Madrasah Aishah
Certificate in Islamic Counselling
What is
Islamic Counselling?
Islamic psychological counselling is a form of psychological counselling based on methods and techniques derived from the Qur'an and Sunnah.
As an Islamic psychological counsellor, one can help clients with common problems, such as individual counselling in cases of mild depression or grief, marriage counselling and family counselling.
How long does the course last and
how much effort is required?
The entire course takes about 2½ years with a time commitment of 7 hours a week
In addition to 5 hours/week, which you can organise yourself, there is one hour/week of Tarbiyyah/Tazkiyyah, where attendance is compulsory, and one hour/week of practice-oriented live lessons
If you don't have that much time, you can extend your studies and reduce the number of hours.
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The Requirements You Should Meet:
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You must be at least 18 years old; there is no upper age limit.
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You should practice Islam.
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You should be motivated, punctual, and reliable.
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You should be in good mental health.
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You should have a functional, internet-capable device and a stable internet connection.
What do you learn on the course?
Semester 1
In the first semester, students are introduced to Islamic psychology and counselling, its sources and aims, with a clear distinction being made between Islamic and Western psychology.
In addition, by studying the areas of Aqidah (Islamic theology according to Imam at-Tahawi), Seerah (biography of the Prophet Muhammad sallallâhu 'alayhi was-sallam) and Tafsir of some common verses, students will develop a solid foundation of Islamic knowledge that is necessary in Islamic counselling.
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Introduction to Islamic Psychology
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Models of Western Psychology and Their Limitations
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Aqidah (Islamic Theology)
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Seerah (Life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)
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Models of Islamic Psychological Counseling
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Tafsir and Hadith for Counseling
Semester 2
The second semester focuses on the classical works of Islamic psychology, ethics and morality and their application in modern times.
In addition, the basic knowledge of personality development, marriage, family, childhood, adolescence and general psychopathology from an Islamic perspective is taught, which can be applied in Islamic psychological counselling.
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Islamic Ethics and Morality
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Tazkiyyah & Tibb al-Qalb (Purification and Healing of the Heart)
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Marriage and Family Counseling
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Child and Adolescent Psychology
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Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
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Child Abuse and Neglect
Semester 3
In the third semester, counselling skills, methods and techniques are discussed and then applied and trained in case studies. These skills and techniques include mirroring, paraphrasing, reflecting, reconstructing, active listening and much more.
In addition, some fiqh (Islamic legal) issues related to counselling will be clarified, such as confidentiality, relationships between men and women, fiqh of marriage and divorce, fiqh of janazah (burial), etc.
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Counseling Methods
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Counseling Sessions and Plans
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Psychopathology
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Fiqh Related to Counseling
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Dream Interpretation
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Ruqyah
Semester 4: Praktikum
In the fourth and final semester, students practise the skills they have learnt on real clients. Students are expected to complete at least 100 hours of supervised counselling. Under certain circumstances, the required hours can be reduced (e.g. if you already have experience in counselling and/or pastoral care).
In addition, students will learn basic strategies for setting up their own counselling service in order to be able to offer professional Islamic psychological counselling after completing the course.
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Practical training & Supervision
How much does the course cost?
The course fee is based on the number of lessons and the intensity of personal support during the course. This results in the following tuition fees:
FAQ
Who is the course for?
This course is primarily designed for brothers and sisters who aim to offer professional Islamic psychological counseling at their own counseling centers, mosques, or Islamic centers. The course is structured to accommodate individuals who are working/studying full-time or managing family/children, allowing them to participate with flexibility.
How much time do I need to invest weekly?
The required time commitment is approximately 6 hours per week:
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5 hours for pre-recorded classes
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1 hour for weekly live sessions
You can watch the pre-recorded classes at your convenience as long as you follow the weekly schedule. Live sessions, held once on weekends, focus on Q&A as well as Tazkiyyah and Tarbiyyah—which are of utmost importance for Islamic psychological counselors. Attendance in these live sessions is crucial.
Which platform will the courses be conducted on?
We use our own campus website. Live sessions are conducted via Zoom or Jitsi.
Is the professional quality of this course guaranteed?
Yes, this course is overseen by the renowned pioneer of Islamic psychology, Prof. Dr. G. Hussein Rassool. Additionally, the curriculum has been developed with the advice and guidance of other professors, experienced teachers, and psychologists.
I am already a scholar in Islamic studies or psychology. Can I waive some courses?
Islamic psychological counseling is a unique field that integrates elements from psychology, counseling, and Islamic sciences. Every course contains essential knowledge about theological, legal, and psychological aspects. Skipping courses would deprive you of valuable information, which is not recommended given the condensed nature of the curriculum.
However, if you have prior counseling experience, it may be possible to reduce the number of practical hours required on an individual basis.
What can I do after this certification?
Upon successful completion, you will have gained sufficient knowledge and experience in Islamic psychological counseling to assist clients with common issues such as:
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Mild depression
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Mild anxiety
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Lack of life satisfaction
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Marital problems
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Family issues
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Domestic violence
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Grief counseling
Please note that you will not be qualified to conduct psychotherapy for severe psychopathological issues such as schizophrenia, PTSD, or anorexia nervosa. However, as an Islamic counselor, you can complement the treatment and therapy provided by conventional psychologists, psychotherapists, or psychiatrists by incorporating an Islamic perspective into the therapeutic process.
As an Islamic psychological counselor, you can be employed by Islamic centers, mosques, Islamic schools, or other organizations. Additionally, the course equips all students to establish their own counseling practice.
The demand for Islamic psychological counselors who work according to the principles of the Quran and Sunnah is very high. The Ummah needs counselors who can provide quick and effective support, making the role of Islamic psychological counselors highly important and future-proof.