Islamic beliefs emphasize mental, bodily, and spiritual wellness. Spiritual pursuits, physical exercise, and a balanced lifestyle are recommended in the Quran and Hadith for mental wellness. Mental health integrates Islamic traditions and modern psychology.
Muslims can have a balanced life by combining spirituality and mental health. Islam emphasizes spiritual connection, physical health, and psychological resilience, which can help manage anxiety and improve well-being.
Dear Visitors,
Please find below a guest post by Tonni Khatun from Bangladesh. This article is inspired by the podcasts on anxiety by the Pakistan Youth Club. Indeed one of the most timely and brilliant podcasts on mental health. Thank You Muhamad Ali and the team for this excellent resource on mental health.
About Tonni Khatun
BBA Major on HRM
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Anxiety and Mental Health in Islam:
The connection with Physical
Health and
Fitness
Today’s fast-paced world can cause severe anxiety and mental health difficulties. Islam values mental health, and the Quran and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) provide helpful advice on sustaining it. This approach emphasizes the comprehensive character of well-being by addressing mental and physical health together. Anxiety can be manged with Islamic teachings with modern psychology.
The Arabic word “waswasa” for anxiety is recognized in Islam. The Quran and Hadith offer spiritual and practical ways to control anxiety, worry, and sadness.
Quranic Anxiety View
Numerous passages in the Quran discuss anxiety and its treatment.
As an example:
- Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286): “Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear…”
- Surah Al-Anfal (8:10): “…And there is no victory except from Allah. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.”
These words highlight wonderful support and the concept that Allah gives the courage to withstand adversities, which can reduce worry by encouraging trust in God’s wisdom and mercy.
Spiritual Direction
The Hadiths also provide understanding on how to control anxiousness. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised several spiritual techniques including:
- Dua-Regular prayers and requesting Allah’s help can help the heart to be at peace and comfort.
- Dhikr, or remembrance of Allah, can help one to relax by means of “SubhanAllah” (Glory be to Allah), “Alhamdulillah” (Praise be to Allah), and “Allahu Akbar” ( Allah is the Greatest).
- patience and gratitude -The Prophet underlined as fundamental virtues in handling the demands of life patience (sabr) and gratitude (shukr).
Mental health in Islam
Incorporating spiritual, psychological, and physical aspects, Islamic teachings support a balanced approach to mental health. In Islam, the whole concept of health acknowledges the interaction of mind, body, and soul.
Eating Disorder which inter connected with mental health
In Islam, a person’s whole well-being consists in physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. Viewed holistically, eating disorders—often connected with anxiety and depression—can be seen as a result of As shown in the Quranic line, “Eat and drink, but be not excessive,” Islam stresses the need of balance and moderation. Unhealthy eating patterns resulting from anxiety and despair can throw off this balance. Islamic teachings emphasize a good lifestyle, help-seeking, and prayer and community support as means of comfort. Encouragement of thankfulness, awareness, and reliance on Allah helps people toward recovering and preserving both mental and physical health.
Spiritual Practices
Maintaining mental well-being depends much on spiritual activities such prayer (salah), fasting (sawm), and charity (zakat.). These behaviors not only meet religious responsibilities but also support emotional stability and psychological resilience.
- Salah, or prayer: Five times a day, consistent prayer gives discipline, structure, and a direct relationship with Allah, therefore promoting calmness and direction.
- Sawm, or fasting: Ramadan’s self-control, empathy, and spiritual introspection can help to improve mental health by means of which one can develop.
- Zakat-Giving to people in need helps to build a feeling of community, lessens loneliness, and stimulates good emotions—all of which contribute to zakat, or charity.
Islam’s Fitness and Physical Health
Islam acknowledges its influence on mental health and gives great importance on preserving physical condition. Part of a good life, the Quran and Hadiths support physical exercise, hygiene, and a balanced diet.
Exercise
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be with him) pushed walking, swimming, archery, and horseback riding among other athletic pursuits. Apart from preserving physical health, physical exercise is crucial for preserving mental health since it helps to lower anxiety and sadness.
- Walking and Exercise: The Prophet himself walked often and exhorted others to get moving. One easy and efficient approach to raise mental clarity and cardiovascular condition is walking.
- Sports and Recreation: Islam encourages sports and leisure activities since they advance social connection, discipline, and physical wellness.
Diet and Courtesy
In Islam, cleanliness is half of faith; so, general health depends on keeping personal hygiene. Emphasized also is a healthy diet free of dangerous chemicals.
- Tayyibat (Wholesome Food): The Quran advocates the eating of pure, nutritious meals (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:168), which contribute to physical and mental well-being.
- Moderation in Eating: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) counselled moderation in eating, cautions against overindulgence and supports a balanced diet.
The Relationship Between Mental and Physical Health
Modern psychology as well as Islamic doctrines clearly show the link between physical and mental wellness. Whereas vice versa, a good body promotes a good mind. Many facets of Islamic leadership mirror this dependency.
Stress Management via Physical Education
Regular physical activity can help to greatly lower anxiety and tension. Exercise improves sleep, which is essential for mental health, and produces endorphins—natural mood enhancers.
- Physical Exercise: Anxiety and depression can be lessened by running, swimming, and strength building exercises.
- A good lifestyle is: Maintaining a good lifestyle by means of a balanced diet and enough sleep helps both physical and psychological aspects.
Psychological Gain from Spiritual Activities
Islamic spiritual disciplines include prayer and meditation provide psychological advantages that support mental health. These techniques give one tranquillity, direction, and a relationship with a higher force.
- Mindfulness in Prayer: Praying mindfully helps one to lower stress and improve emotional control.
- Spiritual Thought: By means of prayer, one might seek direction and thereby reduce emotions of hopelessness and despair.
Famous Pakistani psychiatrist Dr. Waseem has advanced Islamic mental health research. His holistic approach to mental health combines Islamic teachings with modern psychology.
Famous Pakistani Youtuber Muhammad Ali who works for youth club in Pakistan. He made a series about mental health on his YT channel. Muhammad Ali shared few techniques in his videos how people can deal with depression ,anxiety in spiritual and physiological term. Few of them are-
- Replace your negative thinking with positive one
- Make a list of your blessings
- Cuddle with pets
- Trust on Allah that Allah will fix everything
- Think that hard times and sufferings is a test from Allah, exchange of your sufferings your sins, bad deeds can be forgiven
- Listen to nature go outside do dhikr
- Whenever you feel low go to sujud pray namaz talk with almighty who can do anything.
- Connect with positive people
- Imagine halal good things which makes you happy
- Hijama/cupping therapy can reduce anxiety
Conclusion
Islamic beliefs emphasize mental, bodily, and spiritual wellness. Spiritual pursuits, physical exercise, and a balanced lifestyle are recommended in the Quran and Hadith for mental wellness. Mental health integrates Islamic traditions and modern psychology.
Muslims can have a balanced life by combining spirituality and mental health. Islam emphasizes spiritual connection, physical health, and psychological resilience, which can help manage anxiety and improve well-being.
