Introduction In an illuminating episode of the Kanisan Podcast, Saleha Islam—a seasoned marriage counselor, psychotherapist, and former director of Al-Manaar Mosque—shares her journey through community work, Islamic psychology, interfaith dialogue, and the complex dynamics of marriage in modern Muslim communities. This conversation is rich with insights on spirituality, trauma, and the human experience.

Breaking Barriers at Al-Manaar Mosque Saleha Islam’s remarkable tenure as the first female director of a Muslim organization in Europe began with nearly two decades as a founding trustee of Al-Manaar Mosque. Her leadership role, shaped by deep-rooted community engagement, challenged traditional gender norms and set new precedents for inclusivity in Islamic institutions. Saleha emphasized that her work was rooted in merit and experience, rather than gender identity.

Responding to the Grenfell Tower Tragedy Though she had stepped down from her official role by the time of the Grenfell Tower fire, Saleha remained actively involved in the mosque’s response. Al-Manaar Mosque played a pivotal role as a community hub for aid and healing, offering shelter, food, and emotional support. She recalled the tragic loss of a colleague’s family and the lasting trauma that the community continues to carry.

Islamic Psychology vs. Western Psychology Saleha discussed the core differences between Islamic and Western psychology. While Western models often separate the mind from the soul, Islamic psychology views humans as interconnected beings with body, mind, and soul, emphasizing God-consciousness. She critiques Western therapy’s lack of spiritual depth and highlights her own journey of integrating faith into psychological healing, including her development of “Sirat Coaching and Therapy.”

Marriage Counseling in the Muslim Context Saleha’s experience with the Islamic Sharia Council revealed deep-rooted communication issues among couples. She emphasized that unrealistic expectations, lack of emotional intelligence, and societal pressures are major causes of marital breakdowns. Saleha advocates for pre-marital counseling and honest communication as preventive tools. She also highlighted how external pressures from extended families often exacerbate conflicts.

Community Healing and Interfaith Work Saleha has been instrumental in interfaith dialogue and community cohesion, particularly in multicultural settings like the UK. She recounted the warmth and resilience shown by Muslims and non-Muslims alike during and after the Grenfell tragedy. Despite challenges, such as Islamophobia and political rhetoric, Saleha believes in the power of collective community support and the importance of being active participants in wider society.

On Extremism and Media Narratives Touching on recent events like the Stockport tragedy and subsequent far-right attacks, Saleha addressed the dangerous impact of misinformation and Islamophobic narratives. She called for greater community unity, media accountability, and the importance of being informed and resilient.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Journey of Healing Saleha’s work exemplifies the intersection of faith, psychology, and social action. Whether supporting individuals in emotional distress, counseling troubled couples, or fostering interfaith understanding, her approach is rooted in compassion, spiritual insight, and years of dedicated service. Her story reminds us of the importance of inner healing, sincere community work, and the transformative power of faith.

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