Psychologists, sociologists, and Islamic scholars have linked psychological crises to distancing oneself from Allah, the prevalence of materialistic perspectives, the negative effects of globalization, the absence of family guidance and psychological counseling, and the suppression of positive freedom within societies and some families. They emphasized to Al-Mujtama that self-awareness, awareness of the world, righteousness, a nurturing family environment, and the spread of responsible freedom are key pillars in addressing the widespread mental health issues—even in the most affluent countries.
Dr. Wasfi Ashour Abu Zaid, a professor of Islamic objectives of Sharia and a member of the Board of Trustees of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, attributes psychological crises to numerous factors, including overwhelming events that ordinary individuals cannot endure, as well as personal circumstances and hardships that vary from person to person depending on their situations and life contexts. In affluent countries, however, these crises stem from the decline of the spiritual and faith-based aspects that protect individuals from deviation and deterioration, ensuring their psychological balance and stability.
Speaking to Al-Mujtama, he explained that acts of worship—including major rituals, voluntary prayers, recitation of the Quran, remembrance of Allah, supplication, repentance, and seeking forgiveness—serve as shields against psychological crises. Additionally, associating with righteous and mentally stable individuals significantly contributes to maintaining one's psychological well-being.
Dr. Abu Zaid believes that sincerity with Allah is the gateway to psychological stability, stating: "If we are truthful with Allah, our souls will remain steadfast and will neither deviate nor suffer crises." He referenced the verse: "Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer—We will surely cause them to live a good life." (An-Nahl: 97)
Similarly, Dr. Mahmoud Al-Qalaawi, a member of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, asserts that faith and righteousness are crucial in combating psychological crises, which are more prevalent in the West despite their advancements, while the East faces different forms of crises.
He adds that faith grants inner peace and spiritual tranquility, shielding individuals from negative thoughts, anxieties, and various mental disorders. He cited the Quranic verses: "O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient." (Al-Baqarah: 153), "And We already know that your breast is constrained by what they say. So exalt [Allah] with praise of your Lord and be of those who prostrate [to Him]. And worship your Lord until there comes to you the certainty (death)." (Al-Hijr: 97-99)
He also referenced the hadith narrated by Abu Huraira and Abu Sa'id: "Never a believer is stricken with discomfort, hardship or illness, grief or even with mental worry that his sins are not expiated for him."
Theories and Solutions
Dr. Marwa Ayad, a family relations consultant and positive parenting educator, expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of mental disorders worldwide, particularly depression. She explained that various theories attempt to interpret mental illness, some attributing it to an individual's capabilities and the challenges they face, leading to chronic stress that drains them psychologically and exposes them to illness. The rapid pace of the world, excessive ambitions, and numerous goals have exacerbated this issue.
Other theories suggest that mental disorders stem from a distorted self-image regarding competence, acceptance, and control. This raises the question: How does the world provide individuals with acceptance, control, and competence in managing their affairs? The answer lies in the dominance of materialism, where success is measured by wealth, power, and fame. Consequently, achieving a positive self-image amidst these three dimensions has become increasingly difficult, surrounded by obstacles and challenges that lead to severe stress and mental illness.
Dr. Ayad also highlighted the role of childhood upbringing in the development of mental disorders, particularly among children and adolescents. She noted that psychiatric clinics have recently been filled with young patients from all social, cultural, and educational backgrounds, often struggling with relationships with their parents or peers and daily life challenges. This phenomenon, termed "lack of resilience," stems from "overprotection," where parents shield their children from sufficient challenges, preventing them from developing problem-solving skills and resilience. In other cases, it results from another parenting style known as "authoritarianism" or "control," which destroys the secure relationship between the child and their parents. This can lead the child to either completely submit to everything presented to them—whether right or wrong—or to rebel against all the values and principles of their family, ultimately creating internal conflicts that contribute to psychological distress.
She further pointed out that globalization and materialistic distractions have diminished the role of the natural nurturing environment—the family—as a source of security and psychological support, increasing vulnerability to mental illness due to the lack of early intervention.
Dr. Ayad proposed a four-step approach to treating psychological crises, beginning with awareness, which she considers the most crucial stage of both prevention and treatment. This includes self-awareness, awareness of societal influences, and understanding one's role and impact. The second step is accepting mistakes and focusing on effort rather than results, instilling this mindset in children from an early age to help them develop resilience in the face of life's challenges.
She emphasized that providing a safe environment within families and communities—free from direct threats—along with meeting individuals' basic needs, helps mitigate mental health issues. Improving family relationships serves as a safeguard against mental illnesses and a source of support during crises.
Loss of Security
Social and family consultant Manal Khadr highlighted internal and external factors contributing to the rise of mental disorders. Among the most significant are constant exposure to oppression, injustice, and insecurity, coupled with widespread violence, bloodshed, and attempts to reintroduce forms of enslavement by restricting freedom, suppressing opinions, and crushing dreams and aspirations for a hopeful future.
She further pointed out that personal factors contributing to mental illness include childhood upbringing, lack of emotional warmth, unmet needs, and an unhealthy family environment devoid of positive role models and security. Additionally, negative peer influences—whether through corrupt or harmful friendships—play a significant role.
Khadr emphasized that addressing mental health requires a holistic approach that treats humans as both body and soul. This involves proper physical care alongside spiritual nourishment, reconnecting individuals with Allah, and revitalizing the role of religious, academic, and cultural institutions. Encouraging religious practices and promoting positive freedom are essential solutions, as she asserts that "slaves do not create, innovate, or find happiness—they suffer under pressure and ultimately succumb to illness." She added that the more freedom an individual has, the happier, more creative, and more productive they become, channeling their energy into constructive pursuits.
She concluded by stressing that achieving security and stability—both within the family and on a national level—is one of the three essential factors for maintaining mental well-being. She cited the hadith of the Prophet ﷺ: "Whosoever begins the day feeling family security and good health; and possessing provision for his day is as though he possesed the whole world." She further highlighted that fulfilling basic human needs is a crucial element in treating mental disorders, questioning: "How can someone who cannot feed themselves or their children, afford medical care, or secure a home be expected to live without mental illness?"
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