ISLAM AND MENTAL HEALTH: A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO A SOUND MIND

Your mental health includes your emotional, social and psychological well-being. Mental health has an impact on your thoughts, your feelings and your behaviour. It translates into the decisions you make in life.

The most common mental health disorders experienced by people worldwide include types of depressions, schizophrenia and anxiety disorder.

The prevalence of mental health disorders are more common than you may think. In the U.K, an estimated 1 in 6 adults have experienced a 'common mental disorder' like depression or anxiety in the past week. (National Health Service). In the USA, An estimated 1 in 4 of Americans adults suffers from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year.

Even though these disorders are so common, there is a stigma attached to them and the fear of being labelled prevents Muslims from accessing the necessary medical aid and support.

However, there are many effective strategies that you can find in the Quran and Sunnah to help you when you are struggling with your mental health.

Here are some of the essential approaches:

Put your trust in Allah

As a Muslim, you should always depend on the creator Allah and have the full and firm belief that he has decree over all things. Don’t forget that nothing can happen without the decree of Allah and nothing can be prevented without the decree of Allah.

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. (At-Tawbah 9:51)

It doesn’t mean you should just have belief in Allah but that should be deepened to trusting His judgment is always in your best interests. Having iman means you have belief in your heart, you profess this with your tongue through speech for example by reading the Quran and duaas and demonstrate it with your actions for example by praying Salah.

Do Ruqya

As per the Sunnah, a Muslim can easily recite the ruqyah to keep themselves protected. You can recite Surah Al-Ikhlaas, Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas three times, blow into your hands each time and wipe over your face and whatever you can reach of your body.

It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: When the Messenger of Allaah was ill, he would recite Al-Mi’wadhatayn ( the last two surahs of the Quran – Surah Al-Falaq and Surah Al-nas) over himself and spit drily. When his pain grew intense, I recited over him and wiped him with his own hand, seeking its barakah (blessing).”
(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 4728; Muslim, 2192)

A person can also recite surah Al-Fatihah at any time and Ayat Al Kursi before bedtime as well as reciting the last three surahs three times each at bedtime.
You can also recite the ruqyah of the Messenger of Allah:

اَللَّھُ م رَ ب النَّا س مُذْھِبَ الْبَا س اِشْ ف اَ نْتَ الشَّافِ ى لاَ شَافِ ى اِ لاَّ اَ نْتَ شِفَا ء لاَیُغَادِ ر سُقْمًا
Allaahumma Rabb an-naas, mudhhib al-ba’s ishfi anta al-Shaafi, laa shaafiya illa anta, shifaa’an laa yughaadir saqaman
(O Allah, Lord of mankind, the One Who relieves hardship, grant healing, for there is no healer but You, a healing that leaves no trace of sickness) Bhukaari

Make Duaa

As a Muslim, duaa is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal. Remember the etiquettes of making duaa. You should have sincere intention when making duaa. You must believe Allah can meet your needs. You must repent and turn to Allah. Ask forgiveness for any sins. Humble yourself before the creator. Begin by glorifying
Allah .

And your Lord says, "Call upon Me; I will respond to you." (Surah Ghafir 40:60).

Recite the duaa of the person in distress. Ibn Abbas narrates that the Messenger of Allah , used to say at the time of distress:

لاَ إِلَھَ إِلاَّ ا الْعَظِیمُ الْحَلِیمُ لاَ إِلَھَ إِلاَّ ا رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِیمِ لاَ إِلَھَ إِلاَّ ا رَبُّ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَ رَبُّ الأَرْضِ
وَرَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْكَرِیمِ.
“There is no God but Allah, the majestic, the tolerant. There is no God but Allah, the lord of the great throne. There is no God but Allah, the lord of the heavens and the lord of the earth, and the lord of the noble throne.”
(Narrated by al-Bukhari in the chapter of invocations, Hadith 6346)

Seeking medical Help

A person should also seek medical assistance when needed, to treat their ailments. It’s important to note medical treatment includes diseases that are physical or mental in nature. The word da’ (disease, sickness) in the ahaadeeth is general in meaning and includes all kinds of sickness.

Ahmad ibn Hanbal narrated that Anas said:

The Messenger of Allah said: “When Allaah created the disease, He also created the cure, so seek the cure.” Narrated by Ahmad, 12186; classed as hasan by al-Albaani
in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 1633.

Providing a support network to help those who are suffering silently

 If you’re aware that someone is having difficulties, reach out and talk to them. Taking is a vital part of human communication yet how many people suffer from loneliness because they have no-one to converse with? It only takes a minute to send a message or make contact but can mean a huge deal to the one who is suffering. If you have the facility to set up support groups in the masjid or local community, do so. Even pointing someone in the right direction to gain further support can be really useful.

Don’t forget how the companions of the Prophet helped people. Abu Bakr would discreetly attend to an elderly, blind woman and take care of her chores and household duties. She was unaware of who he was and he kept his deeds private, as it was only discovered and relayed by another companion when he witnessed this.

Have Patience

Under any situation, a Muslim must exercise patience (sabr). Patience is one of the best qualities of a Muslim’s character. Remember the Quran is a guide for all of mankind and the Quran guides us to be patient. Indeed there are over 90 verses in the holy Quran, relating to patience.

“And Allah loves the steadfast.” (Ali ‘Imran 3:146)

Allah said:

“Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account." (Az-Zumar 39:10)

If things get very difficult, look at those around you who are in a situation worse than yours. This may put things into perspective for you. Don’t forget the example of our beloved Prophet Muhammed . The Messenger of Allah, said:

“Whoever remains patient Allah will bestow patience upon him, and no one is ever given anything better and more generous than patience.” (Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī and Muslim)

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim said,

“There are three types of patience: Firstly, practicing patience to fulfil the obligations and to do righteous. Secondly, abstaining from evil and prohibited acts. And thirdly, practicing patience during times of hardship without complaints.”

May Allah grant us the ability to apply the Islamic teachings to our daily lives.