This podcast is where therapy meets faith and tradition. Too often, we search for therapists who share our beliefs, hoping for a space that truly understands us. As a Muslim and practicing therapist, I felt the need to explore this intersection—to have real conversations about where faith and psychology align, how we can grow, and how healing can be both spiritual and psychological. Most importantly, mental health doesn’t discriminate—believer or not, we all face struggles. Join me in reflecting, questioning, and making space for a something that is dear to our heart, mind, and soul.
S3 E4: The ancient dilemma: knowing the right way but choosing otherwise
Unlock the profound connections between Islamic ethics, moral reasoning, and human development in this in-depth discussion with Dr. Mutaz Al-Khatib. We explore how knowledge and character intertwine, the role of desires, and practical steps toward moral excellence within Islamic tradition.
Main Topics:
The relationship between theoretical and applied knowledge in Islamic ethics
How desires (Shahwa vs. Hawwa) influence moral decision-making
The role of character formation and habituation in moral development
The concept of the soul as the real doer in human actions
Navigating ethical dilemmas, biases, and diversity of opinions in Islamic law
The importance of self-awareness and continuous striving for humanity
Dr. Mutaz shares his personal journey of building a library lost to war, emphasizing the value of purposeful knowledge
The distinction between theoretical (knowing) and practical (acting) wisdom rooted in Greek and Islamic philosophy
How Islamic ethics does not aim to eradicate desires but to purify and regulate them through moderation
The significance of intentions, motivations, and inner states (Baath, Dafa'a) in moral actions
The process of habit formation in character, highlighting the importance of repetition and consistency
Practical advice on evaluating one's qualifications for responsibility and moral effort
The concept of continuity in actions leading to stable change and character transformation
Aligning intentions, emotions, and rationality to foster genuine virtue over superficial compliance
Hamad bin Khalifa University (https://www.hbku.edu.qa/)
Imam Ghazali’s writings on Nafs and morality (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Ghazali)
Classical Islamic Ethics Literature (https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Islamic+ethics)
You can find Dr Mutaz on:
https://www.hbku.edu.qa/en/staff/mutaz-alkhatib
You can find me on:
Website: https://nouraamkieh.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nafsandtherapy
29 Mar 2026
S3 E3: Why focusing on holy texts in context can transforms how you connect with Allah
In this episode, we explore the profound ways in which Quranic stories and verses shape our understanding of ethics, emotions, and personal interpretation. Dr. Samer Rashwani shares insights on how to approach challenging passages, the relevance of prophetic models, and the importance of context in understanding Allah's disclosed words, highlighting how timeless divine wisdom remains relevant today.
Key Topics
The contrast between pre-modern and modern interest in Quranic narratives and their ethical implications
How Quranic stories serve as models for moral resilience and emotional engagement
Strategies for lay Muslims to interpret Quranic verses responsibly and meaningfully
The significance of context and comprehensive reading over isolated verses
The prophetic approach to tough verses, emphasizing compassion, patience, and understanding
Addressing verses about gender roles and the importance of holistic interpretation
How Quranic stories function as moral typologies rather than strict historical accounts
The role of divine love, fear, and hope in understanding Allah's interaction with prophets
Practical guidance for engaging with the Quran—consulting translations, tafsir, and embracing multiple interpretations
Emphasizing that the Quran addresses timeless human experiences, fostering self-identification and ethical growth
Behind the Story Essentials: Ethical Readings of Quranic Narratives
Tafsir al-Jalalayn (https://quran.com/2/137) — A classical tafsir exploring thematic interpretations
Sahih al-Bukhari (https://sunnah.com/bukhari) — Authentic Prophetic sayings relevant to ethical behavior
The Relevance of Prophetic Models (https://example.com/the-prophetic-ethical-model) — An article discussing how prophets serve as ethical exemplars
You can find Dr Samer on:
https://www.hbku.edu.qa/en/staff/dr-samer-rashwani
You can find me on:
Website: https://nouraamkieh.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nafsandtherapy
23 Feb 2026
S3 E2: Living Fiqh: Capacity, Choice, and our limitations.
What if fiqh was not something you only look up when you are stuck, but something that helps you live with more clarity, steadiness, and sincerity?
In this conversation, Dr. Mohammad Fadel joins me to explore the meeting point between Islamic knowledge and mental health, and why many spiritual struggles are not a lack of faith but a struggle with meaning, responsibility, and what is realistically possible for us.
We talk about fiqh as a living tradition meant to guide everyday Muslims, how Islam holds obligation alongside capacity, and why doing religion right can become emotionally heavy when it is disconnected from context, mercy, and purpose. We also unpack the inner tension between free will and destiny, the implications of fatwa shopping, and how therapists can engage the spiritual world of clients with more care and depth.
At the heart of it all is a simple reminder: learning Islam is not only about finding answers, it is about forming a self that can return to Allah with honesty, even in complexity.
You can find Dr Fadel on:
https://jackmanlaw.utoronto.ca/people/mohammad-fadel
You can find me on:
Website: https://nouraamkieh.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nafsandtherapy
Who has been a guest on Nafs and Therapy
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Dr Abdallah Rothman
Mohammed Isaaq
Michael
Halah Zumrawi
Imtithal Mohammed
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