In Islam, mental health is viewed as an amanah from the Almighty, underlining that every person must safeguard and improve their mental state. Mental health determines thinking, mood, behaviour, stress, interaction with others, and problem-solving skills. As a result, many verses in the Quran and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, touch upon mental health and contain behavioural recommendations for people.
Acknowledging Mental Health in the Quran
Mental health is recognised clearly and accepted in the Quran. He says, Allah, the Majestic and Supreme says: “And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:155)
This verse suggests that struggles, including mental health issues, form part and parcel of life. Of course, bitter emotional struggles were not beyond the prophets.
His sons were all jealous of Yusuf (peace be upon him), and having nowhere else to turn, Prophet Yaqub (peace be upon him) called out for Yusuf (peace be upon him) repeatedly; he cried so hard that he lost his sight. Prophet Yunus (peace be upon him) felt frustrated and uncertain at some point during his call. Likewise suffering emotional loss, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) faced deep grief. He went through the Year of Grief when he lost his darest Kadija and his guardian Abu Talib.
These narrations show that people of keen morality struggled with mental health problems as well. Allah (SWT) reassures us that with every hardship comes relief: Well, indeed, there is a wording of the worshipped god: “For indeed, with [every] hardship, there is relief. Indeed, with [every] hardship, there is relief” (Qur’an, 94:5-6)
Taking Care of Physical Health
Studies show that diseases and disorders of the physical body can affect a person’s emotional state. Some methods of decreasing anxiety and stress include physical activity, a balanced diet, and sleep. The Islamic religion encourages the proper organisation of one’s life.“Eat and drink and do not commit excesses; indeed He does not love those who are excessive.” (Al Araf, 7:31)
Yes, O Allah’s Messenger (PBUH)!” He said, “Do not do that! Observe the fast sometimes and leave them (the fast) at other times; stand up for the prayer and sleep at night. Your body has a right over you, your eyes have a right over you, and your wife has a right over you.” (Bukhari)
Seeking Help When Needed
The religion of Islam stresses the support that one ought to seek, especially during hardships. Indeed, when persons are diagnosed with diseases that afflict the human body, it is normal for them to seek medical treatment, and the same should apply to mental disorders. Usamah ibn Sharik (RA) reported the Prophet (PBUH) as saying: Some people used to visit the sick and the injured and ask the Prophet of Allah: Should we take medical treatment? He responds to them,
“Make use of medical treatment, for Allah has not made a disease without appointing a remedy for it, with the exception of one disease, namely old age.” (Sunan Abu Dawud)
Practicing Mindfulness
The calmness of the mind, which helps the person to concentrate on the current situation, is crucial for psychological health. It is effective in preventing a patient from having negative thinking and lowers the level of anxiety. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasised mindfulness in a hadith narrated by Ibn ‘Umar: “It has been narrated by the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) that ‘Be in the world like a stranger or a passerby, and count yourself among the inhabitants of the grave.’” This narration promotes the theme of now and cherishing the gifts of life.
Acts of Kindness
The practice of kindness improves human relations, and the psychology of people who give gladly improves. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) further said that any kind of help that a man gives to his fellow man is charity (Bukhari and Muslim). Such acts create a positive environment and enhance people’s connection within a community.
Faith in Personal Resilience
Especially during a period of mental instability, one should believe in the ability to handle issues effectively. Religion, especially the Quran, again states in chapter 2, verse 286, “And it is not for Allah to impose a load on people that is more than they can bear. ” The passage can be a source of inspiration to overcome all the obstacles, and it is reinforced with the message of personal power and God’s assistance.
