The studies on Psychology in the Islamic Intellectual Tradition began with the aim of seeking answers to a set of fundamental questions:

• As Muslims working in the field of mental health, why should we engage with the Islamic intellectual tradition?

• Does a school of psychotherapy exist within this tradition? If not, can one be established?

As responses to these foundational questions developed, new inquiries naturally emerged:

• As Muslims in the field of mental health, how do we define ourselves?

• Which concepts do we use to describe our daily struggles, personal difficulties, and shortcomings?

• What intervention methods do we apply to ourselves or to those around us?

• How consistent are these methods with the creed (ʿaqīdah) of our faith?

• Can a person’s attempt to shape their own mind be thought of as independent from their values?

We carry a responsibility to reflect on what our religion — in which we believe and trust — teaches about the human mind and behavior, and how these teachings may shape our practical lives. The answers we find, and the motivation that sustains this search, are shaped by that very responsibility.

Anyone may raise such questions individually. Indeed, many of you may now be, have once been, or will one day be engaged in a similar process of questioning. Yet there is a clear reason why a platform was needed — and why those asking these questions should come together:

“Muslims are like the stones that make up a strong fortress.”

We believe that only through solidarity can we find meaningful answers to these questions and produce valuable, powerful knowledge together. As we learn to work collectively in transforming our own lives, we also aspire to be of service to others.

This platform was thus founded — both to create a space for joint practice and to help new students avoid the challenges we faced during our own formative years.

The Platform for Psychology in the Islamic Intellectual Tradition was established with these questions, efforts, and intentions in February 2020. Since then, it has steadily expanded its scope through voluntary work conducted for students, professionals, and society at large.

After more than two years of sustained effort, these activities were institutionalized under the Association for Psychology and Psychotherapy Research, officially founded in September 2022.