A one-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop was conducted under the InSYNC@UM initiative to equip student participants with foundational knowledge, facilitation skills, and practical exposure to the Islamic Psycho-Spiritual First Aid (IPSFA) and Spiritual Self-Care modules. In addition to capacity building, the workshop aimed to evaluate participants’ readiness to assume the role of future IPSFA Support Providers or Wellness Khalifah within the university context. The workshop was held on 6 December 2025 (Saturday), from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Balai Ilmu Mahmood Zuhdi, Academy of Islamic Studies, University of Malaya.
The workshop was attended by 18 students from the Academy of Islamic Studies, University of Malaya (APIUM). The programme was facilitated by two speakers/facilitators, namely Dr. Zuraida Ahmad Sabki and Dr. Asmawati Muhamad, who guided participants through theoretical input, skills-based training, and experiential learning activities.
The ToT workshop was structured as a full-day programme comprising eight interrelated sessions. The core components included:
Introduction to Islamic Psycho-Spiritual Foundations and IPSFA
The programme began with an overview of Islamic psycho-spiritual principles and the structure of the IPSFA and Spiritual Self-Care modules. Dr. Zuraida Ahmad Sabki introduced the foundational concepts of Islam, Iman, and Ihsan, with emphasis on akhlak, communal responsibility (ummah), and environmental stewardship. These elements were contextualised within the InSYNC@UM framework, highlighting the role of IPSFA in nurturing holistic wellbeing and responsible leadership.
Conceptual Exploration of Tazkiyah al-Nafs
Dr. Asmawati Muhamad led a structured exploration of Tazkiyah al-Nafs (Purification of the Soul) using a five-stage model presented through visual infographics. Al-Ghazali’s integrative human model comprising ʿAqal, Nafs, Rūḥ, and Jasad was incorporated to enhance conceptual understanding and application within psychospiritual facilitation.
Dr. Asmawati introduced the concept and application of Tazkiyah al-Nafs
Facilitation Skills and Applied Techniques
Participants were introduced to core facilitation techniques, including Sufi Breathing and the S.T.O.P. technique. Participants were divided into three groups and tasked with developing brief scenarios to practise the S.T.O.P. steps (Stop and step back, Take a breath, Observe emotional responses, and Proceed mindfully). This activity aimed to strengthen experiential understanding and practical facilitation skills.
Group A presented the S.T.O.P technique
Group B presented the S.T.O.P techniques
Spiritual Self-Care and Tafakkur-Based Practices
Spiritual self-care activities were conducted through tafakkur-based engagement with nature using grounding techniques and sensory awareness. Each group was allocated 10 minutes to observe environmental cues and subsequently present the ibrah (insights) derived from tadabbur al-‘alam, fostering reflective and contemplative skills aligned with Islamic spirituality.
Group A presented the tadabbur al-alam, facilitated by Dr Zuraida
Group C sharing session on “tadabbur al-alam”
The workshop emphasised active and participatory learning through small-group discussions, guided practice, trainer simulations, and structured reflective exercises. Participants were encouraged to share personal reflections and provide constructive suggestions for improving the future implementation of the InSYNC@UM peer-to-peer support initiative upon finalisation of the IPSFA modules.
Overall, participants demonstrated improved conceptual clarity, enhanced confidence in facilitation skills, and sustained engagement throughout the programme. Reflective feedback indicated increasing self-efficacy and perceived readiness to support peers using IPSFA and Spiritual Self-Care approaches. The workshop was generally perceived as relevant, acceptable, and feasible for student-focused implementation within the university setting.
Group photo after the workshop
The InSYNC@UM ToT workshop successfully achieved its objectives of preparing student trainers and generating preliminary insights into the practicality and acceptability of the IPSFA and Spiritual Self-Care modules. Feedback obtained from this workshop will inform further refinement, module enhancement, and subsequent pilot evaluation phases.
Lunch was pre-packed using bio-degradable utensils
Prepared by Dr. Zuraida Ahmad Sbaki
