Islam has a key role in the life of Muslims to help in coping with negative life experiences and act as a protective factor to prevent and treat depression. Muslims are not immune to mental health conditions like depression and as such, seeking professional help is highly advised, just like in case of any other type of illness as the Quran mentions, “So, verily, with every difficulty, there is relief: Verily, with every difficulty, there is relief”. (Quran) Islam always encourages human to seek hope even when one has done the worst sins or faced with the deepest troubles as Almighty Allah’s mercy is always close, people to stay hopeful, even if someone has committed the worst sin or faced with most troublesome life event as there is always Allah’s mercy, “And never give up hope of Allah’s soothing Mercy: truly no one despairs of Allah’s soothing Mercy, except those who have no faith” (Quran) Further Almighty Allah says: “And for those who fear Allah, He always prepares a way and He provides for him from sources he never could imagine. And if anyone puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is Allah for him. For Allah will surely accomplish His purpose: verily, for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion”. (Quran) That is why Islam’s compassionate nature and outlook should help us in remembering Almighty in times of difficulty and hope from His Mercy and Compassion to ease the pain make it through. Even though Islam prohibits suicide and considers it as a major sin, yet the matter is not black and white, as we can acknowledge that a person with a mental health condition can have an impaired judgment and might not be totally capable of making the right decisions. Thus, he or she may not be held accountable for their action. Allah alone will judge the actions of people. Such an outlook can help us in reducing the guilt feeling which generally affects people with mental health conditions. Although it is reported that the Prophet (SAW) did not pray at the funeral of a man who killed himself, he did not forbid his companions from praying at the man’s funeral; this indicates a possibility for forgiveness. Sadness and grieving are a part and parcel of human life. They form a natural reaction to the losses in life. Muslims believe that all suffering, happiness, death, and life are ordained by Almighty Allah.
Quran has talked about mental health, mental problems, the strength and weaknesses of the soul, how to reach a perfect state of the soul, and how to treat it when it is in a weak state. The Quran also mentioned the whispers, thoughts, emotions, and feelings such as happiness, sadness, anxiety, fear, and tranquility. The Prophet Mohammed (SAW) was consoled by Allah (SWT), to give him moral or emotional strength, and remove his distress and worry, after the revelation has been suspended for a long time.
Allah is the source of strength and loss is a test from Allah of what meaning we create through our losses and suffering. The aim is to put our trust in Allah’s Mercy. Such a belief is extremely helpful and comforting in the process of healing. The Quran says, ‘Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods, lives and the fruits of your toil, but give glad tiding to those who patiently persevere. Who say, when afflicted with calamity: To Allah, we belong, and to Him is our return’ (Quran) People who have patience in accepting Allah’s decree will be given a reward from Him. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “No person suffers any anxiety or grief and says this supplication, but Allah will take away his sorrow and grief, and give him in their stead joy”. Quran has talked about mental health, mental problems, the strength and weaknesses of the soul, how to reach a perfect state of the soul, and how to treat it when it is in a weak state. The Quran also mentioned the whispers, thoughts, emotions, and feelings such as happiness, sadness, anxiety, fear, and tranquility. The Prophet Mohammed (SAW) was consoled by Allah (SWT), to give him moral or emotional strength, and remove his distress and worry, after the revelation has been suspended for a long time.
