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Mental Health in the Islamic Golden Era: The Historical Roots of Modern Psychiatry

By Rania Awad, Alaa Mohammad (FYI), Khalid Elzamzamy (FYI), Soraya Fereydooni, and Maryam Gamar.

Abstract:

“Islam the religion is a system of beliefs and practices initially revealed by Allah to Muhammad, enshrined in the Arabic Koran, supplemented by tradition, and modified through the ages in response to changes in time and place… Islam the culture is a compound of varied elements [and] was mainly formulated by conquered peoples, Arabicized and Islamized, rather than by Arabians. It holds the distinction of having been, from the mid-eighth century to the end of the twelfth century, unmatched in its brilliancy and unsurpassed in its literary, scientific, and philosophical output”.1 Islam is considered to be a complete code of life by its followers, one that covers every domain of human life including economic, social, political, ethical, religious and cultural values. It proposes instructions, etiquettes and standards, addressing fine details for daily living that range from topics such as relationships and rights to proper hygiene, clean eating and physical and spiritual detoxification. This helps explain the integral role of religion in the lives of Muslims and why religion is frequently referenced as it promises guidance for those who are in pursuit of happiness, success, and who wish to live a well-balanced life. The Quran and Hadith, the recorded sayings of Prophet Muhammad, are the two main sources from which Muslims obtain Islamic guidance. In this chapter, the authors will discuss the significance of mental health in Islam, offering an Islamic outlook on its comprehensive construct, a walk through the historical understanding and classifications of mental and psychological illnesses, including developments from major Muslim scholars and their treatises, and finally a brief exploration of pioneering methods used for treatment and care.

Zakat eligibility of The FYI

The Family & Youth Institute, or The FYI, is a well-known Muslim organization in the United States. It works to promote mental health and wellness by strengthening and empowering individuals, families, and communities through research and education. It has been working for many years to bring Islamic perspectives to understanding and promoting mental health in our communities.

It is dedicated to serving and supporting Muslims – safeguarding our deen, our families, and our future generations. Therefore, the work of The FYI comes in the category of ‘fi sabeelillah’ or the Path of Allah, within the eight categories where Zakat money can be used.

Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed for it and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah, and for the [stranded] traveler – an obligation [imposed] by Allah, And Allah, is Knowing and Wise.”
(Al-Tawbah 9:60)

According to scholars who widen the meaning of fee sabeelillah to include any activities that promote Islamic growth, The FYI is indeed eligible to receive part of the Zakat funds for its programs and services. I urge Muslims in America to support this organization through their donations, general charity, and through their Zakat. I ask Allah swt to strengthen and guide The FYI to continue its good work in supporting Muslims.

Shaikh Ali Suleiman Ali, PhD

About Shaikh Ali

Sh. Ali Suleiman Ali was born in Ghana where he spent his childhood studying with various Muslim scholars. He then moved to Saudi Arabia and enrolled in the Islamic University of Madina.  He graduated with a degree in both Arabic and Islamic Studies. Dr. Ali went on to complete his Ph.D. in Islamic Studies at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Sh. Ali serves on the Advisory Council of The Family & Youth Institute. He is the Senior Imam and Director of the Muslim Community of Western Suburbs in Canton, Michigan. Additionally, he serves as the Director of Muslim Family Services in Detroit and is a council member of the Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA). He is also a member of the North American Imams Federation (NAIF) and the Association of Muslim Jurists of America (AMJA).

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