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Throughout this book we have tried to objectively present and even-handedly discuss many issues related to religion that are highly sensitive in the Muslim world. We make no attempt to judge a religion here, but simply examine and compare what has been discovered from systematic research studies, while interpreting these findings from different perspectives.
Religious beliefs, practices, and values are central to how most Muslims organise and live their lives, and will invariably influence their mental health in one way or another. Self-esteem is very important to Muslims, and living according to Islamic teachings can enhance self-esteem since those teachings stress the equality of all humans, the important role that each person serves, and that second chances are available to everyone. Knowing about these connections is essential for mental health professionals who provide whole person care to Muslim clients. There are many sayings in the Qur’an (considered to be the Word of God) and Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) that relate to mental health and may either enhance mental health or increase symptoms of illness if not understood and interpreted correctly.
Most of the research systematically reviewed in this book suggests that Muslims have similar overall mental health compared to those affiliated with other religious traditions or no affiliation, particularly when socioeconomic and environmental factors are taken into account. Furthermore, research shows that greater religiosity in Muslims is related to less depression, less anxiety, lower suicide, less substance use/abuse, greater well-being (in most studies), and helps those with severe chronic mental illness cope better with psychotic symptoms. All nine randomised clinical trials (100%) show that reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms compared to conventional secular treatments or control conditions.
There is no question that the beliefs, practices, and values of this religion have tremendous power to produce hope and healing. At the same time, the misunderstanding of Islamic beliefs and teachings may also adversely affect mental health in various ways. While the Qur’an and Hadith provide a high bar for Muslims to live up to, this religion teaches that there are no perfect humans and that mistakes will invariably be made. The God of Islam is tremendously merciful and strives to forgive his people when they make mistakes. However, Muslims believe that God also wants them to learn from their mistakes and not keep repeating them. Islam teaches that only by following the Divine will and doing good in this world can Muslims live full, complete, and meaningful lives, both in this world and the next.
Given the importance of religion to most Muslims and its relationship to mental health, we made a number of suggestions for treating Muslim clients that mental health professionals should consider. These include taking a detailed spiritual history, providing an environment that is welcoming to Muslim clients, educating them about what early Islamic scholars have said about the seeking of health care, and in some cases, utilising religious beliefs as a resource for healing by integrating them into therapy. Because of the powerful effects that Islamic beliefs and teachings can have on enhancing mental health and self-esteem, their misunderstanding can have the opposite effect. Therapists may be called on to help Muslim clients work through some of those misunderstandings, and resources on how to accomplish that have been provided here.