The Role of Islamic Teachings in Mental Health
Did you know some of the earliest dedicated hospitals for mental illness were established in the medieval Muslim world? Centuries before mental health became widely recognised in many parts of Europe, Muslim physicians were developing compassionate approaches to caring for people experiencing psychological distress. This legacy reminds us that caring for mental health has long been part of the Islamic tradition.
Islamic teachings provide a holistic framework for mental health. Focusing on the mind, body, soul connection, integrating spiritual alignment, cognitive reframing and using the means of healing Allah has provided.
Husn al-Dhann Billah (Positive Thinking with Allah) - a form of cognitive reframing
Husn al-Dhann Billah is an islamic concept that means having a beautiful, positive opinion of Allah. With cognitive reframing, we look at a situation and ask if it can be perceived differently, looking for another angle. This is extremely helpful but having Husn al-dhann Billah takes it one step further. Instead of becoming consumed by a difficulty or the situation at hand, you gently divert your attention and focus from the things happening around you to the One that is embracing you through it all. Assuring your heart that whatever it is you’re dealing with, Allah is taking care of you.
To have Husn al-dhann Billah, you need to know Allah and that is through His beautiful 99 names and attributes. Studying His names helps you look at life through a different lens: When you find yourself falling into the same sin again, Al-Ghaffar (the constant forgiver) assures you that you can keep returning. When you find yourself feeling unloved, Al-Wadud (the most loving) reminds you that you are surrounded by His love.
You can learn Allah’s names by reading books on them or watching lectures (available on Youtube). When you find a name calling out to you, ask yourself - How does knowing Allah is (the name) change the way I see my situation?
While our relationship with Allah is central, Islam also teaches that healing often comes through the means Allah has placed around us.
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Seeking help and support
Seeking help and support is highly encouraged in Islam and its teachings. There’s a famous hadith where the prophet صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ was asked if it was a sin to seek treatment and the prophet responded with "seek treatment”. He then assured the person that Allah does not create any disease without its cure. It serves as a reminder that Allah does not want us to sit on our hands and suffer, that the relief to our struggles is near. Sometimes we just have to seek it and maybe that’s where the test lies.
Are we willing to find help? Do we believe there can be ease with hardship?
Seeking help and support also acts as a sign of trust in Allah whilst utilising His means of healing. Seeking help in prayer and professional support can provide profound results.
‘O Messenger of Allah! Is there any sin if we do not seek treatment?’ He said: ‘Seek treatment, O slaves of Allah! For Allah does not create any disease but He also creates with it the cure, except for old age.’ Hadith, Sunan Ibn Majah 3436
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Validating emotions
There are numerous accounts in the Qur’an where Allah Himself is comforting those that are emotionally struggling. In Surah Maryam, Allah tells us how He comforted Maryam when she faced slander and physical distress. However one surah that holds an immense amount of comfort is Surah Ad-Duha, in which Allah directly addresses the prophet’s sadness and by extension, our own too.
“Your Lord has not abandoned you, nor does He hate you.” Surah Ad-Duha (93:3)
Allah reassures the prophet that He is with him and destroys the hurtful comments people suggested to the prophet at the time. He reminds us that a delayed answer does not equate His absence. That difficulty is not a sign that He is angry with us. That His mercy is not absent in your life.
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“Did He not find you as an orphan then sheltered you?” Surah Ad-Duha 93:6
Once Allah grounds the prophet and validates his emotions, He does something profound. He reminds the prophet of all the times He took care of him. Not to belittle him but to comfort his heart. To remind him of Allah’s infinite mercy.
This shows us that it’s important to validate our emotions and remember that our hardship is never a sign that Allah has left us alone. That we can shift our inner state by dwelling on all the times Allah answered our prayers, kept us safe and showed us He was there.
Mental health struggles do not diminish our faith, nor are they a sign that Allah has abandoned us. Islam teaches us to nurture the heart, mind and body. To place our trust in Allah whilst making use of the means of healing He has provided. Whether through prayer, reflection, supportive relationships or professional care, seeking healing is an act of hope and trust.
May Allah grant us all shifa and tranquility. Ameen