EP 42: Why Does Allah Hate Me? – Sarah Sultan & Najwa Awad (Yaqeen Institute)
In this episode we’re join by sisters Sarah Sultan (LPC, LMHC) and Najwa Awad (LSCW-C), who are both licensed professional counsellors and psychotherapists respectively, and also authors of the ‘Trauma Series: Your Lord Has Not Forsaken You’ at Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research.
Both Sarah and Najwa have a wealth of experience in exploring the links between spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health, and throughout this episode take us on a journey of understanding why individuals may ask themselves the question:
“Why does Allah hate me?!”
Experiencing lows in our spirituality from time to time is common for all of us, however feeling deep levels of distress and hopelessness that stems from the assumption that Allah (swt) Himself is unhappy with us can translate into a number of other issues.
Why do we come to this conclusion? What thought processes and feelings lead us to believing this?
In this eye-opening episode, we explore how negative thoughts of one’s self and even past traumatic experiences can affect our relationship with Allah (swt).
What You’ll Learn
- A bit about Sarah and Najwa and the work that they do
- A summary of why the Trauma series ‘Your Lord Has Not Forsaken You’ on Yaqeen Institute was released and what’s in it
- Emotional reasoning and the difference between what we “think” is real vs reality
- How our negative thoughts of ourselves are linked to negative thoughts of what Allah (swt) thinks of us
- Common reasons why people believe Allah is displeased with them and that they aren’t good enough
- The links between self-esteem and our levels of spirituality
- The effects of past trauma on our mental, spiritual and emotional health (including different types of trauma)
- How trauma in our own homes can affect how we view Allah (swt)
- The effects of depending upon other people more than we depend on Allah (swt)
- The links between dependency and external validation from people vs validation from Allah (swt)
- Feelings of hopelessness vs clinical depression
- The powerful hadith that Najwa has taped on her wall about the relationship Allah (swt) has with us
- Practical steps we can take to develop healthier thought processes and behaviours
- The relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviours
- Final words of comfort and encouragement from Sarah and Najwa
Read More from the Yaqeen Trauma Series
About Sarah Sultan – LPC, LMHC
Sarah Sultan is a licensed professional counselor who strives to empower her clients through achieving healthier, more fulfilling lives and relationships while reconnecting with Allah during the healing process. Sarah obtained a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling and has practiced therapy for nearly 10 years. She is also an instructor with Mishkah University, where she teaches a course about the intersections between Islam, psychology, and counseling.
About Najwa Awad – LSCW-C
Najwa Awad is a psychotherapist who is passionate about helping Muslims heal, grow, and thrive after adversity. She has over a decade of experience providing online and in-person counseling to children, adults, and families at her practice Amanah Family Counseling. Najwa also enjoys giving workshops to destigmatize mental illness, address current mental health issues within the community, and promote psychological health from an Islamic perspective.
CONNECT WITH NAJWA ONLINE
In Collaboration with
Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research
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