Knowledge that moves from page to practice.
A research environment grounded in an Islamic understanding of the human being and held to empirical rigour. We study what Muslim South Africans actually face, then turn what we learn into care, teaching, and resources people can use.
Two studies, now underway.
We are beginning where the need is clearest: with the people the community turns to first, and with an honest picture of the ground itself. Both surveys are confidential.
Islamic Scholars as First Responders to Mental Health Concerns
A study of the experiences, challenges, and perspectives of Ulama and Aalimaat serving as first responders to mental health concerns. Its findings shape the skills-based training we are building for scholars.
Take the SurveyMental Health in the Muslim Population
A community study of common mental health difficulties among South African Muslims, where people turn for help, and what keeps them from reaching out.
Take the SurveySharing what we learn.
Equipping the Ulama for Mental Health Counselling
Our paper proposing a multidisciplinary model for training Ulama to work alongside mental health professionals.
Read the PaperAccepted for presentation
Our presentation will go ahead once the conference is rescheduled. Further research initiatives are in development.
Research & knowledge products.
Evidence we generate ourselves
Original inquiry: community studies, intervention research, and honest evaluation of our own services, so practice rests on data drawn from this context, not borrowed from elsewhere.
Scholarship made usable
Working through the classical tradition and published literature to produce translations, distillations, and curated resources for clinicians, scholars, and the community.
Nothing we learn stays in Our Lab.
Research is not a side room. Findings shape how we care, what we teach, and the tools we place directly in the community's hands.
Into the Clinic
What we learn about help-seeking, family life, and what actually works shapes how our clinicians assess and treat.
Into the Academy
Evidence decides what we teach, most immediately the skills-based training behind the 200 Imam Initiative.
Into the Community
Findings return as plain-language briefings, tools, and resources any Muslim can reach and use.
Built with others, not alone.
Serious research needs partners. We work alongside universities, scholars, and organisations. Research built with, not just about, the community.
University Partners
Joint work with academic departments, including Islamic-studies faculties, for ethical infrastructure and scholarly reach.
Postgraduate Support
Mentorship, data access, and co-supervision for students researching Islamic psychology.
Sharing What We Learn
Findings reach peer-reviewed journals and professional gatherings, not only our own platform.
Research & Care
Open Surveys
- Ulama & Aalimaat in South AfricaYour experience, confidence and training needs. Take the survey
- All Muslims in South AfricaHow we understand mental health and seek help. Take the survey
- ConfidentialYour answers shape the training and services we build.
Our Lab
- SAUF 2026 paperPresented October 2026.
- IAIP, MadinahAccepted, to go ahead once the conference is rescheduled.
- Further research initiativesBuilding an evidence base for Islamic psychology. Explore the Lab
Our Clinic
- Office ready52 Oldens Way, Kelvin.
- Premarital CounsellingLaunching end of November 2026.
- The RUH ClinicFaith-integrated mental health support for individuals, couples and families, opening 2027. Learn more
Help us train the people our community turns to.
Your contribution funds training for Imams, Ulama and Aalimaat, research for our community, and care that is accessible to all.
Donate or sponsor.
RUH Centre is a non-profit initiative of the Benoni Muslim Charity Organisation. Every service is measured in benefit, never profit.
- Sponsor a training placeEquip an Imam, Alim or Aalimah to support their community.
- Support our researchHelp build knowledge for South African Muslims.
- Help open the ClinicBring faith-integrated care within reach of all.
- Bank
- FNB
- Account name
- RUH Centre
- Account number
- 632 1763 7123
- Reference
- Your name + Donation
Please email proof of payment to admin@ruhcentre.co.za so we can thank you, in shā Allāh.