Islam puts great importance on the health of the mind and overall wellbeing. It is believed that the Quran and Hadith provide guidelines for the maintenance of good mental health, recognizing mental illness, and providing care for those who suffer from mental health problems.
The early Muslim scholars made significant advancements in the area of psychotherapy as well as psychology. Their work demonstrates a holistic treatment of mental illness that integrates religion and ethics with medicine, science, and philosophy.
The Quranic Foundations
Many verses of the Quran mention the importance of healthy mental capacities. One verse reads, “Do not give the weak-minded your property” (Quran 4:5), demonstrating the importance of mental ability to handle your affairs.
Maintaining mental capacity is considered one of the five main goals in Islamic law, as is protecting life, religion, family and wealth. Anything considered to be detrimental to the mental faculties, for example, alcohol consumption, is prohibited.
The Quran encourages good mental health by promoting faith, patience, and grace, and the King teaches believers that when they face hardship, it is not a burden (Quran 94-5-6) and that God doesn’t burden anyone beyond their capacity (Quran 2:286).
These teachings are designed to build faith, inspire the belief in God and its meaning and ease the burden of the intensity of difficult emotions. Five daily prayers and the remembrance of God are a form of meditation which calms the mind.
Islam is a religion that does not permit extreme behaviour and encourages moderation, balance and self-control. All of these help to improve mental health.
In numerous Hadiths In a variety of Hadiths, Prophet Muhammad emphasizes the interplay between physical and mental health. He said, “There is no disease that Allah has created, except that He also has created its treatment.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari) This inspired Muslims to seek remedies for illnesses, both physical as well as mental.
The Prophet advised patients to seek treatment, stating, “Make use of medical treatment, for Allah has not made a disease without appointing a remedy for it, except one disease -old age” (Sunan Abi Dawud). He also stated, “God has sent down both the disease and the cure, and He has appointed a cure for every disease, so treat yourselves medically” (Sunan Abi Dawud). This advice paved the way for improvements in the field of mental health.
The Prophet emphasized healthy hygiene and good health habits, such as eating healthy foods, sleeping, and exercising. He was a regular faster, which is linked to better cognitive function and improved mood. He was adamant about avoiding behaviours now proven to be detrimental to mental health, including drinking and drug abuse.
His philosophies were intended to relieve suffering, as he wrote, “No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that” (Sahih al-Bukhari). The Prophetic tradition offers a comprehensive system for improving mental health.
Early Muslim Scholars
Between the 8th and 14th centuries CE, Muslim scholars made advancements in understanding mental health diseases and treatment. Their works merged the sciences, medicine, philosophy and religion, revealing a holistic view.
The well-known researcher Al-Balkhi (tenth century) focused on the relationship between the body and mind in his book Sustenance for the Body and Soul.
He acknowledged that physical ailments such as fever can affect mental abilities, whereas psychological disorders such as depression may manifest physically. The connection between the mind and body is widely accepted in modern psychiatry and psychology.
For centuries before Western thought, Muslim scholars recognized that people are made up of interconnected, mutually influencing physiological and psychological aspects.
Muslim physicians described various mental disorders in medical encyclopedias such as Ibn Sina’s Canon of Medicine and Al-Razi’s Comprehensive Book of Medicine. They gave detailed descriptions of symptoms, causes, prognosis, and treatment options.
Mental disorders are classified into two broad categories: neuroses and psychoses. The psychoses that were associated with dementia were viewed as being a result of biological causes and were treated with a somatic approach.
Depression and anxiety were linked to emotional issues and were treated through psychotherapy. This is similar to the current psychiatric classification systems, such as the DSM. By meticulously documenting mental disorders that are based on clinical experiences and experience, early Muslim researchers advanced the understanding of psychiatric disorders.
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Institutional Care
The first psychiatric institutions were established in the Muslim world during the 18th century. They were able to provide moral and humane treatment of the mentally ill, and they were not isolated or confined as in other cultures of the time.
Hospitals offered fragrances, flowing fountains, music and recreation to relax patients. They were subsidized by the government and embraced visits by families. The way they were integrated into society was unique worldwide. Muslim doctors recognized that institutional care was essential to treat severe mental illnesses and also sought to normalize mental health issues.
Muslim doctors utilize a mix of psychotherapeutic and physical treatment for mental health issues. The medicines comprised essential oils, herbs, and tinctures that balance and alleviate symptoms.
Non-pharmacological methods such as cognitive therapy, behaviour modifications, Quran recitation therapy, counselling and occupational therapy were also used. Muslim writers wrote of changing their negative thinking patterns, overcoming desires for training in controlling anger and establishing moral values as methods to reduce psychological stress.
Patients received individualized treatment programs (now an emerging field in the field of pharmacology) that focused on the mind, body, and soul. This holistic approach is compatible with the biopsychosocial model of the modern field of psychiatry.
