Relation between Religious Belief and Mental Health

IQNA – According to Islamic teachings, every human being is born with a divine Fitrat (nature) and an innate inclination to know God.

God says in Verse 30 of Surah Ar-Rum: “be devoted to the upright religion. It is harmonious with the nature which God has designed for people.”

Basically, the first teaching of divine prophets to people throughout history has been about serving and worshipping God:

“To every nation We sent a Messenger who told its people, ‘Worship God and stay away from satan.’” (Verse 36 of Surah An-Nahl)

From the Quranic perspective, religiosity and religious beliefs are the signs of intellectual health while having no inclination toward religion and spirituality signifies irrationality and foolishness.

The Quran describes those who turn away from the religion of Abraham (AS) as Safeeh (fool): “No one turns away from Abraham's Tradition except one who makes a fool of himself.” (Verse 30 of Surah Al-Baqarah)

The reason for this is that religion gives meaning to human’s life and does not leave him alone in times of happiness, sadness, joy, suffering, success, failure, etc. Religion explains that all of these are means for trial and testing:

“We shall test you through fear, hunger, loss of life, property, and crops. (Muhammad), give glad news to the people who have patience.” (Verse 155 of Surah Al-Baqarah)

In the Noble Quran, God underlines with great emphasis that the only path to humans’ salvation and happiness is purification of the soul:

“… those who purify their souls will certainly have everlasting happiness and those who corrupt their souls will certainly be deprived (of happiness).” (Verses 9-10 of Surah Ash-Shams)