What is Islamic Perspective on Mental Health?

Devin Halim Wijaya5 November 2024

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Mental health is an increasingly recognized issue worldwide. In Islam, the focus on mental health has been an integral part of the faith’s teachings for thousands of years. Islam encompasses not only ritual worship but also provides comprehensive guidance on the well-being of individuals in physical, spiritual, and mental dimensions. This article discusses Islam’s perspective on mental health and the approaches it offers for achieving psychological and spiritual balance.

1. Islam’s View on Mental Health

In Islam, mental health is considered an essential component of overall well-being. The Quran and Hadith emphasize the need for balance between spiritual, physical, and mental aspects of life. Every Muslim is encouraged to take care of their mental health as part of their responsibility to themselves and Allah ta’ala. Allah mentions in the Quran the importance of inner peace:

“أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ”
(Indeed, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest)
– (Surah Ar-Ra’d: 28)

This verse reminds us that true tranquility of the heart can only be achieved through the remembrance of Allah. Such peace of mind is a foundation for good mental health, demonstrating that faith can be a source of psychological resilience when dealing with life’s challenges.

2. The Role of Faith in Maintaining Mental Health

Faith and a strong relationship with Allah ta’ala play a crucial role in maintaining mental stability. In various situations, faith gives a perspective that encourages patience and certainty that everything occurs by Allah’s decree. Muslims are taught to entrust all their matters to Allah through the concept of tawakkul (reliance on Allah). Allah states in the Quran:

“وَمَنْ يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ”
(And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him)
– (Surah At-Talaq: 3)

By believing in the wisdom behind every test and challenge, a Muslim can alleviate stress and anxiety. This concept of tawakkul serves as an Islamic coping mechanism, rooted in the belief and devotion to Allah ta’ala.

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3. Importance of Balance and Stress Prevention in Islam

Islam encourages its followers to maintain balance in all aspects of life. The Prophet Muhammad, shallallahu alaihi wa sallam, emphasized the importance of living in moderation, encompassing spiritual, physical, and mental aspects. He encouraged his followers to take adequate rest, care for their health, and avoid excessive practices in worship that might lead to physical and mental exhaustion.

“إِنَّ لِنَفْسِكَ عَلَيْكَ حَقًّا، وَلِأَهْلِكَ عَلَيْكَ حَقًّا، وَلِزَوْرِكَ عَلَيْكَ حَقًّا”
(Indeed, your soul has a right upon you, your family has a right upon you, and your guest has a right upon you)
– (Sahih Al-Bukhari, No. 1968)

Islam also teaches stress prevention through practices like prayer and reading the Quran, which serve as therapeutic activities for the soul. For example, prayer helps an individual step away from worldly concerns and connect with the Creator, acting as a form of meditation and self-reflection.

4. Addressing Mental Health Issues: Islam’s Perspective

In Islam, mental health issues are not seen as a shameful deficiency to be hidden. Instead, Muslims are taught to empathize and assist those struggling with mental challenges. The Prophet Muhammad, shallallahu alaihi wa sallam, set a noble example of offering support and empathy to people dealing with psychological difficulties, encouraging social support as a part of mental health care.

The Prophet, shallallahu alaihi wa sallam, said:

“مَثَلُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ فِي تَوَادِّهِمْ وَتَرَاحُمِهِمْ كَمَثَلِ الْجَسَدِ الْوَاحِدِ، إِذَا اشْتَكَى مِنْهُ عُضْوٌ تَدَاعَى لَهُ سَائِرُ الْجَسَدِ بِالسَّهَرِ وَالْحُمَّى”
(The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion, and sympathy are just like one body; when one limb suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever)
– (Sahih Muslim, No. 2586)

This hadith teaches that Muslims should have a high sense of solidarity and support each other in facing life’s trials, including mental health issues. In Islam, nurturing positive relationships with family, friends, and community is highly encouraged as a way to strengthen mental resilience.

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5. Conclusion: Islam as a Holistic Guide to Mental Health

From various perspectives, it is evident that Islam views mental health as an essential part of life aligned with the ultimate purpose of human existence. Islam provides guidance on achieving mental and emotional balance through teachings and practices that support inner peace and self-strengthening. Whether through worship or social support, Islam encourages its followers to care for mental health as part of their worship to Allah ta’ala.

By understanding and applying Islamic teachings on mental health, Muslims can be better equipped to face psychological challenges and attain true tranquility. These Islamic teachings not only help individual Muslims maintain their mental well-being but also offer universal solutions that are especially relevant in light of the growing global mental health crisis.