By Nursyafiqah Syahirah, Nurizzah Athirah, and Mathaani Zahraa
Introduction
Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual is aware of his or her own abilities, can handle stress well, can work productively and is able to contribute to society. This means that mental health is the basis of individual well-being and the ability of society to function effectively. Mental health is an expression of emotions and symbolizes the ability to adapt in the various pressures and demands of life. The significance of mental health should be underscored by everyone, from the young to the elderly, in this advanced technological age. Mental health has been a frequent issue of discussion within the community of recent. It should be a priority in keeping with the development of our beloved country. There has been the disregard for mental health issues over the past several years that has resulted in a huge rise in the rate of suicide and mental disease. As a response, we must alter for the good of the people around us. As an outcome, Islam places a strong emphasis on maintaining mental health, particularly in terms of Maqasid shariah.
Concept of Maqasid Shariah
The word Maqasid comes from the plural of “Maqsad” and comes from “Qasada” which refers to a purpose, objective, principle, intent, or end. Shariah comes from the word “shara’a” which is defined as introduce, organize and assign. We can say that Maqasid al-Shariah or Maqasid of Islamic law are the general objectives of Islamic law which consists of the deeper meanings and the aspects of inner wisdom considered by the Lawgiver (Allah) in the field and state of law.
The main objective of the Shariah is the realization of its benefit to humankind, both in this world and the Hereafter. In general, the Shariah in all its parts aims to obtain benefits for human beings and protect them from evil and corruption.
Also, Imam Al-Ghazali classified Maqasid shariah into three components which are darurriyyah (necessities), hajiyyah (needs), and tahsiniyyah (complimentary). Darurriyyah refers to the basic necessity that needs to be achieved for the welfare of human beings. There are five primary objectives under daruriyyah that cover the needs of human beings. These objectives include protection of the religion, life, intellect, lineage, and property that can be related to mental health.
Protection of Religion
Islam emphasizes the importance of having good mental and emotional health. Those who suffer from emotional stress can use the Qur’an as a guide to lead them to a meaningful quality of life. Preserving and protecting physical and mental health is one of the important aspects of the protection of religion.
In addition, good physical and mental health contributes to good worship, so without one’s good state of mental health, it could prevent Muslims from worshipping. Good mental health has a significant relationship with the ability to perform and focus on worship. Therefore, taking care of one’s mental health can help a Muslim in maintaining and protecting religion.
Protection of Life
Life is essential and valuable to everyone. Islam enlightens Muslims to maintain a good state of mental health to live a joyful and healthy life. Moreover, we know that mental illnesses if not taken care of could lead to harm such as suicide.
Besides that, good health is one of the necessities for humankind that needs to be accomplished under Maqasid Shariah. Initiating a healthy lifestyle is one of the ways to preserve and maintain good health. Thus, protecting mental health could prolong life, improve the quality of life for patients with mental illnesses, and fulfill the protection of life.
Protection of Intellect
The main objective of all to take care of their mental health is to preserve our ability as humans to think and make decisions whether good or bad. If our mental health deteriorates it will cause problems. For example, not having the ability to make rational decisions. The ability to make decisions with a sound mind is a basic human need. The inability to make the right decisions will lead to a destructive lifestyle. By taking care of our mental health, we can find knowledge easily. For example, if a student wants to gain knowledge, he needs to use a healthy mind without any pressure that interferes with his mental health.
Protection of Progeny
Mental health is when people have a problem with their emotions or thoughts. Sometimes, people with mental health problems cannot live a normal social life because they are afraid to be close to them. This can leave people with mental health problems feeling unhappy, lonely and depressed.
People who struggle with mental illness can impact others, even their own children. For example, a wife who is pregnant has a problem of emotional stress that interferes with her mental health to the point that she may take an unreasonable action such abort her baby without a logical reason. Such things should not be done because it violates Shariah teachings. In another example, children will be at higher risk of mental illness if their mother or father has a bad history of mental illness. Early treatment is often beneficial for those with mental health problems, and it will also benefit future generations. It is crucial to understand that people who have mental health disorders are more likely to have kids who also have such challenges.
Protection of Property
Basically, humans need to survive by getting jobs to acquire wealth. However, to get property, mental health is the main factor in the success of acquiring property. This is because if people have mental problems, they will find it difficult to get a job even if their physical condition allows it. In general, most employers are not convinced that patients with mental health problems can contribute well to their company. From the perspective of Maqasid shariah, mental health is very important and closely related to the protection of property because a healthy mind can give oneself the opportunity to find property in their life.
Conclusion
To conclude, Islam is the ideal faith. There is a solution for every problem, no matter how big or small. The evidence that Maqasid Shariah can be connected to mental health can be seen in each of its tenets. Every issue that emerges has a solution in Islam. There is no doubt that it is crucial to take care of one’s mental health. Every person needs to be highly conscious of this because if it is neglected, there could be serious issues. What we can take up from this is that since everything that Islam teaches and practices is good and useful, it is our duty as Muslims in particular to adhere to its teachings. Taking care of our mental health is the responsibility of all levels of society. Do not take this matter for granted as Islam also takes great care of the welfare of its followers.***
(This article is written as part of a group assignment for Ethics and Fiqh of Contemporary Issues class)