Mental Health and Islam

 

Introduction

 

The World Health Organization (2000) has reported that over a third of people in every country meet the criteria of one or other mental illnesses. These are several mental illnesses but the most common are depression and anxiety. Grief is a common emotion in the human experience. It is brief, caused by difficulties in life. Prophet Muhammad also grieved:

"[Allah said] Perhaps [O Muhammad] you would kill yourself with grief that they will not be believers. (Quran, 26:3)"

Grief is a starting point for most illnesses.  The main reason for such mental disorders can be thinking destructively and pessimistically. Ruminating on such memories further deteriorates mental health. Stress is also mentioned in the Qur'an. Allah describes this feeling by comparing it with the Earth as it narrows, the feeling of being confined (Qur’an, 9:118). Mental illnesses lead to thousands of suicides worldwide. People of the west who emphasize 'free life' to 'enjoy life' are also calling for freedom of death. It is strange that people who live by their rules would want to end their lives. Many people have almost figured this out and are looking for spirituality to connect their hearts to something divine.

Religiosity

Scientific researches focused on mental health and religions have found a link between them. People who believe in God, in his caring nature, in his love, are happier, less depressed, and satisfied with almost everything.

 

 

Mental Health in Qur’an

Religiosity and spirituality are both equally important in Islam. (Wiguna, et.al., 2018) One cannot exist without the other. Religion requires eeman (faith). Faith is defined as, "Believe with heart and proclaim with the tongue, act with the body." Strong faith makes a believer spiritually, physically, and mentally capable of avoiding all diseases.

Islam means 'surrender or submit'. (Lewis, et.al., 2009) Muslims are constantly surrendering to the will of God. They know that the mercy of Allah is vast and that he is all-forgiving.  They believe in destiny and that nothing can happen without the will of Allah and so they are always calm and satisfied. This does not necessarily mean that one in distress is not a good Muslim. Prophet Jacob cried for years over his lost son that he lost his sight: 

"And he turned away from them and said: Oh my sorrow over Joseph and his eyes become white from grief for he was [of that] a suppressor. (Qur’an, 12:84)"

He tried to hide his sadness and did not become angry or frustrated. Quran guides mankind on how to achieve tranquility, on how to improve the quality of one's life. It focuses on creating a meaningful life. Allah mentions the commanding soul and how it distresses people. It makes them unthankful and dissatisfied. It dominates the one who gives in. To attain inner peace as Allah promises in Surah Baqarah verse 38, "Whoever follows my guidance – there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve," one has to practice religion to its fullest and love Allah.

 

A modern approach to Mental Health

Every soul has spiritual needs that need answering. The modern approach to good mental health is lacking to answer this need as it has denied the Divine Love. Allah says (Quran, 20:124),

"And whoever turns away from My remembrance- indeed, he will have a depressed life and We will gather him on the day of resurrection blind."

One modern approach to spirituality is that of mindfulness. "Mindfulness offers a method cultivating spirituality, the interconnectedness between individual and the sacred, God." (Kornfield, 1993) Islam also recognizes mindfulness but calls it muraqaba. "This condition is a state of full self-awareness and awareness, especially in one's relationship with God both in heart, mind, and deed.” (Parrott, Studies, Studies, & Dhabi, n.d.)

Cognitive Behavioral therapy teaches people to adopt new habits after recognizing and changing old maladaptive ones. This psychotherapeutic technique is similar to that of the Quran where Allah asks the believers to reflect upon themselves and change themselves by seeking forgiveness and the help of Allah.

 

Healing through Islam

Fitrah or the inherent goodness in every human is the hope given by Allah. When sin causes hopelessness and man believes himself to be corrupted, Quran assures him to ask forgiveness and keep on going forward in the path of righteousness. The man cannot be evil even if he transgresses as he is born good. He only has to stop, reflect and turn back.

The Divine Law given by Allah protects every black, white, man, woman, orphan, poor, rich, child, and elder from being treated harshly or unequally. It keeps the rights of a neighbor and tells the duties of the ruler. It creates a peaceful society where no one shall suffer.

Faith and trust in God is a means of tranquility. People have said, "Faith is comprised of two things: one half is patience and the other half is gratitude."  Remembrance of Allah calms the soul. It assures us of the Divine God who has our protection. 

"Allah is sufficient for us and he is the best protector."(Qur’an, 3:173)

Ihsan is seeing god everywhere. Prophet describes it as worshipping God as one is seeing him. Having ihsan makes one alert. God's consciousness helps in performing deeds with one's full potential. Such a person makes everything beautiful and he has been promised good mental health. 

"Whoever turns his face towards Allah and is a Muhsin [the one with ihsan] for him is a reward from his lord and there is no fear for him nor shall he grieve."(Qur’an, 2:112)

Reflection, forgiveness, and thankfulness are the other three remedies for spiritual well-being from Islam. This is the reason why Prophet Muhammad has advised morning and evening supplications and other Du'a for before and after doing things.

 

Conclusion

Mental health and healing based on Islam is the constant remembrance of Allah; to remind individuals that every event is by the command of Allah and not a coincidental mistake. When faced with hardships a Muslim must realize that it is a test from Allah. If one follows the healing remedies provided by the Quran and Sunnah, a Muslim can heal better from these illnesses.

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