(Renowned Scholar in Islamic Psychology and Counselling)
Professor Akbar Husain
Introduction
Professor Akbar Husain is a distinguished psychologist, academician, and prolific researcher in the fields of Islamic Psychology and Counselling. Having served as the Chairman of the Department of Psychology and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), India, he has played a key role in advancing the study of Islamic Psychology, Positive Psychology, and Spiritual Psychology. With over 41 years of teaching and research experience, he continues to influence the field as a Visiting Professor at Aligarh College of Education and Adjunct Professor at Integral University, Lucknow. He is widely recognized for his theoretical contributions, including the development of analytical models and psychological tests aimed at understanding human nature from an Islamic perspective.
Educational Background
Dr. Akbar Husain’s academic achievements are noteworthy. He earned a D.Litt. in Psychology for his extensive research on “Explorations and Applications of Spirituality in Psychology.” His academic pursuits have laid the foundation for his expertise in Islamic Psychology, Spiritual Psychology, and Counselling. His vast educational background and interdisciplinary research approach have enabled him to bridge Islamic principles with modern psychological concepts.
Professional Roles and Responsibilities
- Chairman, Department of Psychology, Aligarh Muslim University (Retired)
- Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University
- Visiting Professor, Aligarh College of Education
- Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Integral University, Lucknow
- Chief Patron, Indian Council on Islamic Perspective in Psychology (ICIPP)
His active involvement with the Indian Council on Islamic Perspective in Psychology (ICIPP) has contributed to the development of Islamic Psychology as a recognized academic discipline in India. He played a pivotal role in introducing Islamic Psychology as a specialization at the Master’s level under the purview of the University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi.
Teaching and Mentorship With over four decades of teaching experience, Dr. Husain has mentored the completion of 8 Post-Doctoral theses, 44 Ph.D. theses, and 10 M.Phil. dissertations. His guidance has contributed to the development of a new generation of scholars in Islamic Psychology, Positive Psychology, and Counselling. His teaching legacy continues to inspire students and researchers in India and beyond.
Research Contributions and Publications Dr. Akbar Husain is an accomplished author with 53 books to his name, along with 295 research papers, articles, and book chapters published in national and international journals. His research publications have appeared in reputable journals, including SCOPUS and Web of Science, with a notable 50 publications indexed in these databases. He is also a frequent contributor to conference proceedings, seminars, and workshops worldwide.
Notable Books Published
- Islamic Psychology: Emergence of a New Field (2006)
- Contemporary Trends in Islamic Psychology (2017)
- Applied Islamic Psychology: A Fresh Interpretation (2018)
- Quranic Guidance, Therapy & Islamic Counselling Interventions (2021)
- Introduction to Muslim Chaplaincy (2021)
- Empirical Studies in Islamic Psychology: Annotated Bibliography (2022)
- HAPPINESS: Islamic and Philosophical Perspectives (2024)
Research Projects and Grants Dr. Husain has successfully completed numerous research projects and secured grants for his research on Islamic Parenting Styles and Human Values, as well as projects funded by the Centre for Study and Research, Hyderabad. He has also collaborated on international research, particularly on spiritual development among Muslim adolescents in Malaysia.
Research Focus and Areas of Expertise
- Islamic Psychology and Counselling
- Spiritual Psychology
- Positive Psychology
- Human Personality Development
- Mental Health and Counselling
- COVID-19 and Well-being
He is credited with the development of several analytical models related to Islamic Psychology, such as the NAFSIAT model and conceptual models for Islamic Counselling, Human Nature (Nafs), and Spiritual Development. His unique approach offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the dimensions of human psychology from an Islamic perspective.
Pioneering Role in Islamic Psychology in India Dr. Akbar Husain has been at the forefront of the Islamic Psychology movement in India, introducing courses on Islamic Psychology at the postgraduate level and promoting the establishment of the Indian Council on Islamic Perspective in Psychology (ICIPP). Under his leadership, numerous national and international seminars, workshops, and conferences were organized, where he invited scholars and researchers from across the world to contribute to the advancement of Islamic Psychology.
Editorial Roles and Reviewer Dr. Husain’s editorial contributions include his role as the Editor of the Journal of the Indian Academy of Applied Psychology (2002-2005) and the Journal of Educational Research, University of Malaya (2009). He also serves as a reviewer for numerous international psychology journals, promoting scholarly discourse in the field of Islamic Psychology and Counselling.
Awards and Recognitions
- Sir Syed Innovation Award (2018)
- Outstanding Researcher of the Year
These accolades recognize his profound contributions to Islamic Psychology and education. He has played a vital role in curriculum development, research, and Islamic Psychology advocacy in India.
Development of Theoretical Models and Tests Dr. Husain has developed innovative models and conceptual frameworks in Islamic Psychology. His analytical models, including NAFSIAT, ISLAM, QUR’AN, PRAYER, FASTING, CHARITY, HAJJ, JIHAD, and PERSONALITY, provide a holistic view of spiritual, psychological, and behavioral development. His contributions extend to the development and standardization of psychological tests, including the Prayer Scale, Religious Coping Scale, and Mental Health Scale.
International Collaboration and Lectures Dr. Husain is an invited speaker and resource person for international conferences, including events organized by Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia, International Islamic University Malaysia, and International Association of Muslim Psychologists (IAMP). His lectures on Islamic Psychology and Islamic Counselling have influenced students, researchers, and mental health professionals worldwide.
Contact Information
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +91 9045934355 / +91 8979730124