{"id":395,"date":"2025-01-17T14:30:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-17T06:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tertib.press\/blog\/?p=395"},"modified":"2025-01-17T12:10:30","modified_gmt":"2025-01-17T04:10:30","slug":"breaking-mental-health-stigmas-with-prophetic-guidance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tertib.press\/blog\/breaking-mental-health-stigmas-with-prophetic-guidance\/","title":{"rendered":"Breaking Mental Health Stigmas with Prophetic Guidance"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What are the most heard phrases when you talk to someone about your struggles with mental health? Is it \u201cAs a Muslim, you need to increase your iman<\/em>\u201d or \u201cYou should pray and salah<\/em> more. That will solve your problem.\u201d But will it, though? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s hard to speak up about mental health when some people always try to shun us away from this topic. Some people are afraid to get checked and diagnosed because they are afraid of being labelled \u201ccrazy\u201d just because they are struggling with their mental health. A lot of Muslims think that mental health is just Western propaganda and that Islam doesn\u2019t believe in struggling with mental health because we have to depend solely on Allah (s.w.t.). But this is far from the truth!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Rania Awaad shared her insights on mental illness from the perspective of Islam. Let\u2019s dive in together!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mental Health in Islamic Perspective<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Islam has been highlighting the importance of mental health for centuries. Without a doubt, increasing our \u2018ibadah<\/em> and having faith in Allah (s.w.t.) and His plan is important as it is our responsibility as Muslims. But that doesn\u2019t mean Islam does not provide us with guidance and relief to soothe our struggles with our mental well-being. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our prophets were put on continuous trials. Although they are stronger than us, that doesn’t mean they are not struggling emotionally and mentally. There\u2019s a year that was known as \u2018the year of sadness\u2019 for Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.). It was during this year that Prophet Muhammad lost his wife and his uncle, causing him to be in great sadness and grievance. Even the most perfect of Allah\u2019s creation suffered from mental health; of course, we will too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prophetic Approach to Mental Health<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Islam acknowledges the complexities of human emotions and provides practical tools to navigate them. Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) is the best example for us to refer to when it comes to approaching mental health. So, what can we do when we or our loved ones are struggling with mental health?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) never dismissed anyone\u2019s struggle<\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Anas ibn Malik (a.s.) said:<\/em>
“A woman came to the Prophet (s.a.w.) and said to him: ‘I am in need of you,’ so he said: ‘Sit in whichever road of the city you wish, and I shall sit with you!'”<\/em>
(Sahih Ash-Shama’il Al-Muhammadiyah 330<\/em>)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a woman was in need of him, he made space for her. He sat with her, listened, and by being present with her when she talked about her problem. This is what we should do to anyone who approaches us seeking help and advice. Although not all of us are licensed therapists, it doesn\u2019t mean we can\u2019t lend an ear or a hand to others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Prophet (s.a.w.) sought help when he needed them<\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Some of us might think this: \u201cProphet (s.a.w.) has never seen a therapist, so why should I?\u201d This is the wrong thinking and stigma that we are used to. But in reality, Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) did accept help. Do you remember the story of the Prophet (s.a.w.) when he first received his revelation? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) received his first revelation, he ran home to his wife, Khadijah (a.s.), and sought protection and comfort from her because he was terrified. In essence, we can consider Khadijah (a.s.) as his first therapist. If Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) can seek comfort from others, then we are also encouraged to do so. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. The Power of du\u2019a\u2019<\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A man once came to the Prophet (s.a.w.) saying, \u201cI have a lot of anxiety and worries\u201d and seeking help from Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.). Then Prophet (s.a.w.) taught him a du\u2019a\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s the du\u2019a\u2019. Keep this du\u2019a\u2019 close to your heart, and recite it whenever you need it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u0627\u0644\u0644\u064e\u0651\u0647\u064f\u0645\u064e\u0651 \u0625\u0650\u0646\u0650\u0651\u064a \u0623\u064e\u0639\u064f\u0648\u0630\u064f \u0628\u0650\u0643\u064e \u0645\u0650\u0646\u0652 \u062c\u064e\u0647\u0652\u062f\u0650 \u0627\u0644\u0652\u0628\u064e\u0644\u064e\u0627\u0621\u0650\u060c \u0648\u064e\u062f\u064e\u0631\u064e\u0643\u0650 \u0627\u0644\u0634\u064e\u0651\u0642\u064e\u0627\u0621\u0650\u060c \u0648\u064e\u0633\u064f\u0648\u0621\u0650 \u0627\u0644\u0652\u0642\u064e\u0636\u064e\u0627\u0621\u0650\u060c \u0648\u064e\u0634\u064e\u0645\u064e\u0627\u062a\u064e\u0629\u0650 \u0627\u0644\u0652\u0623\u064e\u0639\u0652\u062f\u064e\u0627\u0621\u0650<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Allahumma inni a\u2019uzu bika min jahdil-bala\u2019, wa darki shaqa\u2019, wa su\u2019il-qadha\u2019, wa shamatatil-a\u2019da\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from severe calamity, from misery to fall upon me, from misfortune in the decree, and from the joys of the enemies.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lessons from Surah Yusuf<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Continuing on the topic of mental health, Dr. Rania also touched on the topic of betrayal. Betrayal always comes from people who are close to us, those who we least expect. So, when we get betrayed, it hurts more. It feels like they stabbed us in the heart. But, how does betrayal affect our mental health? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Betrayal often leaves deep emotional scars, leading to depression, difficulties in trusting others, and self-doubt. The story of Prophet Yusuf (a.s.) as explored in Surah Yusuf serves as evidence of how betrayal can shatter our mental health. Prophet Yusuf (a.s.) faced betrayal by his own family and his own brothers. Their jealousy of Yusuf (a.s.) clouded their judgement, causing them to throw him into a well and leave him there. Imagine Yusuf\u2019s (a.s.) pain when his own brother wished that he died in the well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Allah\u2019s (s.w.t.) mercy, Prophet Yusuf (a.s.) was saved. But the pain and the betrayal were etched in his heart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, Yusuf (a.s.) offers us an extraordinary example of how to navigate such pain. Let\u2019s learn how to deal with the pain of betrayal together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Forgiveness <\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n

