Many don’t realize that Islam communicates life-altering messages regarding our minds and the Muslim life affords us, and others, the tools to manage our feelings, emotions, stress, sadness, anxiety, and worry daily.
Many of the secular sciences, including psychology, have an immense amount of wisdom found in the Qur’an and the prophetic traditions, which foreshadow secular theories or ideas, often only suggesting tranquility, peace of mind, contentment, inner peace, feelings of hope, aspirations, willpower, self-control, and reflection within ourselves. Hence, Islam recognizes the body and soul, and recognizes the emotional and mental well-being of a follower as a byproduct of faith in and through Islam.
Read more: The Psychology Behind Handling Frustration
The Human Mind in Islam
Islam provides a belief system where everyone has a heart, mind, and soul, evidencing the relationship and connection to Allah, which is one’s heart, gives us the feelings that are our will, and our mind is our intellectual understanding.
When one is weak, that weakens the others.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “In the body there is a piece of flesh, and if it is sound, then the body is sound”. He was referring to a heart. If the heart is sound, the mind is sound; therefore, being a healthy person means having a healthy body and a healthy mind.
Peace is found while remembering.
As mentioned above, in Islam, the most peaceful methodology to find peace is through the remembrance of Allah. The Qur’an states, “Indeed, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (13:28)
When people become stressed, they can practice dhikr. Words such as SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, or Allahu Akbar calm the mind. Regular prayer is also equally invaluable. Also, prayer gives you a focused mindset to think about Allah, as well as leaves everything else that may be bothering you behind.
Islam encourages the inhibition of emotional expression.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged the control of anger when he said, “The strong man is not the man who wrestles, but the one who controls his anger.” Hence, strength is better identified by how controlled we are by our emotions.
Islam encourages patience as one of those human qualities. Life has many trials, but patience gives us the power. During those times of frustration, we stop, wait, and then breathe, think, and trust the plan of Allah.
Psychology: Islam promotes mental toughness
Modern psychology recognizes that emotional intelligence helps individuals succeed in life. Emotional intelligence comprises understanding your feelings and managing them. This is consistent with what Islam has been teaching.
Muslims develop their mental toughness through prayer, patience, and reflection, a process that enables Muslims to manage distress. Mental toughness also helps people to be kind and calm. In general, Islam conditions the mind to control and maintain focus, as well as balance.
Hope Is a Gift in Islam
Islam is never despondent. Islam does not leave someone in despair, even when the person sins. It offers hope. The Qur’an even says, “Despair not of the mercy of Allah.” (39:53)
This Qur’anic verse encourages people in sadness or guilt. It tells them to try again. In psychology, it has been identified that hope is important in mental recovery. In Islam, that hope is derived from forgiveness and mercy.
The Power of Positive Thinking
Islam instructs its believers to think well about Allah and one another, which is known as husn al-dhann. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Think good and you will find good.”
This teaches that your perceptions create your reality. When you are expecting good, you feel good as well. When you think positively, you find peace. You also treat people differently, in a good and positive way.
Forgiveness Heals the Soul
Islam instructs us to possess forgiveness toward others. Forgiveness is not only for the other person; it also frees your own heart. Forgiveness takes away pain and hurt. Forgiveness takes away anger. So,this can liberate the mind from the purity of the heart.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) demonstrated his ability to forgive those who wronged him. He taught us that it is possible to show kindness regardless of what is happening to you, even in suffering. Accordingly, we can move away from it. Additionally, psychology is telling us that forgiveness can enhance emotional health.
Gratitude Creates Inner Peace
Gratitude is important in Islam. Muslims say Alhamdulillah during good and bad times. The Qur’an says, Good and bad times, ‘If you are grateful, I will give you more” (14:7)
Gratitude helps you shift your focus. Instead of looking at what you don’t have, you feel joy for what you do have. Psychologists say that grateful people are happier. Hence, Islam teaches that gratitude is a daily practice.
Psychology: Daily Practices Shape Mental Health
Islam practices daily good practices. Sleep early, eat cleanly, and pray regularly. Each of these shapes the brain; psychologists agree. A daily routine helps keep the mind strong.
Even simple habits like smiling or greeting others help create a positive mood. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Smiling is charity.” Simple habits reduce stress and increase happiness.
Tawakkul: Have Faith in the Process
In Islam, tawakkul is putting faith in Allah while doing your best efforts. Tawakkul gives balance in life. You put in whatever time and personal effort you can put in, and then leave the output to Allah.
This is a huge relief for the mind. You stop worrying about things that you cannot control. Psychologists call this letting go.
Avoiding Envy and Jealousy
Islam cautions against envy. Jealousy burns the heart and destroys relationships. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Beware of envy, it eats away your good deeds.”
Social media causes regular comparisons. Islam teaches us the opposite. It says, forget about others and focus on our blessings. Psychology suggests that comparison leads to sadness, and happiness comes from contentment.
Helping Others Increases Your Hope
Charity is not only from the rich to the poor and the unfortunate. Helping others helps the one giving as well. Islam says giving creates barakah (blessing).
You feel useful. You feel generous and kind. That lifts your mood. Psychology backs this up. Helping others increases happiness levels while minimizing depression. Islam wants us to create these habits every day.
Balance Between Body and Mind
Islam does not neglect the body. Cleanliness, exercise, and sleep are faith-based actions. A healthy body leads to a healthy mind.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged walking, swimming, and building strength. Islam champions eating in moderation. These habits also impact the mind. Psychology takes the same stance that the body and mind are related.
Conclusion
Islam is rich in psychological wisdom. It shows you how to think, feel, and live relatively balanced. So, from gratitude to forgiveness, from prayer to patience, Islam has provided some healing tools for the mind.
Psychology and Islam do overlap in many ways. Both show that peace comes from inside. Both recognize that feelings present as emotions are important. And both show a way to live calmly and kindly.
If you feel lost or sad/tired/low, try to apply some of these recommendations. Hence, your mind will thank you. Your heart will heal. And your soul will find strength.
