A Qur’anic and Prophetic Framework for Islamic Counselling in Addressing Contemporary Family and Marital Challenges

Abstract

In the rapidly changing dynamics of contemporary society, Muslim families are increasingly confronted with multifaceted marital and familial challenges, including emotional disconnection, communication breakdowns, and the weakening of spiritual and ethical foundations. Factors such as globalization, secular influences, and the decline of traditional support structures have exacerbated these issues, highlighting the urgent need to revisit and revitalize Islamic approaches to counselling and family guidance. This study proposes a comprehensive framework for Islamic counselling grounded in the primary sources of the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Through an in-depth analysis of Qur’anic injunctions and Prophetic practices, the paper identifies key principles for nurturing emotional wellbeing, maintaining family cohesion, resolving interpersonal conflicts, and fostering ethical and spiritual integrity within the family unit. The proposed framework synthesizes classical Islamic teachings with contemporary counselling methodologies, offering a culturally and religiously congruent model for therapeutic intervention. Central Qur’anic concepts such as mawaddah (love), rahmah (mercy), shura (consultation), and ‘adl (justice), along with Prophetic approaches like empathy, active listening, and personalized guidance, are explored as foundational tools for effective conflict resolution and relationship strengthening. The study further emphasizes the importance of trained Islamic counsellors, community-based support mechanisms, and preventive educational initiatives in sustaining this model. By integrating spiritual principles with psychological insights, this paper contributes to the development of an authentic and holistic Islamic counselling paradigm capable of addressing the emotional, moral, and relational complexities of modern Muslim family life.