Islam - Introduction

With 1.6 billion adherents, Islam is the second largest religion making up 23.4% of the world’s population in 2010 (Pew Research Centre, 2011). Based on current birth rates, Islam is projected to increase to 29.7% of the world’s population in 2050, to 32.3% in 2070 (equalling the percentage Christian), and to 34.9% by 2100 (exceeding the percentage of Christian, which at that time will be 33.8%) (Pew Research Centre, 2015). This makes Islam the world’s fastest growing religion, increasing at a rate of 1.5% per year (double that of non-Muslims). Less than one quarter of the world’s Muslim population live in the Middle East and Northern Africa, whereas nearly two-thirds live in the Asia-Pacific region (particularly Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh). Only 0.3% of Muslims live in the Americas, although this amounts to over 5 million people, a number expected to exceed 10 million by 2030.

In this small book, we examine the prevalence of mental disorder among Muslims, briefly review the historical development of Islam, and then concisely describe Islamic beliefs, practices, and values. Based on those, we speculate on the relationship between religion and mental health in Muslims, hypothesising both positive and negative effects that Islam may have on mental health. This is then followed by a systematic review of quantitative research on religiosity and mental health in Muslims (along with a comparison of mental health in Muslims and non-Muslims) in order to put those speculations to the test. Original research from worldwide datasets is presented here for the first time. Finally, we make suggestions for mental health professionals on how to apply these research findings to clinical practice when treating Muslim clients. Each chapter ends with an easy to read summary of take-home points (“conclusions”).

The primary audience for this book is mental health professionals and clergy who are called upon to help Muslims dealt with emotional and other mental health problems. However, given the careful attention to documentation, emphasis on research, and report of original research results, investigators who conduct studies in Muslim populations, as well as healthcare systems that provide services to Muslim patients, will also find this volume useful. Finally, lay Muslims more generally will discover that the information contained here may be both enlightening and faith enhancing.