An Islamic Perspective on Mental Health
Religion has always played a part in providing useful guidance for both physical and psychological illnesses. Islam isn’t just a religion, but also a way of life; the practices asked of us are often rooted in the maintenance of our overall well-being. Religion and spirituality have a huge impact on our physical, emotional and mental state. From the movements of how we pray to the teachings of the Quran—everything in Islam is designed to promote inner peace and tranquility for the Believer.
Mental health is just as important as our physical health, even Islamically. When we take care of our mental health, it’s easier for us to make good choices, build strong relationships and live a happy life. You can read more about the importance of mental health here.
The following are some ways in which our mental health and our devotion to Allah and His message are intertwined:
Tawakkul and trust in Allah
One of the most important teachings of Islam when it comes to mental health is tawakkul. Tawakkul means to place one’s trust in Allah (SWT) while still taking action. This encourages us to always do our best while still leaving the outcome to Allah (SWT). This can help to reduce our anxiety and stress levels by reminding us that ultimately, what will be will be. Allah is Al-Jabbar, The Omnipotent One. While we should always strive for goodness, ultimately we cannot change His decree, nor are we above it.
“And you do not will except that Allah wills. Indeed, Allah is ever Knowing and Wise.”
[76:30]
Dr. Rania Awaad, a psychiatry professor at Stanford University, explains that while tawakkul is necessary, we have to strike a balance in our lives between tawakkul and asbāb (the everyday means that we use to achieve our ends). She explains that it would be “foolish for one to say that God will protect us no matter what, and so there is no need to take the precautions [asbāb] God created for us to utilize.” Dr. Awaad says it would also be foolish to believe that we’ll be okay if we simply put all our concern in these asbāb without also having tawakkul. Tawakkul ultimately teaches us to take action and control, but to leave the outcome to Allah (SWT).
Salah and movement
Research published by the National Library of Medicine shows that the movements Muslims make during salah, or the daily prayers, have proven health benefits and calming effects. Most of the body’s muscles and joints are engaged over the course of the prayer. In sajdah, or prostration, the head sits lower than the heart, so it receives an increase in blood supply. This has a positive effect on memory, concentration, psyche and other mental abilities. These Islamic spiritual practices, like salah, have been proven to promote cognitive ability and mental health.
Practicing kindness
Islam teaches us the importance of treating all of humanity with kindness. And are you not also part of humanity? Kindness towards the self is, by extension, kindness towards humanity.
Islam also emphasizes the importance of self-care, both physically and emotionally. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Your body has rights over you” (Sahih Bukhari). This hadith reminds us that taking care of our bodies is a duty in Islam and we should always do our best to be kind and compassionate to both ourselves and others.
Exercising care for ourselves is a crucial part of tending to our mental health. Islam encourages us to practice kindness to ourselves. Self-compassion is one of the keys to emotional resilience. It’s about treating ourselves with the same level of compassion and kindness that we show to others.
Seeking support as ‘ilm
Islam also teaches us to seek help when we’re struggling. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Seeking knowledge is a duty upon every Muslim” (Ibn Majah). This includes seeking knowledge about mental health and accessing relevant supports when we need it.
In Islam, chasing excess, such as the accumulation of wealth and property, is often discouraged. This is not the case with seeking knowledge. Knowledge is among the most important things which Allah (SWT) explicitly directed us to seek out. Whoever seeks knowledge, be it in a mental health capacity or otherwise, their ranks will be exalted in this world and the next. Allah (SWT) says in the Holy Qur’an:
“And say: My Lord, increase me in knowledge.”
[20:114]
Seeking mental health support can be a nerve-wracking experience, even if you’ve done it before, but especially if you haven’t. Still, it’s an important and necessary step in caring for ourselves. To learn more about the services Sakeenah offers, please visit: https://www.sakeenahcanada.com/our-services
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