The Islamic Legacy of Mental Health

In many of our Tuesday programs, we've touched on the topic of mental health in different ways-but today is different. Today is special. Not because this issue is new or sudden, but because we're finally beginning to acknowledge something we've long ignored: Muslims need mental health care too.

For the longest time, many in our communities-perhaps even most-didn't see mental health as a real concern. It was dismissed as something "Western," exaggerated, or irrelevant to Muslims. For some, it was reduced to a lack of faith. For others, it was invisible altogether. But now, slowly and surely, we're waking up to a simple truth: Muslims suffer from depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, addiction, and suicidal thoughts-just like everyone else.

From OB-GYN to Psychiatry: A Journey Sparked by Need

Dr. Rania Awaad, now a leader in Islamic mental health, shared her own story of transformation. Initially set on a career in obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN), her letters of recommendation reflected that goal. Even her residency interviews questioned her intent-was she really pursuing psychiatry or just taking a detour?

The truth? She hadn't even considered psychiatry. Not because of disinterest, but because like many Muslims, she didn't think our community needed it. The stigma was deeply internalized. But everything changed one night during a teaching session in Northern California.

A student had what is now understood to be a psychotic break-hallucinations, paranoia, and complete disconnection from reality. No one recognized the signs. No one knew what to do. Qur'an was read, rukya was performed, and prayers were made-important spiritual responses, yes-but no one considered a medical emergency. That night, her husband called a trusted community member who finally named it: this is a mental health crisis and she needs psychiatric care.

That moment cracked open a door. Dr. Awaad realized she had answers for fiqh, theology, and community questions-but no training for this kind of pain. And it wasn't an isolated case.

The Roots of Islamic Psychology

This prompted her to ask a bold question during her research fellowship at Stanford: What did early Muslims actually say about mental health?

The journey took her through ancient manuscripts in medicine, spirituality, philosophy, and beyond. What she found was astounding: early Muslim scholars, physicians, and thinkers had a rich, nuanced, and holistic understanding of mental health, well ahead of their time.

They wrote about the nafs (self), classified mental disorders, proposed treatments, and discussed the psychological impact of trauma, faith, and behavior. This wasn't a foreign concept to our tradition. We had an Islamic psychology. We just forgot.

This is what led to the creation of the Stanford Muslim Mental Health & Islamic Psychology Lab-a pioneering effort to revive, research, and reconnect our tradition with contemporary psychology.

Why Muslims Need Mental Health Care-Now More Than Ever

Many Muslims still believe: "We don't have those issues." But we do. Divorce, addiction, suicide, abuse, trauma, Islamophobia, depression-these aren't just "non-Muslim problems." In fact, the stigma around mental health has made it more dangerous in our communities because it drives everything underground. It silences our youth. It isolates our elders.

Some of the most heartbreaking barriers are coming from within our own homes. Children today are more open to seeking help, but when they ask their parents, they're met with fear:

• "What will people say?"
• "You'll never get married if people find out."
• "Just read Qur'an, you'll be fine."

This creates a vicious cycle. Instead of healing, we bury pain. Instead of breaking generational trauma, we recycle it. And instead of creating emotionally safe homes, we let silence grow where compassion should be.

Breaking the Cycle: Three Steps Forward

Normalize Mental Health

Talking about mental health isn't a weakness-it's strength. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) responded to the emotional and psychological pain of his companions with empathy, not shame. We must do the same.

Find Courage to Seek Help

Seeking therapy takes bravery. Whether Muslim or not, trained professionals can offer life-saving support. Ideally, yes, someone who understands your faith and culture is great-but don't delay help waiting for the "perfect" fit.

Integrate Faith and Psychology

We need to bring our spiritual beliefs into our healing journeys. But that doesn't mean abandoning professional care or replacing therapy with only religious practice. It means finding balance. We must reject the false dichotomy between religion and therapy-they were never meant to be at odds.

The Road Ahead: Building Resources and Hope

Today, there are Muslim mental health professionals across the U.S., and directories are available to find them. There are books being translated, research being done, and new conversations being had. The next generation of Muslims is watching-looking for answers, for empathy, for healing.

Dr. Awaad's story is a reminder that change starts with awareness, but it continues with action. Whether you're a parent, an educator, a student, or a faith leader-it's time to take mental health seriously.

Let's break the silence. Let's build safe spaces. Let's revive what was always part of our tradition: the care of the nafs-the soul, the self, the heart and the mind.

May we find healing in both the clinic and the masjid. Ameen.