Counseling from The Islamic Perspective: A New Alternative

Abstract

This research discusses Counseling from the Islamic Perspective - A New Alternative. Islamic Counseling is one of the alternative forms of counseling we use to overcome personal problems that we face in our daily living especially in this modem, complicated and complex millennium. Islamic Counseling, in particular, encompasses not only all aspects of worldly life but also life in the hereafter. It also emphasizes the education and training aspects of each counselor. Education, capability, empowerment, experience as well as understanding of human nature are some of the prerequisites needed by counselors. Counseling practice from the Islamic perspective must be in accordance to the teachings of the AI-Qur'an and Sunnah. This research focuses on the substance of Islamic Counseling, including its practical aspects, techniques and applications that are effectively used by counselors. Besides that, it discusses the responsibilities of counselors from the Islamic point-of-view. The findings of this research are the results of studies derived mainly from two different sources, namely library research and through interviewing several Islamic counselors and their clients. In carrying out this research, the researcher has made some surprising discoveries and the logical deduction reached is that many of the practical approaches or methods which were used or which can be used by Islamic counselors are not in conflict with Shara' or Islamic principles and regulations. In conclusion, the research also validates that the role and responsibilities of the counselor are very important in carrying out counseling from the Islamic perspective.