Meditation or Medication?
By Yerusalem Work
Sept/Oct 2023
Muslims believe that God tests whom He loves. We remind ourselves of this when we get a biopsy report or radiology results. However, what happens when someone is diagnosed with a mental health condition? Do we process it in the same way? Or do we brush it aside?
Even though Muslims believe that God provides the cure to any disease, they are also taught to “tie your camel and trust God.” Even if someone considers their relationship with Allah as more important than a patient and provider, the latter should not be ignored either. Muslims do not have to choose either medical or spiritual healing. They can get the best of both.
Mindfulness
For effective healing, one must get to the root of the clinical condition. Muslims believe they are created to worship God. Prayers bring us closer to the Creator. We are dependent on Him. He is free of need. It is through His power that we find a cure or a way to manage our symptoms. It is through His power that medications are effective.
The Prophet Muhammad, (salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) recommended the benefits of practicing small but consistent good deeds. Taking medication regularly and on time is a sign of discipline. Avoiding anything that may harm us, like drugs or alcohol, is an important step in the right direction too. People with mental health conditions may find solace in committing to routine exercise and peace in jotting thoughts in a gratitude journal.
They can work toward longevity through incorporating excellent nutrition on a daily basis. If Muslims truly follow the sunnah and fill one-third of their stomach with good food, one-third with water, and one-third with air, they can prevent many illnesses. Rest is valuable too. The Muslim way of life includes structure and time management through five daily prayers. It offers guidance in terms of when to pray and how to physically and spiritually cleanse ourselves each day. Islam helps us stay afloat in an ocean of nonstop activity.
Meditation
“Verily, in the remembrance of God, hearts find rest.” ( Quran 13:28)
Meditation should lead us closer to God, Who is in control of it all. Treatment that focuses on physical symptoms and not spiritual sources to genuine problems is incomplete. Behavior does not solely depend on signals from neurotransmitters. Muslims trust science, but believe science alone is not enough. To reach the summit of knowledge, we need faith too. We need an awakening. Islam is an enlightenment. It is the highest height. So, when in our lowest lows, we ought to reach for the rope of God, the Quran. We must hold onto the pearls of wisdom and hope in the Quran and the Hadith. God revealed verses about our soul’s meditation or our mind’s thoughtfulness, (tafakkur) for those who reflect on the design of creation.
˹They are those who remember God while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth ˹and pray˺, “Our Lord! You have not created ˹all of˺ this without purpose. Glory be to You! Protect us from the torment of the Fire (Quran 3:191)
When battling depression, mania, anxiety, psychosis, or another psychological disorder, be sure to seek professional help. But as Muslims, also remember to arm yourself with revelation and meditation. You can meditate on a verse from the Quran, repeat phrases for the purpose of dhikr (remembrance), or hold onto an image that invites peace, for example, a sunset. As a practicing Muslim, one should never feel alone.
Medication
“Mental health issues cannot be ignored and the stigma of seeking professional help, which exists in our community, should be addressed by its leaders,” said Imam Naeem Baig of Dar Al Hijrah in Falls Church, Va. The community needs more of such top-down thinking, beginning with leadership and moving toward the general population. If people go to see a medical professional for a broken leg or high blood pressure, they should not hesitate to be seen for mental issues too.
Aneesa Abdus Salaam is one of the mentors in The Shahadah Sisterhood Group based in Washington, D.C. “Prayer is the key, however Allah has blessed medical doctors with the knowledge of how to diagnose diseases and manage symptoms,” she said. “Yes, Allah is the One who Heals. But being under professional medical care is also wise for a Muslim.”
This shows that mental health needs to be addressed in the Muslim community properly and consistently. One khutbah in a blue moon is not enough. The African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together” is apt for this situation. No one should struggle with mental illness alone.
However, the Muslim community is not a monolith. Through interviews with Muslim brothers and sisters, we can see different approaches to overcoming challenges with mental illness.
“Taking medicine is a big drama,” said Hammad*. “Instead of relying on doctors and medicine, rely on faith and education. You have to be strong enough to trust yourself and your strengths. If you have belief in your heart, you will not experience depression. If you have faith, you will not contemplate suicide.” He also believes that men are less likely to see a therapist, and that is why they should be equipped with tools from our faith. Hammad* is not alone. There are some other Muslims who feel the same way.
Meaningful Conversations
Mosques and Islamic centers need to invest time and funding to have meaningful conversations about the journey toward mental health. From symptoms to outcomes, from hospitalization to housing, there is still a long way to go. Some may crawl. Some may walk. Some may cry. Some may sulk. The goal is to heal together. Muslims are commanded to rejoice, to be thankful for His bounty, and to smile. Ask yourself where you find joy. If you find it in the pages of the Quran and the words of the Prophet, you will be trying your best to work on God’s Promise.
“Thoughts turn into feelings and subsequently lead to actions,” said Asumini Kasule, Youth and Parenting Coach in Maryland. “It is important not to ruminate over every thought that comes to your mind. Let them pass like clouds. If you focus on thoughts of fear, for instance, you can give rise to anxiety. The cognitive process begins with our unconscious mind which records our thoughts in the moment. The simple truth is you can often help manage anxiety by changing your thought pattern.”
Asumini hopes many more people of faith will step up to study psychology and serve in ways that benefit wide, diverse audiences. Mental health professionals can help steer us in the right direction if we’re honest about our goals. Do not be ashamed to ask for the help you deserve. Be proactive with taking care of mental health. Reach out to a professional if needed.
She urges Muslims to remind themselves that only God is in control of the future. “Rely on trusted professionals, and praise God for His wisdom in sending them your way.”
Yerusalem Work has a heart for interfaith dialogue. She is an award-winning essayist and bestselling author of poetry and short stories available on Amazon. She earned a master’s degree in library science and a bachelor’s degree in film studies. As an Ethiopian-American artist, educator, and librarian, she wishes everyone compassion and endless inspiration.
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