Common Myths About Mental Health in the Muslim Community

By: Dr. Muqaddas Sarwar, Ph.D

Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects everything from how we think, feel, and act to how we handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Mental health is just as important as physical or spiritual health, because in many ways, it directly impacts both. There are so many factors that impact the development of mental health problems, but they can usually be split into two categories: biological factors and environmental factors. Biological factors include genes, family history, hormonal changes, and brain chemistry. Environmental factors encompass everything else: trauma, family experiences, excessive stress, abuse, etc. Mental health problems can start at any age and occur in both men and women.

In the Muslim community, mental health is often not discussed as openly as it needs to be, and because of this, many Muslims are silently struggling with mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. As a therapist, I have seen these struggles first-hand and I see how damaging these conditions can be when they go untreated. I work with many adolescents and young adults who struggle with mental health problems but never felt like they could talk about their problems with their family or in their community. This is mainly because of the stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental health in the Muslim community. The first step to reversing this stigma is to talk about mental health and increase our own awareness. There are many common myths about mental health and I hope that reading this article will help change these beliefs.

Myth Number 1: Mental health problems are a sign of “weak Iman”

This myth is unfortunately one that I hear too often in our community. I strongly believe that having Iman and Taqwa are essential to our spiritual and mental health, but this does not mean that mental health problems are a sign of weak Iman. As mentioned previously, mental health problems are caused by both biological and environmental factors, the same way physical illnesses such as diabetes or blood pressure are. Just as we would never tell someone that their physical health problems are caused by weak Iman, we should not tell people that their mental health problems are caused by weak Iman. There is no denying the power of salah and du’a in Islam, but these should be done in addition to seeking proper mental health treatment. Just as you would see a physician for a physical illness such as a broken arm or heart condition, you should see a psychologist or psychiatrist for mental health problems. The Prophet SAW said, “There is no disease that Allah has created, except that He also has created its treatment,” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, 5678). As this hadith states, Allah has created a treatment for every disease, including diseases of the mind, which tells us that we should seek treatment from them in addition to making du’a for recovery. Many of us are also familiar with the famous hadith narrated by Anas bin Malik, in which the Prophet SAW noticed a Bedouin leaving his camel without tying it. He asked the Bedouin, “Why don’t you tie down your camel?” The Bedouin answered, “I put my trust in Allah.” The Prophet SAW then said, “Tie your camel first, then put your trust in Allah,” (Tirmidhi, 2517). 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 SAW said, “Tie her and trust in Allah,” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 2517).

Similarly, when it comes to our mental health, we need to tie our camel by seeking treatment and then trust in Allah and make du’a for our recovery.

Myth Number 2: Mental health problems are a “punishment” from Allah

This myth is just as inaccurate and harmful as the previous one. As Muslims, we recognize that everything—the good and the bad—comes from Allah and happens with His permission. However, it is not our place to speculate what is and is not a punishment from Allah. The Prophet SAW himself experienced a period of sadness in the Year of Sorrow, after experiencing multiple tribulations, including the devastating losses of his wife Khadjiah and uncle Abu Talib and an extended period time without revelation. Yet, we know that this was not a punishment from Allah, as stated in Surah Ad-Duha, verse 3: “Your Lord has not abandoned you, nor has He become hateful of you.” The Prophet SAW experienced sadness, grief, and fear, just as all humans do. These emotions are neither a sign of weak Iman, nor can we say that they are a punishment from Allah.

Myth Number 3: Talking to an Imam or scholar about your mental health concerns is sufficient

While our religious leaders, scholars, and Imams may have extensive knowledge about Islam, many of them are not licensed mental health providers. This means that although they can give us helpful advice from an Islamic perspective about our life circumstances, they are not qualified to treat mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or substance use. Allah SWT says in the Qur’an, “Ask the people of knowledge if you do not know,” (An-Nahl 16:43). Just as you would go to a mechanic for help with your car or your physician for treatment for your heart condition, you need to go to professionals for advice and treatment about mental health problems.

Mental health problems are incredibly common and rates of mental disorders among Muslims have increased in recent years in the U.S. Even if you have never personally experienced mental health problems, you likely know someone who has. It is important for all of us to be aware of harmful myths about mental health as well as next steps for helping those who may be struggling with these problems.