From an Islamic point of view, how does one deal with mental health issues such as depression etc. ?

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

Sister in Islam,

We commend you on your concern and sympathy for your friend. We make Dua Allah Ta’ala grant your friend complete Shifa. Aameen.

We advise that you explain to your friend, as Muslims, we are required to believe that every condition we are confronted with in our lives is from Allah Ta’ala alone, whether it is good or otherwise. Allah Ta’ala being our Creator knows what is best for us. The sickness that your friend has been afflicted with is ultimately by the will of Allah Ta’ala. As His creation, we have no power to change that which Allah Ta’ala has decreed for us.

Furthermore, we advise her to seek appropriate medical help with a doctor who may guide her to a therapists.

Above all, she should turn to Allah with Dua, Zikr and Salah and beg Allah Ta’ala to change her situation. At the same time exercise patience and make her situation a reason to draw from the bounties of Allah Ta’ala and attain closeness to Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala mentions in the Holy Quran:

إِنَّمَا يُوَفَّى الصَّابِرُونَ أَجْرَهُمْ بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ (سورة الزمر: 10)

Translation: “Certainly those who observe patience will be given their reward in full without measure.”(Surah Az-Zumar: 10)

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاةِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ  (سورة البقرة: 153)

Translation: “O you who believe, seek help through patience and prayer. Surely, Allah is with those who are patient.” (Surah Al-Baqara: 153)

We also advise you to obtain a copy of Qaseedah Burdah by my honourable teacher, Mufti Ebrahim Desai Saheb (Hafizahullah) and present it to her as a gift, for spiritual revival and motivation during these trying times. She may also listen to it here.

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.

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