Uploaded April 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Have you ever had a thought you couldn’t get out of your head?
In this episode, Dr. Rania Awaad discusses al Balkhi’s final chapter in Sustenance of the Soul, in which he describes a condition that is likely the first recount of what we know today in the DSM-5 as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD. While acknowledging the severe psychological and bodily implications this condition has on an individual, he emphasizes that one must not mistake these symptoms as untreatable for “Allah has not created a disease of the body or a disorder of the soul without creating its antidote.”
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"A Journey Inward: Understanding the Needs of Your Soul"
This Ramadan, Maristan will draw on “Sustenance of the Soul” by Abu Zayd al-Balkhi, a renowned Persian Muslim scholar, to explore emotional resilience and holistic well-being. Each episode will cover chapters addressing various topics, including the link between the body and soul; managing emotions like sadness, fear, anger, and obsession; and practical strategies for coping. Insights from the Quran and ahadeeth will offer valuable guidance for addressing personal and community mental health challenges amid life’s trials and tribulations.
❤️🩹 Support holistic healing for the hearts of our community this Ramadan by donating to Maristan: tinyurl.com/Maristan2024
Have you ever had a thought you couldn’t get out of your head?
In this episode, Dr. Rania Awaad discusses al Balkhi’s final chapter in Sustenance of the Soul, in which he describes a condition that is likely the first recount of what we know today in the DSM-5 as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD. While acknowledging the severe psychological and bodily implications this condition has on an individual, he emphasizes that one must not mistake these symptoms as untreatable for “Allah has not created a disease of the body or a disorder of the soul without creating its antidote.”
___________________________________________________________________________
"A Journey Inward: Understanding the Needs of Your Soul"
This Ramadan, Maristan will draw on “Sustenance of the Soul” by Abu Zayd al-Balkhi, a renowned Persian Muslim scholar, to explore emotional resilience and holistic well-being. Each episode will cover chapters addressing various topics, including the link between the body and soul; managing emotions like sadness, fear, anger, and obsession; and practical strategies for coping. Insights from the Quran and ahadeeth will offer valuable guidance for addressing personal and community mental health challenges amid life’s trials and tribulations.
❤️🩹 Support holistic healing for the hearts of our community this Ramadan by donating to Maristan: tinyurl.com/Maristan2024
![Reflections on Success and Failure | Ep. 14 | From Tafakkur to Transformation
Reflecting on success and failure in a contemplative context means seeing both as opportunities to deepen our understanding of Allah’s will. Success is not solely defined by worldly achievements or recognition; it is about fulfilling our purpose and living in accordance with Allah’s commands. Failure, on the other hand, is not a setback, but a lesson that Allah uses to purify us and draw us closer to Him.
In this episode, Dr. Rania Awaad explores the importance of tafakkur in shaping our perspective on moments of failure or difficulty. Rather than allowing these moments to hold us back, we should view them as opportunities for growth and ease, as promised by Allah when He tells us, for indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. (Quran, 94:5-6)
🔔 Dont miss out—turn on YouTube notifications and follow us on Spotify to follow along with this series.
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Inspired by Malik Badri’s Contemplation: An Islamic Psychospiritual Study, this series delves into the art of contemplation, uncovering the essence of tafakkur, how to practice it, and its invaluable impact on our mental health, spiritual lives, and overall well being. Join Ustadha Dr. Rania Awaad and Shaykh Mikaeel Ahmed Smith as we explore the power of introspection, faith, and mental well-being. Subscribe for more discussions on Islamic philosophy and spirituality.
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❤️🩹 This Ramadan, support Maristan’s mission to provide culturally and spiritually aligned mental health care. Donate today at maristan.org.
#Tafakkur #IslamicReflection #DrRaniaAwaad #ShaykhMikaeelAhmedSmith #SignsOfAllah #IslamicStudies #SpiritualGrowth Reflections on Success and Failure | Ep. 14 | From Tafakkur to Transformation](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Zsj0Cxwi_U0/mqdefault.jpg)









