Islam And Mental Health: What The Quran Says

Mental health in Islam is a topic that has recently started to trend in the public discourse. With the global pandemic not only affecting the way we view physical health, but also our mental wellbeing with increased loneliness, it's become more important to assess how we feel emotionally, psychologically and socially.

However, as Muslims, we believe that Allah (SWT) has given us written guidance on how to improve our mental health, via verses from the Holy Quran. Here are five mentions of how we can seek to improve mental health with examples of such verses.

1. Seek Allah's help 🤲

As Muslims, we believe that seeking Allah's help is the first step towards improving our mental health outcome. Allah says in the Quran:

"And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me." (Quran 2:186)

Therefore, we should always turn back to Allah in times of distress and seek His help through prayer, supplication (or dua), and remembrance.

2. Taking care of the body and the mind 💪

Allah has also stressed the importance of taking care of our physical health, as there is a direct link to our mental wellbeing. Allah says in the Quran:

"…and do not throw yourselves into destruction…" (Quran 2:195)

Destruction in this case could be activities that harm our physical health, such as consuming harmful substances or engaging in haram behaviours.

3. Having a positive mindset 😌

Allah also takes care to mention the importance of focusing on positive thoughts and maintaining a positive attitude. Allah says in the Quran:

"Indeed, Allah is with the patient." (Quran 2:153)

The Arabic word for patience is sabr and is a word often repeated when practising the Islamic faith. This means that we should remain patient and optimistic in the face of adversity and trust that Allah will help us overcome any difficulties.

4. Surrounding yourself with positive influences 🥰

It's well known that you are the sum of the five closest people around you. Placing ourselves in the vicinity of positive influences that uplift our spirits and support our mental health is also mentioned in the Quran:

"…and cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression…" (Quran 5:2)

Make sure to surround yourself with people who encourage us to do good and avoid those who lead you astray.

5. Find meaning and purpose in life 🤩

The Quran is a blueprint for achieving happiness in this life and the hereafter. Having purpose to life also helps one to feel less alone and sets them on a course of direction. Allah says in the Quran:

"And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me." (Quran 51:56)

Islam means submission and as Muslims, we submit ourselves to the will of Allah. Regular, constant worship is a reminder that we exist to submit to God.

The Quran is a book of miracles and it teaches us how to live life in the best way to achieve ultimate happiness. It is therefore our responsibility to look towards our faith and uncover the lessons it decrees in how to manage, maintain and improve our mental health.

Dua for improving mental health 🤲

Allahumma inni a’udhu bika minal-hammi wal-Ḥuzni wal-’ajazi wal-kasli wal-bukhli wal-jubni wa ḍala’id-dayni wa ghalabatir-rijal.

“O Allah, I take refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, weakness and laziness, miserliness and cowardice, the burden of debts and from being overpowered by men.” (Al-Bukhari)