By Amreen Pathan

Why is spirituality so important in reducing stress, anxiety and depression?

A buzzword

In recent years, spirituality has become a bit of a buzzword. In 2017, 27% of adults in the US identified as spiritual, though not religious. A You Gov poll in 2016 highlighted that 20% of adults in the UK believed in some sort of spiritual force in place of God.

If we separate a spiritual identity from its religious counterpart, then spirituality can be explained as:

1. Encompassing altruistic values such as empathy, compassion and love
2. Attuned to mental and emotional states as much as (if not more than) physical states.
3. All the inhabitants of this world are connected with a greater purpose: the meaning of life.

Islamic spirituality is no different of course, save for one core belief. The spiritual force is Almighty Allah and the greater purpose is His ultimate pleasure. A Muslim’s spiritual identify therefore is clearly intertwined with their religious one – not at odds with each other – but working in unison to help a person reach the peaks of existential contentment.

Islamic spirituality

OK, so what do we know? What is Islamic spirituality about?

• Islamic spirituality is about one’s relationship with Allah (SWT).

Why is this relationship important?

• This relationship is important because it impacts an individual’s sense of self-awareness and kinship with others.

What is this relationship comprised of?

• This relationship is comprised of firstly, ‘Shari’ah (conceptual knowledge) and secondly, ‘Tariqa’ (experiential knowledge). This is a combination of: beliefs in Almighty Allah, knowledge, rituals, remembrance and behaviours.

How can this relationship be developed?

• This relationship can be developed via the framework modelled by the Prophet (pbuh) and reflecting on the impact of Tawhid (Oneness and Divinity of Allah) on all aspects of one’s life.

What is the quintessential goal?

• The quintessential goal is ‘Ma’rifa’ (spiritual consciousness) – to be touched by these Divine Qualities through the realisation and acquirement of those values epitomised by the Noble Prophet (pbuh).

Mental health

The biggest question here is: how can spirituality reduce stress, anxiety and depression?

We could discuss this issue from an elaborately philosophical perspective but I would really like for us to focus on the simplicity of the framework that Islam presents to us.

Spirituality begins with the issue of existence and the temporary nature of this world. This requires a type of intelligence which facilitates a person’s ability to process the world around them and discover meaning and significance. Historian, philosopher, jurist and theologian of Andalusian nationality, Ibn Hazm, commented on the loss and uncertainty that the contemplation of this could induce. To combat this loss he explains:

“…one must recognise that true purpose lies only in working for the hereafter [which is eternal]. This is because at the end of all your…aspirations…is the eventuality of Huzn (grief)…”

In my introduction, I mentioned the connection between Islam and spirituality. Leading researcher in the field of positive psychology Dr Robert Emmons, also promotes a strong relationship between faith and spirituality. Just as an example, he comments on the impossibility of Christians cultivating gratitude ‘without an awareness of God’s Grace.’

This shares the Islamic point of view. A belief in God is essential in order to attribute positive meanings to everything around us. Consider the changing colours of the trees in autumn. In Islam, everything points to the existence of Allah (SWT). A Muslim might then see the changing colours as a reflection of the diversity in humankind that Allah (SWT) has so intricately created. Or they might consider the temporal nature of existence and that everything truly belongs to Allah (SWT).

Without belief in Allah (SWT) however, there is a danger of interpreting such signs at lower or false spiritual levels.  They may deny the existence of God altogether for example, or extract bogus meanings.

By attributing meaning to Allah (SWT), an individual is able to manage expectations: suffering exists but so does solace and both come from Allah (SWT).

A spiritual kit for managing stress and depression

1. Recognise that suffering exists

World poverty, child hunger, genocides, systematic oppression, natural disasters, gender inequality, race inequality, education inequality, and so on. The beings most beloved to Allah (SWT), Prophets and Messengers – may peace and blessing be upon them – suffered immensely in their sacrifice to uphold and spread Deen (religion). Civil rights and suffrage campaigners, Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, Emily Davison… all suffered for the right to equality. Individuals and communities continue to suffer today. We all have stories of suffering and personal sacrifices that we do not share with others.