Classical Islamic literature dealt with mental health from multiple perspectives: philosophical, medical, moral, and spiritual. Muslim researchers recognize that human beings have cognitive, physiological, emotional, social and religious aspects that interact in a complex manner.
They tried to understand mental phenomena through the power of revelation and rational thinking. Mental wellbeing was thought to be dependent on the balance between humour, rational thinking, morals, and spirituality.
This deeply integrative view combines timeless Islamic wisdom and centuries of scholarly knowledge and observation. It provides a framework to address prevention of mental illness, prevention of illness and treatment across multiple dimensions.
The field of psychology and psychiatry has achieved a lot of progress but is still faced with many obstacles, such as stigma, accessibility issues and unproven treatment options. The Islamic faith’s holistic approach to humanity is a critical perspective. It encourages the holistic treatment of mental health on the individual as well as social and spiritual levels.
Integration of Islamic spirituality and ethics could assist in providing culturally appropriate care to Muslim patients. Therapies integrating Islamic practices like supplication remembering and Quran repetition could bring additional benefits. The holistic methods used by traditional Muslim scholars are largely inaccessible sources. Their vast experience in mental health could aid in improving health care, particularly for underserved Muslim populations.
Practical Approach
Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall wellbeing and health. In Islam, taking care of your mental wellbeing is an aspect of the obligation to respect the gift of life God has bestowed on us. To seek professional help and treatment for mental health issues is an act of worship and faith and not an indication of insecurity.
Islam provides a wealth of spiritual knowledge which can help in enhancing mental health when paired with professional medical treatment.
In Islam, mental health is tightly tied to the idea of purification and the development of the Nafs (self or the psyche). The Quran defines the Nafs as operating on different levels, including the self with regret ( nafs al-lawwama) and the serene self ( nafs al-mutma’inna). Mental health problems can be interpreted as coming from our Nafsis being physically unhealthy.
The Prophet Muhammad recognized the importance of psychological suffering and the need to seek treatment. He prayed: “O Allah, I seek refuge in You from worry and grief, from incapacity and laziness, from cowardice and stinginess, and overpowering debt and being overpowered by others.”
This is a clear indication of the Prophet’s understanding of the various kinds of emotional and mental difficulties that people face. His prayer is a sign that he recognized the difficulties and sought God to find relief from them.
It is highly recommended to seek professional assistance, as is seeking professional medical aid for health problems that affect mental health, for example, is highly recommended in Islam.
Spirituality and Mental Health
Recent research has proven the benefits of spirituality to mental wellbeing. Research shows that higher levels of religious fervour and spirituality are associated with improved quality of life for people with mental illness. For instance, a meta-analysis that was published in the American Journal of Psychiatry reviewed more than 3300 studies that examined the effects of religious and spiritual practices associated with fewer depression, anxiety and suicide attempts as well as addiction to drugs. The study concluded that the evidence supports integrating religion into the treatment of patients.
The positive effect of spirituality is likely due to a variety of factors. Faith gives meaning and motivation in our lives while also providing optimism amid tough moments. Faith in the existence of a higher power can lead to a higher sense of control over the stresses of life. Meditation, prayer, and reading the Bible help relax and maintain mental peace. Being part of a faith group offers the social support needed and a sense of belonging. These benefits all aid in improving resilience and mental health.
The Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad offer spiritual sources that can assist in healing when paired with medical care supervised by a trained professional. Some beneficial practices include:
Salah: Performing the five daily prayers gives pattern and time to our day. Spending time connecting spiritually can help alleviate depression and anxiety. The frequency of prayers helps to develop discipline. For people who have mental illness, reasonable adjustments can be made to prayers based on the individual’s circumstances and capabilities. The objective is spiritual nourishment instead of strictly following every physical aspect.
Dhikr Recalling the name of God by reciting words like Subhan Allah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu Akbar helps relax the mind and lift spirits. In a recent investigation, Malaysian college students who performed Dhikr had significant reductions in stress. Meditation helps us to direct our attention to the Divine.
Du’a: Lowering oneself in prayers and supplications allows us to express our most intimate emotions and desires in direct communication with God. This helps us feel more in our connection to the Divine, which is the Source of Peace. Offering our hearts to the most merciful can bring us peace.
Quran: Reciting or listening to the Holy Book, especially during moments of despair, and offering comfort and direction. The beauty of the language and the profound meanings of its passages are soothing. Many verses speak of God’s mercy, giving hope.
Islam provides a holistic strategy for mental wellness that incorporates both clinical and religious treatments. God has offered a remedy for all illnesses. In addition, God’s holy texts, the Quran, and the Sunnah provide Muslims with a wealth of spiritual tools that can be used with evidence-based treatments. With the guidance of a professional, practising spiritual self-care like salah and Dhikr or dua will assist Muslims on their path to better mental health and wellbeing If God wills.
