An Integrative Islamic Counseling Model for Pre-Marital Couples Facing Modern Household Crises

The increasing prevalence of modern household crises such as communication breakdown, financial stress, gender role conflicts, infidelity, and digital distractions has underscored the need for a comprehensive approach to pre-marital preparation. This research aims to develop and validate an Integrative Islamic Counseling Model that enhances the readiness and resilience of Muslim couples before marriage by combining Islamic teachings with contemporary psychological frameworks. Using a qualitative research design, the study involved engaged Muslim couples, Islamic counselors, and religious leaders through interviews, focus group discussions, and expert evaluations. Data were analyzed thematically to identify core elements that support marital readiness and emotional stability. The results indicate that the model effectively improves couples’ emotional awareness, communication skills, and coping abilities through the integration of Qur’anic values such as sabr (patience), rahmah (compassion), and shura (mutual consultation) with psychological theories including family systems, emotional intelligence, and cognitive-behavioral approaches. Participants reported increased confidence, empathy, and mutual understanding, while experts validated the model’s cultural and practical relevance. In conclusion, this study presents a validated and replicable counseling model that bridges Islamic spirituality and psychological science, offering a holistic and culturally sensitive framework for pre-marital counseling. The model has significant implications for practitioners, educators, and policymakers in promoting healthy and harmonious Muslim marriages in the modern era.