PSYCHED4U Conference: Sayyid Kashmiri’s Remarks

On April 19–21, 2025, the PSYCHED4U team organized the first Shia Islamic Psychology Conference in North America at Elit Hall in Dearborn, Michigan. More than sixty psychologists and mental health professionals from across the United States and Canada gathered to exchange ideas and address critical issues facing the Muslim community.

As the representative of the religious authority, Sayyid M. B. Kashmiri delivered keynote remarks to open the conference. He outlined the Islamic foundation for faith-integrated psychological work, citing evidence from the Qur’an, Hadith, and the examples of the Infallible Imams (p).

Sayyid Kashmiri emphasized the jurists’ reliance on field experts, highlighting parallels with modern practices such as DNA testing and forensic science. He underscored the need for models of psychology that incorporate Islamic values, contrasting Islamic reverence for expertise with modern skepticism toward tradition.

He praised young Muslims in the West for their pursuit of academic and professional excellence, describing it as essential to reviving the spirit of Islam’s golden age. Addressing contemporary challenges such as identity crises and Islamophobia, he urged practitioners to translate core Islamic values—tawakkul (trust in God), sabr (resilience), and rahma (mercy)—into therapeutic tools.

Sayyid Kashmiri expressed optimism about the future, encouraging collaboration and tangible outcomes to help foster a stronger Islamic presence and healthier communities in the West.

PSYCHED4U is a project by I.M.A.M. that focuses on Psychology, Youth and Childhood development, and Education, providing accessible educational resources and solution-based tools for the community.