Contemplate on the results of this public and personal sacrifices. What did they lead to? All have/had an end goal and such experiences offer opportunity for change, growth and gratitude. For example: we can work to alleviate other’s sufferings or strive for a purer life by committing to better deeds and righting our intentions. We can seek forgiveness from Allah and strengthen our communication with Him by talking about worries and pains. It can teach us to be grateful about what we have and focus on the positives rather than the negatives.

“And remember when your Lord proclaimed, “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favour]…” (14:7)

In layman’s terms, the more an individual focuses on what they have in life, the more they will attract. The more grateful one becomes, the more Allah (SWT) will bless them.

• Maintaining an Islamic routine:

“And seek help through patience and prayer..” (2:45)

Our five Salaah (prayers) a day can serve as anchors whereby our only worry is giving ourselves to Allah (SWT). By default, we are leaving all our other concerns in the hands of Allah (SWT). This sentiment is reflected in the physical act of lowering one’s head to the ground. In prostration, an individual is physically humbled and serves as a manifestation of humbly leaving uncontrollable occurrences and happenings in the hands of Allah (SWT). 

The five daily prayers also allow Muslims to establish a routine in the day. Routine itself is important in vanquishing the stress demons as psychologists and researchers continue to ‘reveal’ because of the level of control it permits an individual to assert over their day. This routine should consist not only of prayers, but also of family time, relaxation and exercise – all of which are important concepts in Islam.

Remember that routine and rules come under the first pathway to spirituality as mentioned earlier: Shari’ah or conceptual knowledge and its application of it. You can read more about this here.

• Knowing Allah.

Anas ibn Malik reported: A man said, “O Messenger of Allah, should I tie my camel and trust in Allah, or should I leave her untied and trust in Allah?” The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Tie her and trust in Allah.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Islamic spirituality offers a beautiful balance in understanding control and destiny. When things do not go our away, this can provoke stress and anxiety. The above Hadith reminds us that whilst we should exert as much effort as possible, if things do not go our way it is because Allah (SWT) has another plan. This should help the individual find satisfaction knowing that ‘the camel has been tied’ but also solace in trusting that Allah’s plan is better.

• Loving Allah

This sounds like it belongs to the emotional matters of the heart but it is practical too.

We tend to form attachments with people if they show us even a bit of care and affection. We grow to love them if this relationship is maintained.

If we acknowledge what Allah (SWT) does for us, then we will grow to love Allah (SWT) too. It is easy to say we love Allah (SWT) but what does this look like in practice?

We will love for the sake of Allah and we will disassociate for the sake of Allah. What Allah likes, we like. What Allah hates, we hate. This is exemplified in this following Hadith:

“Verily the strongest handhold of faith is that you love for the sake of Allah and that you hate for the sake of Allah.” (Ahmad)

When a Muslim sins, there are so many side effects of this just like a physical illness. One of these side effects is that the heart becomes harder and blacker. We may not be able to see this physically but it can be felt in the emptiness and unease it brings emotionally and mentally.

By committing to the above Hadith, an individuals’ level of obedience will increase and their level of disobedience will decrease. They will stay away from the things Allah  (SWT) hates and will be drawn to the things He loves thereby furthering his entry into the second pathway of spirituality (Tariqa: experiential).

It is impossible to see how such nearness to Allah (SWT) cannot bring about peace and contentment to a mind burdened with stress and anxiety.

Disclaimer

Medicinal and psychological forms of relief can and should be sought to address mental health issues. Islam advocates for this as I addressed in my previous article on mental health.

The point of this article therefore is to address the importance of spirituality in a Muslim’s life and adopting a multi-faceted approach that embraces spirituality to manage anxiety and depression.

How has spirituality impacted you in your own mental health journey? Can spirituality be disassociated from religion and vice versa? Share and comment below. I would love to hear your thoughts.
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