According to World Health Organization (WHO),
“Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.”
What does Islam say about mental health? Islam is a religion that places a strong emphasis on mental health and encourages us to keep our minds healthy. Can our relationship with Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala be used to assess the state of our mental well-being?
In the past, many Muslims refused treatment for mental diseases out of fear and humiliation because mental health was seen as a taboo subject in many Muslim communities. Moreover, a lot of Muslims believe that getting treated for mental illnesses ought to be shunned because they view these illnesses as tests from Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala. This is in contradiction to the Hadith of the Prophet salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam whereby, he encourages us to seek treatment for our ailments.
Abu Darda reported: The Messenger of Allah salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, “Verily, Allah sent down the disease and the cure, and for every disease He made a cure. Seek treatment but do not seek treatment by the unlawful.” (Sunan Abi Dawud)
Islam recognizes the value of spirituality as an internal power that can be used to have a relaxed mind, sound consciousness and good thoughts. Establishing a close connection with Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala assists us in living a life that is devoid of anxiety, depression and other mental disorders.
Discussed below are a few tips to enhance your mental health from an Islamic perspective.
Reciting the Quran
“And We send down of the Quran that which is healing and mercy for the believers, but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss.” (Quran 17:82) (Saheeh International)
The Quran can utilized as a guidance for those experiencing emotional anguish and it seeks to bring individuals closer to a significant way of life. Reading the Quran on a regular basis can improve one’s psychological and emotional health as well as one’s ability to cope with anxiety and stress. Repeating Quran verses may generate a peaceful ambience by lowering the heart rate and breathing and increasing tranquillity. This reduces the syntheses of stress hormones, consequently alleviating anxiety symptoms. Memorizing the Quran requires a lot of practice and focus which improves memory retention and recollection. This technique of repeated learning also allows one to develop and enhance cognitive abilities such as focus and attention.
Remembrance of Allah
Remembering Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala counts as one of the most beneficial acts of worship that can lead to peacefulness, relaxation and inner serenity. Dhikr is also a basis of gratitude because when we remember Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala, we thank Him sincerely for His countless blessings. It enables us to instil a sense of appreciation and satisfaction in our hearts. Reciting the adhkar on a daily basis is the best way to avoid anxiety, stress, depression and other mental disorders. Zikr can be employed as an anxiety treatment as it fosters beneficial traits such as patience, endurance and contentment, all of which are required when faced with hardship and adversities.
“Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” (Quran 13:28) (Saheeh International)
Being Kind
In Islam, pleasure and satisfaction can be attained through sincerity in worship, performing good deeds and engaging in acts of compassion or offering charity.
Abu Darda reported: The Messenger of Allah salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, “Bring the orphan close to you, pat his head and feed him with the same food you eat. It will soften your heart and fulfil your need.” (Makarim Al-Akhlaq lil-Khara’iti 661)
True happiness is found through bringing joy, pleasure and love to others. When a person performs an act of kindness, he/she is bound to gain psychological rewards such as emotions of joy, contentment and higher self-esteem. Kindness has been associated with higher amount of oxytocin along with other hormones associated with happiness in the brain, which may result in well-being and stress reduction. Offering Sadaqah is also viewed as an act of devotion and a way to earn blessings in the Hereafter. This notion can provide Muslims with an understanding of meaning and purpose in their lives, which can benefit their psychological well-being.
Minimizing the Use of Social Media
In the recent years, people have grown so addicted to social media that it has become the main cause of loneliness, depression and anxiety in adults and youngsters. Some of the psychological symptoms of internet addiction include feelings of guilt, low self-esteem, restlessness, moodiness and irritability when trying to minimize the usage of social media. Social comparison has become an essential component of social media. We fail to acknowledge the blessings bestowed on us by Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala and constantly compare our own lives to that of others.
Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, “Look at those who are below you, and do not look at those who are above you, for that is more likely to hold you back from belittling the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon you.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
In today’s world, we spend less time communicating with friends and relatives in person and more time in communicating with them virtually through social media platforms. The lesser we interact with people in a deep, supportive sense, the fewer advantages of social benefits one receives.
Therefore, it is crucial for us to limit our use of social media platforms and devote more time and energy in worshipping and supplicating to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala.
Having Faith in Allah
Tawakkul entails knowing Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala and trusting Him through every aspect of our lives until the day we return to Him. We sometimes incorrectly interpret Allah’s test as confirmation that He does not love us or that we have been forsaken. Every challenge is designed to draw us closer to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala.
“ Say, “Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.” And upon Allah let the believers rely.” (Quran 9:51) (Saheeh International)
Instead of feeling depressed over a situation, we must understand that everything happens by the will of Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala and He is the Best of Planners. Whenever we as Muslims face an awful tragedy, we ought to find solace in the fact that people with profound faith face the most difficult tribulations. These notions assist us to keep our minds broad and fill our hearts with peace and tranquillity by reminding ourselves that Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala is with us at all times.
“And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.” (Quran 65:3) (Saheeh International)
Islamic spirituality gives mankind its ultimate purpose and significance, both of which are essential for our psychological development and well-being. The concept of obedience to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala is central to Islam. And while doing this, we are provided with the unexpected ability to achieve liberty and be released from the constraints of this material world. If performed with sincerity, the five daily prayers, zakat, fasting, and supplication will provide us with therapeutic comfort and security. Doing everything we can to maintain our connection with Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala will help us learn more about ourselves and reclaim some of our inner serenity.
If a person is experiencing unfavourable emotions, he is advised to oppose them with beneficial thoughts and behaviours, or look for professional aid if the situation is serious.
Written by Sister Sumayya Syed
