 - The slave's affirming that it is he who has committed the injustice

6 - Pleading to Allaah by the most beloved methods to Him, by His Names, Attributes such as al-'Hay (The Ever Living), Al Qayyum (Who Sustains everything and everyone)

7 - Depending and relying on Allaah Alone for everything

8 - The slave affirms that his hope is only in Allaah

9 - Acquiring true dependence on Allaah and relating all matters to Him, while admitting that the slave's forelock is in His Hands Alone and that He does with it whatever He will. Also admitting that Allaah's decision on the slave will certainly come to pass and that His judgement is certainly just.

10 - The slave's heart should enjoy the gardens of the Qur'an and should make the Qur'an just like the spring of pure water to the animals. Also the slave should use the light of the Qur'an to shatter the darkness of desires and lusts. The Qur'an should be one's companion when no one else is present; the comfort that relieves every type of calamity and the cure that discards every illness that attacks the slave's heart. In short, the Qur'an should be the remover of sadness and the end of depression and grief.

11 - Turning to istighfaar, seeking forgiveness from Allaah

12 - Repenting to Allaah

13 - Performing jihad in Allaah's Cause

14 - Performing prayer

15 - Relating all power and strength to He Who grasps them in His Hands."

Course ~ Islamic Counselling

2007-01-10T20:17:00.000-01:00

Assalamu alaykum there is a Islamic Counselling course which looks very interesting for those who wish to broden their carer oppotunities or who wish to further their understanding in this field. Inshallah I plan to go, looks very useful.

Dear Brother/Sister,

Asalaam alaikum waRahmatullahi waBarakatahu,

Islam is both a religion and a culture that influences the life of its followers. It is necessary to emphasise the spiritual needs of clients as part of effective, whole person care. Research has shown that people from ethnic minority groups can experience difficulty accessing services (e.g. poor religious and cultural understanding by service staff). The Muslim community has become increasingly aware of the importance of mental health issues, the need for effective communication in family networks, relationships within the ummah and relationships with non-Muslims.

In response to the above, MIHE has developed the Certificate in Islamic Counselling as a follow on from the Introduction to Islamic Counselling short courses. The certificate course provides students with an opportunity to acquire both the practical experience and the theoretical understanding required to use Islamic Counselling skills competently in an Islamic work-related context or a voluntary helping capacity as well as those whose work includes a specific counselling type role.

MIHE are working towards accreditation by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.

MIHE have successfully ran other short courses such as Training of Muslim Chaplains, Diploma in Islamic Jurisprudence, Diploma in Islamic Finance and Introduction to Islamic Counselling.

If you are interested in attending the course then please complete an application form which can be downloaded from our website http://www.mihe.org.uk/ and send it to the MIHE address as soon as possible.
.
Jazakalakhayrun for your help and please do remember us in your dua’s.

Yours sincerely,

Ghazala Sadiq
Short Course Administrator

Treating Distress and Grief

2006-12-31T12:06:00.000-01:00

Assalamu alaykum

Subhanallah, Glory be to Allah, we have been blessed to be in the folds of a deen, a religion that has come with a cure for everything. If we only try to seek the answers in the words of Allah we will not be disapointed. Depression is one of those hot topics which I have been asked alot about and its something that I havent got all the asnwers to myself, hence we look into the gift of Islam for our answers o those life long questions. How to deal with life!

The following is the basic steps we should all be trying to strive for, to keep us going in days of trials and for distress and grief. Know that what we go through in this life is nothing to those trials and tribulations of those before us. However Allah test our pios predesessors in a different way to how He tests us. Saying that we all have the same remedy which can be found if only we open our eyes to see and open our hearts to feel.

Wassalam

Writings of Immam Ibn al-Qayyim on Treating Distress and Grief:

Following this discussion of cures, we will pause to look briefly at the list written by Imaam Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) in which he lists fifteen kinds of remedies through which Allaah may alleviate distress and grief:

1. Tawheed al-Ruboobiyyah (Unity of Divine Lordship)

2. Tawheed al-Uloohiyyah (Unity of Divinity)

3. Unity of belief, i.e. Tawheed al-Asmaa’ wa’l-Siffaat (Unity of the Divine Names and Attributes).

4. To declare that Allaah is far above mistreating His slave or punishing him without any cause on the part of the slave himself.

5. Admission on the part of the slave that he is the wrongdoer.

6. Beseeching Allaah by the best of things, which are His Names and Attributes. Among the most comprehensive in meaning of His Names and Attributes are the Names al-Hayyu (the Ever-Living), al-Qayoom (the Eternal).

