Mental health is an important topic that is relevant to everyone. Islam places emphasis on mental well-being. The holy Qur’an and Hadith present guidelines for maintaining a good mental health, understanding mental illness, and caring for those suffering from mental health problems. Islam provides a sense of purpose and emotional fulfilment through attachment to God. Spirituality and religiousness are also associated with better mental health and can be effective means to prevent and treat mental illness. Moreover, Islam recognises many external factors and stressors in life that can impact our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. These factors include the way we think, feel, and act, for example, in times of stress and decision-making.

Well, having good mental health does not necessarily mean that one will have no pain, trials or struggles in his life. Rather, it means that a person will possess the ability to deal with inevitable stressors and challenges that come his way. Although the term ‘mental health’ is not explicitly used in the Qur’an, Allah (SWT) points at the life stressors we encounter in our life in the following verse: “And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and crops, but give good tidings to the patient.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:155) Muslims have different backgrounds and experiences. Each has struggles, obstacles and challenges in his life.

Muslims are programmed to live their lives based on specific rules and regulations that guarantee their salvation after death. Theologically speaking, mental health is a Muslim’s ability to remain connected to Allah and follow His path. Our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) exemplified all aspects of a person’s good character. So, Muslim scholars strive for psyche-spiritual development. Moreover, the entire Islamic heritage is filled with positive attitudes and actions. All the messengers of Allah instructed Muslims to be careful of their activities, thinking, behaviour, and emotional expressions.

Regardless of the hurdles and obstacles a person encounters in his life, he should remain consistent in worshipping Allah. Psychology in Islam is used in everyday practice, but under different guises, such as spiritualism. The Quran can be used as a guide for people suffering from emotional problems and help them to lead a meaningful life.  It has been said in a hadith that there is no disease that Allah has created except that He has also created its treatment. If we want to move forward as a society and eliminate the stigma associated with mental health, the first thing we need to do is not emphasise unwarranted prejudice and stop bringing more hatred into the world. We must all strive for the same common goal of love and humility in a place where people can live peacefully. Islam is a way of life that prioritises one’s physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It is more than just a religion. It is a guide for maintaining balance in our physical, mental, and spiritual lives.

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The writer is a Senior Sub-Editor at the Daily Sun