When his brothers asked Yusuf (a.s.) for forgiveness, instead of holding onto the anger and the urge to seek revenge, Yusuf (a.s.) immediately forgave them. In Islam, although forgiveness is not mandatory, it is encouraged. But, instead of thinking of forgiveness as a noble act, let\u2019s forgive others for our own mental well-being. Forgiving others who did us wrong will give us the break and the peace of mind that we need. So, let\u2019s start practising forgiveness whenever we can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Turn to Allah (s.w.t.)<\/strong><\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The power of turning to Allah (s.w.t.) during difficult times is a recurring theme in prophetic traditions and Surah Yusuf. Whether through du\u2019a\u2019 or dhikr, the path of healing begins with strengthening our connection to Him. Allah\u2019s (s.w.t.) plans are often beyond our understanding, but they always work in our favour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Relief comes after the pain<\/strong><\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Allah (s.w.t.) will not test us if He thinks we cannot bear the pain. But Allah has promised us that each pain comes with relief. Allah (s.w.t.) said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u0641\u064e\u0625\u0650\u0646\u064e\u0651 \u0645\u064e\u0639\u064e \u0671\u0644\u0652\u0639\u064f\u0633\u0652\u0631\u0650 \u064a\u064f\u0633\u0652\u0631\u064b\u0627 (\u0665)<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n

So, surely with hardship comes ease.
(Surah Ash-Sharh, 94:5)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hold on to this promise because Allah (s.w.t.) will not go back on His promise. Besides, the rewards that come after pain are the sweetest rewards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the Stars Prostrated<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>
\n

Dr. Rania Awaad\u2019s profound insights into Surah Yusuf highlight the timeless relevance of its lessons in overcoming challenges, navigating emotions, and healing from betrayal. For those inspired by this blog, \u201cWhen the Stars Prostrated: Meditations on Surah Yusuf\u201d offers a deeper exploration of this powerful surah. This book serves as a spiritual guide, drawing on the story of Prophet Yusuf (a.s.) to provide practical reflections on patience, trust in Allah (s.w.t.), and emotional resilience. It\u2019s an essential companion for anyone seeking to connect the wisdom of the Qur\u2019an with their personal journey.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
Start Your Learning Journey Here!<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

A Weekend Full of Reminder<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n

This weekend was not just a learning experience but a profound reminder of the healing power embedded in our faith. By understanding the prophetic approach to mental health and reflecting on the lessons of Surah Yusuf, we can find solace, strength, and guidance needed to navigate life\u2019s challenges with grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we move forward, let us embody these lessons in our daily lives\u2014by being kind to ourselves, forgiving others, and always turning to Allah (s.w.t.) in our times of need. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Discover prophetic wisdom on mental health and lessons from Surah Yusuf, from forgiveness to resilience. 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