7. Seeking the help of Allaah Alone.

8. Putting one’s hope in Allaah.

9. Putting one’s trust in Allaah and handing over all one’s affairs to Him, recognizing that one’s forelock is in His hand, that Allaah runs all one’s affairs as He wills, that His command is ever executed and that His decree is just.

10. Reading Qur’aan and pondering its meaning, seeking consolation in it for all disasters, and seeking a cure in it for all diseases of the heart (i.e., spiritual or psychological diseases) for it washes away grief and heals his distress and anxiety.

11. Seeking the forgiveness of Allaah.

12. Repentance

13. Jihaad (striving for the sake of Allaah).

14. Salaat (prayer)

15. Admitting that one has no power or strength at all, and attributing them to the One Who holds them in His hand.

Can Muslims be affected by psychological problems?

2006-12-05T11:52:00.000-01:00

Question:
Is it possible for a Muslim to be afflicted with psychological problems? (Because some people say that a Muslim cannot be affected by psychological problems).

Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.

Undoubtedly man may be afflicted with psychological problems such as worries about the future and grief over the past. Psychological problems affect the body more than physical problems do. We should know that the worries and distress that affect a person are among the things that expiate his sins and reduce the burden of sin; if he is patient and seeks reward with Allaah, he will be rewarded for that.

Treating these problems in the ways prescribed in Islam is more effective than treating them with physical medicine, as is well known.

One of the treatments prescribed in Islam is to recite the du’aa’s narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) to relieve worries and distress, for example, the saheeh hadeeth narrated from Ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him):

“There is no-one who is afflicted by distress and grief, and says:
‘Allaahumma inni ‘abduka ibn ‘abdika ibn amatija naasyati bi yadika, maada fiyya hukmuka, ‘adlun fiyya qadaa’uka. As’aluka bi kulli ismin huwa laka sammayta bihi nafsaka aw anzaltahu fi kitaabika aw ‘allamtahu ahadan min khalqika aw ista’tharta bihi fi ‘ilm il-ghayb ‘indaka an taj’al al-Qur’aana al-‘Azeema rabee’ qalbi wa noor sadri wa jalaa’ huzni wa dhihaab hammi
(O Allaah, I am Your slave, son of Your slave, son of Your maidservant; my forelock is in Your hand, Your command over me is forever executed and Your decree over me is just. I ask You by every name belonging to You which You have named Yourself with, or revealed in Your Book, or You taught to any of Your creation, or You have preserved in the knowledge of the Unseen with You, that You make the Holy Qur’aan the life of my heart and the light of my breast, and a departure for my sorrow and a release for my anxiety),’ but Allaah will take away his distress and grief.” This is one of the remedies prescribed in sharee’ah. One may also say: “Laa ilaaha illa anta, subhaanaka inni kuntu min al-zaalimeen (There is no god but You, glorified (and exalted) are You, truly I have been of the wrongdoers).” [cf. al-Anbiya’ 21:87]

Another form of treatment is ruqya with which a person may treat himself – which is better. The Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to do ruqyah for himself by reciting al-Mi’wadhatayn (the last two soorahs of the Qur’aan) when he went to sleep, then he would wipe his face and whatever he could of his body. Or a person may go to someone whose religious commitment he trusts to do ruqyah for him.

If he wants to know more, he can refer to what the scholars have written about du’aa’ such as al-Waabil al-Sayyib by Ibn al-Qayyim, al-Kalim al-Tayyib by Shaykh al-Islam, al-Adhkaar by al-Nawawi, and Zaad al-Ma’aad by Ibn al-Qayyim.

From the fatwas of al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, Kitaab Fataawa Islamiyyah, vol. 4, p. 465-467.

Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

Maudsley Debate

2006-11-19T19:52:00.000-01:00

Maudsley Debate

12th Dec. 6.00-7.30pm,

Wolfson Lecture Theatre, Institute of Psychiatry

Motion: This house believes that charges of institutional racism against psychiatry damage patient care

For: Swaran, Robin Murray

Against: Kwame McKenzie, Lee Jasper

Open to the public. Should be interesting.

VeenaDr Veena S Raleigh, FFPH
Lead, Methods and Research, Informatics
Healthcare Commission
Finsbury Tower
103-105 Bunhill Row
London EC1Y 8TG
Tel: 020 7448 1775 (int ext 3825)
Mobile: 07977 157329

Coming Soon

2006-11-12T18:35:00.000-01:00

Assalamu alaykum

I've been working on some articles, well I have been gathering a lot of thoughts!

Inshallah I am planing to do an article specifically on the psychology of depression and the Islamic prespective, its cures and prevention. I would really appriciate it if anyone has any stories, question, problems or anything you can contribute to the article, can you please contact me or e-mail me with your contribution, you will remain anonymous so no need to get shy! Your information, what ever you care to share, will remain confidential and anything you do wish to share I will try my upmost to shine some light on the matter.

