Maristans and Islamic Psychology

Maristans and Islamic Psychology outlines how the novel methods, tools, and approaches for treating psychological illnesses developed in the maristans (hospitals) of the Muslim world can be utilized today in formulating a practical implementation of Islamic Psychology. As a trademark of the Islamic Civilization, the maristans were institutions of healing that boasted the world’s first treatment centers for treating psychological illnesses. They also served as the center where theoretical concepts developed by early Muslim scholars— physicians, theologians, and philosophers— who contributed to the creation of Islamic Psychology were translated into practical, clinical applications.

A detailed examination of the treatment modalities within these historical treatment centers provides a promising model for creating a holistic approach to psychological healing that is grounded in Islamic heritage. The text completes such an examination, highlighting the practical Islamic Psychology treatment methods in 14 maristans geographically spread throughout the Muslim world in order to bridge this centuries-long model of psychological care to the modern context.

As part of the Islamic Psychology and Psychotherapy Focus series, this book provides a foundation for mental health professionals who either directly deliver psychotherapy services or are involved in creating theories, institutions, or spaces of Islamic Psychology and psychotherapy.