Two Days 18th Annual International Conference of Muslim Psychology on Mental Health and Well Being: A Global Priority was held on 18th and 19th October, 2022 organized by the Department of Psychology GC University Lahore in Collaboration with the Society of Advancement for Muslim Psychology. The Honourable Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Syed Asghar Zaidi was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony. The honourable Vice Chancellor appreciated the theme of the conference and stressed on the role of the religiosity and spirituality in promoting the mental health and wellbeing. Prof. Dr. Syeda Salma Hasan Chairperson, Department of Psychology GC University, Lahore said that this conference would open new avenues for indigenous research in the area of Islamic Psychology. Key note addressed on Islamic Psychology and Mental Health was delivered by Dr Aneeq Ahmad Chair Department of Psychology Henderson State University, USA. Dr. Aneeq Ahmad talked about the Spiritually Multidimensional Psychotherapy to understand that our existence in this world is temporary and we need to be concerned about hereafter life. Moreover he also shed light on the Islamic therapy for Grief intervention.
A Galaxy of eminent psychologists Dr Aneeq Ahmad Chair Department of Psychology Hendersen State University, Dr. Nosheen Rahman, Former Director Institute of Clinical Psychology, University of the Punjab , Dr. Aisha Sitwat Assistant Professor Institute of Clinical Psychology, University of the Punjab, Ms. Saima Salman CEO Rational Living Inc Singapore a leading cognitive Behaviour Therapist , Dr Iffat Batool Department of Psychology GC University, Dr.Amjad Tufail President Society of Advancement for the Muslim Psychology ,Dr. Amina Obaid Khawaja Assistant Professor Institute of Applied Psychology LCWU , Dr Usman Jawwad University of the Health Sciences and Prof. Dr. Ismat ullah Cheema Former Chairman Department of Psychology University of the Lahore shared their expert knowledge on the theme of the conference.
In this two days 18th Annual International Conference of Muslim Psychology Muhammad Ajmal Memorial lecture was delivered by Dr. Muhammad Amjad Tufail in which he reflected on the contributions of Dr. Muhammad Ajmal , Dr. Syed Azhar Ali Rizvi Memorial Lecture By Dr. Aisha Sitwat she emphasized on the Bonding with the Allah Almighty , Four state of Art Lectures on Islamic Models By Dr. Amina Obaid Khawaja talked about her indigenously developed Islamic models and emphasized that zikr can help people to deal with the mental health problems , Ms. Saima Salman delivered a lecture Rational Emotive Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Islam and emphasized on that we need to practice gratitude in the adversities we should submit ourselves to the the Will of ALLAH , Dr. Iffat Batool delivered a lecture on Forgiveness and Mental Health and she explained that forgiveness process is developmental in nature and gradually it transforms the person and Dr. Usman Jawwad deliberated on the Alfarabi’s concept of Riyasat Madina were delivered. Two Scientific sessions chaired by Prof. Dr Sarah Shahed Prof. Fc College, Dr Uzma Ashiq Director Gender Studies LCWU, Dr. Shumaila Asad Chairperson Department of Psychology Ripphah International University, Prof Dr. Talat Suhail Former Chairperson Institute of Applied Psychology LCWU and Prof. Shireen Asad former director student centre LCWU.
The conference ended with the Panel discussion the panelists Prof. Dr Naumana Amjad, Prof Dr. Amjad Tufail, Prof. Dr Ismat ullah Cheema, Prof. Dr. Amjad Tufail, Prof. Dr. Syeda Salma Hasan, Prof. Dr.Syeda Shahida Batool, Dr. Umme Rubab Kazmi, Dr. Nasreen Akhter, Dr. Mussaffa Butt, Dr. Usman Rasheed Chaudhry, Dr Salman Khan and Ms. Abeeha Shaloom. The panel discussion was chaired by Dr. Syed Imran Murtaza. The panelists highlighted the relationship of religiosity, spirituality, social and physical wellbeing with the Mental Health. More over the stigmas associated with the mental illness were also discussed.
Delegates from many prestigious educational institutes including Institute of Applied Psychology University of the Punjab, Institute of Clinical Psychology University of the Punjab, Lahore College for Women University. Kinnaird College for Women University, FC College, Faziyya College, University of the Central Punjab, Bharia University, University of Management and Technology, MAO College, Ripphah International University and Lahore Garrison University attended the international conference. Prof. Dr. Asghar Zaidi the Vice Chancellor at the closing ceremony appreciated the efforts of the Department of Psychology GC University, Lahore and The Society of Advancement for the Muslim Psychology for this intellectually stimulating joint venture to highlight the role of Islamic teachings in improving the mental health and wellbeing.