Mental health development strategies from the perspective of the Qur’an

Mental health has recently become one of the most important issues in the field of health and psychology. However, divine schools have always been concerned with the criteria of human growth and health. In the same way, Qur’an, the essence of the revelation school, has not only considered both humans’ physical and spiritual aspects, but also it has provided some approaches in the emotional, behavioral and cognitive levels. So, the aim of the present study was to investigate the Qur’anic strategies for developing the mental health.

This analytical-descriptive study reviewed some verses concerning strategies for development of mental health. For this purpose, some verses as well as psychological achievements were also used.

Regarding Qur’anic verses, some factors including faith in the Origin and Ma’ad (resurrection) (accompanied with its cognitive and behavioral effects), modesty, thinking, self-knowledge, divine love, empathy, effective communications and so on would affect mental health. Moreover, the present study took Ma’ad into account much more in terms of its evolutional aspect.

The Holy Qur'an, which presents itself as the guide of man to salvation, considers man to have two material and spiritual dimensions. Since mental health represents a kind of mental balance, it encompasses all aspects of human existence and coordination of one's needs. Therefore, it can be said that the Qur’an considers a person healthy, who can balance between physical, mental and spiritual needs, ultimately leading to his satisfaction. The current study has shown that in the Qur'an's view, the nearest enjoy the highest levels of mental and spiritual health; thus, it is suggested that scientific and research centers should provide more context for familiarity with Qur'an.