Introduction 

Islam places a strong emphasis on mental health, considering it an integral part of overall well-being, in fact, Muslims find support through prayer, relying on Allah, and community connections, therefore, the faith encourages peace of mind and resilience, emphasising the importance of balance between physical, mental, and spiritual health.

What is Mental health?

A person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being are all referred to as their mental health. It has an impact on how people handle stress, relate to others, feel and act, and make decisions. Every period of life, from childhood and adolescence to maturity, is vital for mental health.

“Indeed, mankind was created anxious”  (Surah Al Maarij, verse 19)

Most common mental health issues: 

• Stress: Stress is the body's natural response to pressure, challenges, or demanding situations. It can be triggered by various factors and affects both mental and physical well-being.

• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): A Chronic condition characterised by excessive, long-term worry and fear about everyday situations. 

• Panic Attacks: Sudden and intense episodes of fear that trigger severe physical and emotional reactions. These attacks can happen unexpectedly, often accompanied by a sense of impending doom, shortness of breath, chest pain, and dizziness.

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD):  A mental health condition characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. 

Here is the results from the NESARC showed that in USA, Muslims with a lifetime history of PTSD were less likely than non-Muslims with PTSD to seek help through self-help groups (2.2% vs. 21.1%), moreover, Muslims with mood disorders experienced lower mental health scores compared to non-Muslims with mood disorders.

Islam and Mental health 

Mental health In Islam, plays a significant role in total wellbeing. Islam places a high priority on a person's overall health, which includes their mental and emotional well-being. 

“So do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are true believers.” (Surah Al-Imran, verse 139)

Islam guidelines to treat this issues

Islam does not require us to be superhuman. If one experiences negative feelings, he is encouraged to resist them with positive thoughts and actions if possible or to seek professional help if the case is clinical. 

How to deal with Stress in Islam?:

Islam encourages believers to rely on prayer (Salah) and remembrance of Allah (Dhikr) to find inner peace and relief from stress. And the verse below reminds believers that challenges are temporary and balanced with ease in the divine plan.

"For indeed, with hardship will be ease" (Surah Asharrh, verse 6)

Dealing with Anxiety in Islam:

Islam teaches believers to surrender their anxieties to Allah through prayer and supplication. And this how anxiety in islam would be treated, Trust in Allah's wisdom and understanding of life's challenges can provide comfort. 

"And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplication when he calls upon Me."  (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 186)

How to treat panic attacks in Islam ?:

During panic attacks, Islam advises believers to recite Quranic verses and engage in deep breathing and mindfulness techniques. Seeking refuge in Allah from the distress of panic attacks and remembering His presence in moments of fear is emphasised. 

“Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured." (Surah Al Raad, verse 28)

How to handle Depression (MDD) in Islam ?:

Islam encourages seeking professional help, such as therapy or counselling, while spiritual practices can provide solace, Islam recognizes the importance of medical and psychological interventions.

"Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear..."  (Surah Al Baqara, verse 286) 

Conclusion

Islam Is really encouraging its followers to treat their mental health and emphasise its importance then giving guidelines for a better mental health.

Islamic Products that help with mental health.

Islam guides people to consume organic elements that have a great benefit to the human body, like black seed, honey, dates… , which on behalf, are natural treatments for many issues that the human body can encounter, such as mental health issues.

At Riwaya we've sourced the best products from the best sellers to provide you products that fit your faith and help with your health

As Aisha (ra) said: "The Messenger of Allah (saw) used to accept gifts and reward people for giving them.", Islam appreciates offering gifts to your beloved ones, especially if he is dealing with hard times and anxiety, it will make the person feel loved and better by receiving a meaningful gift.

You can explore the gifts section at Riwaya marketplace, to find something that makes your beloved feels better

While Islam and mental health are strongly correlated, Tasbih at home in a calm comfortable room, full of candles and relaxing smell would be a good treatment for stress and anxiety, to strengthen your relationship with God and get closer to him. 

Want To sell products that help treat mental health ?

Become a seller with Riwaya the world's first online premium Islamic gifts marketplace and expose your products through our channel to enlarge your audience and help our community better treat their mental health.

FAQs

Q1: Does Islam acknowledge the importance of mental health?

• Yes, Islam recognizes mental health as a crucial component of overall well-being, emphasising inner peace, resilience, and seeking help when needed.

Q2: How does Islam address stress and anxiety?

• Islam advises believers to find comfort through prayer, supplication, and trust in Allah, promoting a sense of peace and calmness even in stressful situations.

Q3: How can one understand and navigate sadness and grief in Islam?

• In Islam, understanding and navigating sadness and grief involve patience (Sabr), reliance on Allah, seeking solace in prayer and community, acknowledging the temporary nature of worldly trials, and trusting in Allah's divine plan.

Q4: What is tazkiyah?

• Tazkiyah in Islam refers to the purification of the soul, involving self-reflection, repentance, and spiritual growth, aiming for a pure and righteous character in the sight of Allah.