With a 20-year career in clinical psychology and countless marriages saved, Sister Hala Banani joins The Deen Show to address two pressing topics: practical advice for fixing unhealthy relationships, and a professional psychological perspective on the political climate under President Donald Trump. As a Muslim psychologist who works with individuals, couples, and families from around the world via Skype sessions, Hala brings both clinical expertise and Islamic wisdom to the conversation about what truly makes relationships — and societies — thrive.
Advice for President Trump and Anyone Who Wants to Be Loved
“Merely doing things to gain approval or love from others is not sufficient. We should always live with a higher purpose. Direct that desire toward sincerity — do things that will unite people, bring the country together, and benefit everyone.”
When asked what she would say to President Trump as a client who wants to be loved, Hala’s advice was deeply rooted in Islamic psychology: the love and approval of people is trivial and temporary. True fulfillment comes from sincerity of intention and serving a higher purpose. This applies not only to political leaders but to every human being — when our actions are driven by the desire for people’s approval rather than Allah’s pleasure, we are building on an unstable foundation that will inevitably crumble.
- Clinical psychology and marriage and family therapy require intensive training — Hala completed a 60-hour master’s program with 30 hours focused on marriage and family
- The desire to be loved is natural, but when it becomes the primary motivation for action, it leads to anxiety, poor decision-making, and unhealthy relationships
- Sincerity of intention (ikhlas) is the Islamic foundation for lasting success in all areas of life
- The Five Pillars of Marriage online program (5pillarsofmarriage.com) allows couples to work on their marriage from the privacy of their home at their own pace
- Hala offers private Skype therapy sessions for individuals and couples worldwide through halbanani.com
- Infidelity from both sides, communication breakdowns, and years of accumulated resentment are the most common issues she encounters
Save Your Marriage Before It Is Too Late
“Every single day I have people who come in after 18 years of marriage, fed up, ready to call it quits. Not everyone can afford therapy. That’s why I created a program you can start today, in the comfort of your own home, and begin changing your marriage immediately.”
The state of marriage in the Muslim community — and globally — is deeply concerning. Divorce rates continue to climb, and many couples exhaust themselves in conflict for years before seeking help, by which point the damage feels irreparable. Hala’s Five Pillars of Marriage program offers an accessible, affordable alternative to traditional therapy, combining psychological best practices with Islamic principles of mercy, patience, and mutual respect between spouses. Whether you are a newlywed or have been married for decades, investing in your marriage is investing in the foundation of your family, your community, and the next generation of the ummah. May Allah bless every effort to keep Muslim families united and strong.
