Family Beyond Boundaries: A Case Insight Into Islamic Extended Family Dynamics

Across numerous civilisations and geographic regions, extended family systems thrive, offering unique insights into social structures. In this case report, we explore the Islamic 'A'ilah, or extended family, as a comparative model. Islamic teachings place family at the heart of society, extending the concept beyond nuclear families to encompass extensive kinship networks. The Quran and Hadiths advocate the importance of maintaining familial bonds and treating relatives with compassion and respect, embodying a holistic approach to familial relationships. Despite regional adaptations influenced by pre-Islamic customs, the core principles remain consistent. In Malaysia, a growing number of Muslim families engage in this extended family model, with many seeking psychological support to navigate the complexities of familial dynamics. This study focuses on a case involving a woman navigating conflicts between her past and current relationships. We assessed her symptoms amidst ongoing family-dynamic conflicts, identifying manifestations of depression and anxiety. We evaluated her symptoms using the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and GAD-7 (General Anxiety Disorder-7). The findings highlight significant challenges faced by individuals within extended families, highlighting the complexities of various roles and responsibilities. This paper explores the primary challenges posed by
dynamic family structures in Islam and proposes strategies to mitigate the psychological impacts on family members, thereby enhancing their social functioning within both familial and societal contexts, especially in the Islamic community.