The Prick of a Thorn - Coping with the Trials and Tribulations of Life

In 'The Prick of a Thorn: Coping with the Trials and Tribulations of Life', Dr. Aisha (Hamdan) Utz helps the reader to understand the logic of events in a seemingly chaotic world, to comprehend the rationale for seemingly unbearable trials and tribulations, and to implement sound Islamic methodology in finding the most effective coping techniques.

The book’s title was inspired by a saying of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhe Wassalam):
'Every fatigue, illness, distress, worry, grief, or harm that befalls the Muslim, including the prick of a thorn, will be accepted by Allah as expiation for some of his or her sins.' (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

Appreciating the wisdom and mercy associated with each trial that we face is the first step toward beneficial coping. Ultimately, tribulations should lead to increased servitude to the Creator, an appreciation of the bounties that He has bestowed upon us, and a level of spirituality that allows us to transcend the challenges that we face.  

Details

Title: The Prick of a Thorn : Coping with the Trials and Tribulations of Life
Author: Dr. Aisha Hamdan (Dr. Aisha Utz)
Publisher: International Islamic Publishing House (IIPH) - KSA
Pages: 304
Volumes: 1
Size:  14.5 cm x 21.5 cm
Language: English
Binding: Hardback
Year Of Publication: 2014
Edition Number: 1st
Weight:  0.49 kg

Author Profile

Dr. Aisha Utz (formerly Aisha Hamdan) is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology in the College of Medicine at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She has a PhD in Clinical Psychology from West Virginia University and a BA in Islamic Studies from the American Open University.

She has written several journal articles related to the topic of psychology in Islam and presented these ideas at regional and international conferences. Dr. Utz is Associate Editor of the Faith-Based Practice section of the Journal of Muslim Mental Health. She has developed several courses in psychology for the Islamic Online University, and is currently developing a research program to study the relationship between religiosity, religious coping, and mental and physical health in Muslim populations.