Jazak allah khair

wassalam

Self Image Psychology

2006-10-31T15:36:00.003-01:00

assalamu alaykum,

a good talk by Yassir Fazaga regarding covering a wide scope of Islamic perspective of psychology, including self esteem, anxiety and more...

Self Image Psychology - Part 01
Self Image Psychology - Part 02
Self Image Psychology - Part 03
Self Image Psychology - Part 04
Self Image Psychology - Part 05
Self Image Psychology - Part 06
Self Image Psychology - Part 07
Self Image Psychology - Part 08
Self Image Psychology - Part 09
Self Image Psychology - Part 10
Self Image Psychology - Part 11
Self Image Psychology - Part 12
Self Image Psychology - Part 13
Self Image Psychology - Part 14
Self Image Psychology - Part 15

Self Image Psychology expounds on some of the harmful messages promoted by the western media. The speaker points out how these common messages damage the Muslims’ self-image psychology. Among the many things discussed in this presentation are examples of proper self-respect and self-reverence from the lives of the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (s). In addition, the speaker mentions common acts that entail lack of self esteem, such as the changing of Muslim names to non Muslim ones and the changing of the Islamic identity in general. The mere nature of this discussion reveals how Muslims today really view themselves.

http://www.ilmquest.org/
http://www.audioislam.com/?subcategory=Taqwa

Why this blog, Why now?

2006-10-31T15:05:00.000-01:00

Assalamu alaykaum

Many have asked what is the role of psychology to play in the daily running of life, indeed many have asked me, what is the point ofsychology? What exactly do you do? Why did you study psychology in the first place?... Well for sometime I myself did not know why psychology existed, whats the point of having this field which is trying so hard to become a science just like biology or chemistry but at the same time boasts of its uniqueness of the study of mind and behaviour, something that any other science cannot do in harmony.

I started this blog as I thought there was a need to express the psychological points of view with a Muslim tongue. A lot of the mainstream traditional psychologists are asking themselves what role do we have to play in the war on terror? In this current climate of today, what do psychologists have to do? How can we make things better? Well I think I have the answer... the answer however is very complex, and cannot be given in totality by just one person, as one person cannot be the mouth piece of the whole of humanity, as humanity is diverse, cultural, unique and wonderful, but I do attempt to give a partial insight.

Psychology in the eyes of the west is not complete, indeed it is the study of mind and behaviour which no other science is able to do and understand, however one vital ingredient is missing... something that is the key to understanding a person in totality, what is it? It is the soul. Something that religion has something to offer and it is the soul which psychology is lacking.

Ive always saw institutionalised psychology in the west as studying through a keyhole, they are trying so desperately to see whats on the other side, and they are even trying different approaches in trying to pick the lock to open the door and get a better picture, but they cant. This is because of that crucial ingredient that they are overlooking, and that is the science and the psychology of the soul, when you put the study of the mind, behaviour and the soul together to find you have the whole picture of an individual. Now with spirituality, emotion, intelligence, behaviour, cognition a whole person can be understood, and the development of psychology is no longer restricted to just the surface of an individual you have the oppotunity to go much deeper then that.

The role of each and every one of us is to active members of society, we do so by excelling in what ever field we are involved in. At a time when Muslims are being misrepresented and misunderstood, I felt it was time that the psychological world new what it meant to be a Muslim, and for us to make our mark in every facet of society, that means the psychological world too. Islam is being misrepresented, and its being misrepresented in psychology too, this will have major implications in the study and the implimentation in and around the field, thus I felt I had to be more active as a psychologist, not just that a Muslimah psychologist and I call on all to do the same, get talking, get out there and most of all get active.

I hope Inshallah that this blog will be of benefit for all.

peace be with you
wassalam

First post

2006-10-31T14:51:00.000-01:00

Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatuallahi wa baratu and May Peace and Blessings be upon you all

I start with the usual opening when done to address a group

Inalhamdulilah nahmadahu wanastaeenahu wanastaqfir wanatawakel elayh wana'ootho beliaha min sharuri anfusina wamin sayi'ata a'maalina manyahdiallahu falamuthilalah wamanyudlil falahathiyalah waashaduan laillahaillalah washadu anna muhammadancabadahu warassuluh 'mab'd

Verily! All praise is due to Allah, and may His peace be upon the Prophet Mohammed (salalahi wa alyhi wa salam).

First post as usual to welcome. Feel free to comment on any of the posts
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Wa alykum asalam wa rahmatuallhi wa baratu