Legacies: Islamic Contributions to Mental Health

When you think of the word ‘legacy’, what comes to mind? For some, a legacy may be a tangible object like an heirloom, and for others, a legacy can be more abstract and may take the form of values and stories. So, even though the definition of ‘legacy’ varies, a commonality amongst these definitions lies in the fact that a legacy is something that is passed down to us, and it is something that we pass down to those who come after us. In many ways, a legacy is like a seed we plant that continues to grow over time.

That being said, it is important for us to identify and acknowledge the legacies that have been passed down to us, and the impact that they can have. In thinking about the Muslim community, it can be argued that one notable contribution from the Muslim community involves the field of mental health [1]. To understand mental health, it is necessary to recognize the intersectionality that plays a role in causing individuals in the Muslim community to experience stigma related to labelling and treating mental health conditions [2]. Despite this stigma, Muslims have played a significant role in furthering our understanding of the mental health field. This, unfortunately, seems to be a lesser-known fact.

The history of mental health in medicine can be traced back to as early as the 8th century, when Islamic civilizations pioneered the concept of the Bimaristan [3]. The Bimaristan were health asylums that preceded the creation of the modern-day hospital [4]. Although other facilities for the ill did exist at this time, they were not nearly as organized and well-thought out as the Bimaristan [3]. More specifically, the Bimaristan were organized in a way that dedicated separate wards to different types of illnesses and needs such as surgery or orthopedics [3]. However, of particular note is the fact that these Bimaristan had a ward specifically dedicated to mental illness, a concept which can now be seen as revolutionary [3].

One noteworthy fact within this history is the story of Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi who was a physician credited with acknowledging the complexities associated with the interconnectedness of mental health and physical health [1]. More specifically, al-Razi directed one of the first documented hospitals in Baghdad, during which he used values of compassion and hope to guide his practice [1]. Furthermore, al-Razi helped differentiate various types of mental illnesses and incorporated the concept of psychotherapy to support patients with mental health concerns. He also created a patient discharge system which involved providing patients with money to help them transition back into their lives, a concept which resembles modern day psychiatric aftercare [1]. Hence, al-Razi made significant contributions to the field of medicine, particularly in the areas of mental health, a topic which was seldom understood during this time [1].

Coming back to today, we are currently living in a time of unprecedented rates of mental health concerns, many of which are a result of the psychological impact that COVID-19 had on the world [5]. But today, we have mental health specialists, mental health-focused institutions, and a variety of evidencebased interventions that can be used to support those who are struggling. While there continues to remain room for growth within the field of mental health, early progress in this discipline can be credited to Islamic civilizations [3].

Hence, the Muslim community has played a consequential role in our understanding of mental health concerns, and in subsequent interventions. While the early contributors to this field are not able to see the long-term impacts of their work, they have left behind a legacy nonetheless. They paved the way for us by planting the seeds. Over time, their work has continued to blossom and now it is up to us to take the legacy we have been given, to further its growth, and to continue to pass it down to future generations. Time is fleeting, but it can be argued that we have to use the time we are given to engage in meaningful and impactful work. So, I ask you once again, when you think of the word ‘legacy’, what comes to mind?

1. Yilanli M. Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi and the First Psychiatric Ward. American Journal of Psychiatry Residents’ Journal. 2018 Sep;13(9):11.

2. Ciftci A, Jones N, Corrigan PW. Mental Health Stigma in the Muslim Community. Journal of Muslim Mental Health [Internet]. 2012;7(1). Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/2027/spo.10381607.0007.102

3. Tschanz DW. The Islamic Roots of the Modern Hospital. AramcoWorld. 2017;68(2):22–7.

4. Maristan [Internet]. [cited 2023 Oct 24]. The History of Maristans. Available from: https://maristan.org/our-story

2021 Jan 1;11(1). Available from: http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/11/1/e042871.abstract

5. Anne C Gadermann, Kimberly C Thomson, Chris G Richardson, Monique Gagné, Corey McAuliffe, Saima Hirani, et al. Examining the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on family mental health in Canada: findings from a national cross-sectional study. BMJ Open [Internet].