The Mirage of Guidance.

How modern psychology creates more problems than it solves.

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullah WaBarakaatuh,

I pray this finds you well and may Allah (SWT) provide you success in all your affairs. Ameen. Today, we’ll be discussing a topic that seems to be one of my favourites, albeit not intentionally.

Over the past century, a new field of science has risen to prominence; psychology. Unlike traditional sciences like physics or chemistry that investigate the physical universe, psychology studies the complexities of the human mind.

Psychology is undoubtedly a fascinating discipline. Yet, its foundations often rest more on compelling theories than on sound scientific analysis. The field is home to diverse schools of thought, such as structuralism, functionalism and psychoanalysis, to name a few. My concern, however, is not with psychology itself but with the somewhat subtle and troubling shift it has inspired in where humans should seek solace.

In the past, when people faced emotional turmoil, they turned to their Lord for solace and guidance, believing that refuge could only be found in Him. This reliance is evident in the abundance of prayers and supplications found in the Quran and Hadiths. For every human struggle, there is a prophet that has passed through it, and for every difficulty, a sincere dua that brings relief. The message is always clear: turn to Allah in sincerity, and trust that He will suffice you.

Today, however, psychology has encouraged many to seek solace within themselves rather than their Lord. This unguarded reliance on psychology, particularly in its diluted, popularized form, can be seen as a form of self-worship. With the advent of social media, the issue has only intensified further. Unqualified individuals with massive platforms dispense fake psychological advice that is not of scientifically grounded. Buzzwords like "gaslighting," "narcissist," and "boundaries" are thrown around constantly. While these terms have legitimate origins and meanings, their widespread misuse by ungrounded voices fosters a culture of self-obsession and lack of tolerance. Two traits that contribute to the erosion of any society.

When the sole purpose of a man becomes self-satisfaction, destruction follows. Pop psychology often seems to encourage precisely this mindset. The Quran warns us against this danger in Surah Al-Jathiya (45:23):

أَفَرَءَيْتَ مَنِ ٱتَّخَذَ إِلَـٰهَهُۥ هَوَىٰهُ وَأَضَلَّهُ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ عِلْمٍۢ وَخَتَمَ عَلَىٰ سَمْعِهِۦ وَقَلْبِهِۦ وَجَعَلَ عَلَىٰ بَصَرِهِۦ غِشَـٰوَةًۭ فَمَن يَهْدِيهِ مِنۢ بَعْدِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ أَفَلَا تَذَكَّرُونَ ٢٣

"Have you seen ˹O Prophet˺ those who have taken their own desires as their god? ˹And so˺ Allah left them to stray upon knowledge, sealed their hearing and hearts, and placed a cover on their sight. Who then can guide them after Allah? Will you ˹all˺ not then be mindful?"

To conclude, let us remember this: any knowledge not derived from revelation is guesswork. Sometimes we are lucky, we guess right. Whether in physics or psychology, theories evolve over time; we had classical mechanics and now general relativity. Allah has already provided us with the ultimate manual for navigating life - the Quran. Living according to this divine guidance will always remain the wisest choice.

2:2

ذَٰلِكَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبُ لَا رَيْبَ ۛ فِيهِ ۛ هُدًۭى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ ٢

This is the Book! There is no doubt about it—a guide for those mindful ˹of Allah˺,

May Allah keep us steadfast on the right path. Ameen.