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Understanding and supporting psychological wellbeing: an exploration of the experiences of Islamic Scholars

Research output: Contribution to Journal/MagazineJournal articlepeer-review

Published
<mark>Journal publication date</mark>2014
<mark>Journal</mark>Mental Health, Religion and Culture
Issue number4
Volume17
Number of pages14
Pages (from-to)365-378
Publication StatusPublished
Early online date29/07/13
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

This paper considers the role of Islamic scholars as non-statutory providers of support for individuals with issues of psychological distress and wellbeing. A qualitative phenomenological analysis of the experiences of six Imams (Islamic religious officials) who saw this type of support as being part of their role is presented. Four themes were identified: “Building a personal relationship with the ultimate authority”; “Treating the whole person”; “God's medicine” and “Duty bound to help”. Clinical implications for the current and potential relationship between this type of support and mental health and psychological services are presented and discussed.