Sunnah and Psychological Health

the sunnah also cares a lot about the psychological health and mental well-being of people. in this context, the prophet always evoked optimism and high hopes among his companions and followers. the blessed prophet always raised the hope of both physicians and patients that illnesses will be cured. thus, our beloved prophet alleviated the terrible despair associated with what we call chronic, incurable diseases. al-bukhari reported on the authority of abu hurairah that the prophet said, "there is no disease allah has created except that he has also created its treatment." moreover, imam ahmad reported on the authority of usamah ibn shuraik that the prophet said, "verily, allah did not create a disease except that he also has created the treatment; some would know it and some would not"

in his famous book, zadal-ma`ad, imam ibnal-qayyim said that "the hadith of the prophet that reads, 'there is a remedy for every malady' gives spiritual support to both the physician and the patient as well as urges them to seek this remedy and get it. when patients feel that there is a cure for their illness, this would raise the hopes of recovery, push away despair, and open the door of anticipation. should their spirit get stronger, the warmth of their instinct is let out that in itself provokes strength of natural psychological and vital spirits. consequently, when these spirits get stronger, they will conquer the disease and drive it away" (al-qaradawi 49).

undoubtedly, the psychological and physical state of people interchangeably affect each other. realizing this fact, the sunnah cared strongly about the psychological health of muslims. according to al-qaradawi, "it is with your soul, not your body, that you are a human being." we know from the biography of the prophet that he was forever in a spiritual connection with allah, even as he slept. al-bukhari and muslim reported that when some companions wanted to fast continuously, he told them "which one of you is like me? my lord provides my soul with nourishment even as i sleep" (al-qaradawi 51).

conclusion

from what is said above about the sunnah and hygiene (physical and psychological), we could clearly understand the hadith that states that "the strong believer is better in the eyes of allah than the weak believer" (al-bukhari). strength here could be taken as strength in faith and character as well as strength in body and soul. muslims must recognize allah's bounties and be grateful to their lord for them. in practice, they should express this gratefulness through maintaining health. also, muslims need healthy bodies and souls in order to truly worship our lord and fulfill his commands with regard to striving on earth for the betterment of humanity.