The Integrative Spirituality, Youth and Community at UM (InSYNC@UM) Research Project, funded under the UM Living Lab Towards Just Net Zero grant (Cycle 1/2024), aims to enhance the well-being of the Universiti Malaya (UM) campus community through a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach. The project fosters the co-creation of knowledge, skills, and attitudes among students, promoting sustainability and holistic well-being within and beyond UM. Led by experts in academia, mental health, psycho-spirituality, and sustainability, InSYNC@UM emphasizes student engagement, capacity building, and leadership development through cross-faculty collaboration.
On 15th February 2025, a workshop was held at Rimba Ilmu, Universiti Malaya, attended by 19 students from the Academy of Islamic Studies and the Faculty of Science. The project aims to develop an Islamic Psycho-Spiritual First Aid (IPSFA) and Eco-Spirituality Training Modules. Once validated, this module will be the first of its kind, integrating religiosity, spirituality, and mental health within the Psychological First Aid (PFA) and ecosystem-based well-being framework. By fostering resilience, well-being, and stigma-free help-seeking behavior, InSYNC@UM aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).
The one-day workshop aimed to equip participants with foundational knowledge and practical skills in Islamic Psycho-Spiritual First Aid (IPSFA) and Eco-Spirituality, while also engaging them in a Feasibility and Usability Study of the training module.
Four esteemed speakers from the Academy of Islamic Studies and Faculty of Medicine delivered key sessions:
Prof. Dr. Che Zarrina Sa’ari (Department of Aqidah and Islamic Thought, UM) – The Role of Religion in the Foundation of Islamic Psychology
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Syed Mohammad Hilmi Syed Abdul Rahman (Department of Aqidah and Islamic Thought, UM) – Purification of the Soul (Tazkiyah al-Nafs).
Dr. Asmawati Mohamad (Department of Applied Science and Islamic Studies, UM) – Eco-Spirituality and Its Role in Well-Being.
Dr. Zuraida Ahmad Sabki (Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, UM) – Mental Health Challenges, Religious Coping, and Islamic Psycho-Spiritual First Aid (IPSFA).
Participants were introduced to Sufi Breathing Techniques, integrating Zikir (remembrance of Allah SWT) into mindful inhalation, breath-holding, and exhalation. The session on Purification of the Soul (Tazkiyah al-Nafs) provided insights into the five transformative stages: Knowing Self (Ma’rifah al-Nafs), Purification of the Heart (Takhalli), Cultivation of the Heart (Tahalli), Self-Evaluation (Muhasabah al-Nafs) and attaining Happiness (Tajalli) which are attained through solat, prayer, zikir, contemplation, and positive religious coping.
The Eco-Spirituality segment emphasized mindfulness in nature, fostering a deeper connection to Allah SWT through Qur'anic reflections on creation, reinforcing both spiritual and psychological well-being.
Participants were also introduced to the core principles of Psychological First Aid (PFA) – Prepare, Look, Listen, and Link – and their integration with the IPSFA Action Plans:
Assessment – Identifying a person’s psycho-social and spiritual needs.
Building Trust – Using empathic and reflective listening to establish rapport.
Cultivating Calmness – Practicing Sufi breathing, relaxation, and mindfulness techniques.
Destigmatizing Help-Seeking Behavior – Encouraging support without fear of judgment.
Evaluation – Assessing the need for professional referral.
This structured approach provided participants with practical strategies to support others while fostering spiritual resilience and mental well-being.
Despite the limited time, participants actively engaged in discussions and reflective exercises, demonstrating a keen interest in the topics covered. During the closing session, led by Dr. Zuraida Ahmad Sabki, participants provided positive feedback, particularly highlighting the Sufi Breathing Technique and Psychological First Aid (PFA). Many found these techniques valuable both as a self-care practice and as a practical tool to support their peers in times of distress. The participants were informed of the next workshop following refinement of the modules and formation of Wellness Khalifah Support Group.
The InSYNC@UM Workshop provided students with essential knowledge, skills, and practices in Psychological First Aid (PFA) and Eco-Spirituality, grounded in the principles of Islam (submission), Iman (faith), and Ihsan (excellence). By integrating these pillars, the workshop aimed to empower participants in self-transformation and supporting others, fostering their role as Wellness Khalifah—champions of well-being, sustainability, and quality education within their campus communities.
This writeup was prepared by Dr. Zuraida Ahmad Sabki: Co-Researcher, InSYNC@UM Research Project
