When I first stumbled across a list of Islamic psychology books, I was not expecting it to change the way I think about myself and the people around me. Like many students of psychology, I had been reading Western textbooks that talk about behaviour, thoughts, and emotions scientifically.

But I always felt something was missing. Then I picked up a book by Malik Badri, and suddenly, psychology made sense in the light of faith.

In this blog, I will share a detailed guide to Islamic psychology books that can help you grow, whether you are a student, a therapist, or just someone curious about the human soul.

Why Islamic Psychology Books Matter

There is a growing demand for Islamic psychology books. More Muslims are seeking mental health support, and they want resources that align with their beliefs. Traditional Western psychology focuses on the mind and behaviour, but it rarely brings God into the conversation.

Islamic psychology books, on the other hand, integrate knowledge from the Quran, Sunnah, and classical Muslim scholars with modern psychological research.

This makes a huge difference. Imagine going to therapy and hearing about mindfulness. Now think about the Quranic concept of khushu (deep focus and humility in prayer). Both aim at presence and inner peace, but one is rooted in your faith.

Islamic psychology books overcome this gap. They show how concepts like tawakkul (trust in Allah), sabr (patience), and dhikr (remembrance of Allah) can be applied in therapy and self-growth.

How to Chose the Best Islamic Psychology Books

When I was preparing this list, I wanted to make sure it was helpful for everyone. I included classical texts, modern research-based books, and practical guides.

Some are written by scholars who pioneered the field, while others are new releases that make psychology accessible to everyday readers. These Islamic psychology books are not only educational, but they are also relatable and practical.

I reviewed the reviews, recommendations from institutions like the Khalil Centre, and popular reading lists on Goodreads.

I also checked academic publishers like Routledge, which has an entire series on Islamic psychology and psychotherapy. So what you are about to read is a carefully curated list that balances tradition and modernity.

Top Islamic Psychology Books

This is the heart of the blog, a detailed list of the most influential and practical Islamic psychology books. Some of these are classics, others are modern works, but all of them can transform how you understand the human mind and soul.

1. The Dilemma of Muslim Psychologists by Malik B. Badri

Malik Badri is often called the father of Islamic psychology. In this book, he describes the struggles of Muslim psychologists who were trained in the West but wanted to integrate their faith into practice. If you want to understand the foundations of the field, this is a must-read.

2. Psychology from the Islamic Perspective by Aisha Utz

This book is like a textbook for students. It covers psychological theories but always relates them to the Quran and Hadith. For anyone starting out, this is one of the most practical Islamic psychology books available.

3. Abu Zayd Al-Balkhi’s Sustenance of the Soul

Al-Balkhi lived over a thousand years ago, but his writings sound like modern therapy. He talked about how to deal with sadness, anxiety, and stress. Reading this book makes you realise that Muslims have been writing Islamic psychology books long before modern psychology existed.

4. Contemplation, An Islamic Psychospiritual Study by Malik Badri

This book focuses on the practice of contemplation. It blends spirituality and psychology, showing how reflection and dhikr can heal the soul.

5. Developing a Model of Islamic Psychology and Psychotherapy by Abdallah Rothman

This is a more academic book, but it is very important. Rothman explains a model that therapists can use in practice. For professionals seeking guidance in Islamic psychology, this book is one of the best.

6. Islamic Psychology, Human Behaviour and Experience (Edited Volume)

This book brings together different authors who write about psychology from an Islamic perspective. It is useful if you want to see different viewpoints in one place.

7. Quranic Psychology of the Self by Laleh Bakhtiar

Bakhtiar focuses on the idea of the self (nafs) in Islam. This is one of the few Islamic psychology books that explains how the Quran talks about the human psyche in detail.

8. Therapy from the Quran and Ahadith by Feryad A Hussain

This book offers practical steps for character development, healing, and therapy. It is an excellent example of how Islamic psychology books can be used in daily life.

Further Resources

If you are interested in diving deeper, here are some extra resources. The Routledge series on Islamic psychology and psychotherapy is composed of academic texts.

Khalil Centre also shares reading lists and offers courses. Yaqeen Institute publishes short, accessible papers on psychology and faith. Salam Psychology has practical blog posts that feel relatable.

Start with one book, maybe Malik Badri’s classic or Aisha Utz’s textbook. Then slowly add more. Soon, you will have your own library of Islamic psychology books that guide your journey.