Exploring school counsellors’ knowledge of Islamic counselling

This study aims to explore the knowledge of Muslim school counsellors regarding Islamic counselling. A qualitative research design based on a multiple case study method was employed, with a sample of 19 Muslim counsellors selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal that counsellors possess a clear understanding of Islamic counselling, encompassing two main themes: (1) the counselling process based on human nature and oriented towards the hereafter, and (2) the modification of Western counselling. Within the first theme, counsellors emphasise the importance of understanding human nature and the concepts of al-nafs, al-qalb, al-‘aql, and al-ruh. They adhere to the goal of guiding individuals back to their innate nature (fitrah) and utilising the Quran and Sunnah as the primary sources of guidance. Moreover, counsellors perceive their role as preachers, guiding clients in maintaining religious practices and upholding noble character. The second theme illustrates counsellors' integration of Islamic elements into Western counselling processes, where Western theories serve as the framework while Islamic elements—such as Quranic verses, Hadith, and moral values—are incorporated as complementary components. This study provides an overview of participants' awareness of the importance of applying Islamic values in counselling sessions and their efforts to infuse Islamic elements into the counselling process to align with clients' needs. However, counsellors must continually enhance their knowledge and skills in Islamic counselling through ongoing training and education, as well as the development of more comprehensive Islamic counselling models and modules to further strengthen their roles.