Islamic psychiatry has a rich history spanning over 1, 400 years, with its foundations deeply rooted in Islamic teachings and early medical advancements. During the Islamic Golden Age (8th–14th centuries), scholars integrated knowledge from Greek, Persian, and Indian medicine with Islamic philosophy and ethics. The Holy Quran and Hadith emphasized the importance of mental well-being, encouraging treatment rather than stigmatization. Early Muslim physicians like Al-Razi (Rhazes) and Ibn Sina (Avicenna) advanced psychiatric medicine by distinguishing between mental and physical illnesses.
Al-Razi established one of the first psychiatric wards in Baghdad in the 9th century, advocating for humane treatment of patients. Ibn Sina’s ‘Canon of Medicine’ described various mental disorders, including melancholia and mania, offering systematic classifications that influenced both Islamic and European medical traditions. Hospitals (Bimaristans) across the Islamic world, from Damascus to Cairo, provided specialized care for mental illnesses, using music therapy, cognitive exercises, and medication derived from herbs. Muslim scholars also developed early concepts of psychotherapy, emphasizing spiritual healing alongside medical treatment. In Islamic medicine, suicidal thoughts have been addressed with a holistic approach that integrates spiritual, psychological, and medical perspectives.
Early Muslim physicians, such as Al-Razi and Ibn Sina, recognized suicide as a serious mental health concern, often linked to conditions like melancholia (depression) or excessive stress. They advocated for compassionate care rather than punishment, emphasizing therapy, social support, and lifestyle adjustments to alleviate distress. Al-Balkhi (9th century) in his book Masalih al-Abdan wa al-Anfus (Sustenance for Bodies and Souls) described depression in detail and suggested that negative thoughts should be countered with cognitive techniques — an approach similar to modern cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Bimaristans (hospitals) in cities like Baghdad and Cairo provided treatment for mental disorders, incorporating music therapy, exercise, and herbal medicine alongside spiritual counseling to address suicidal tendencies.
Islamic teachings view life as sacred, and suicide is discouraged, but individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts are seen as needing help, not condemnation. Scholars like Al-Ghazali emphasized the role of faith in coping with psychological distress, advocating for mindfulness (muraqabah), prayer, and seeking social support. Contemporary research on Islamic perspectives in psychiatry continues to explore how faith-based interventions, such as Quranic therapy and Islamic psychotherapy, can support individuals with suicidal ideation. Modern Muslim mental health practitioners integrate these historical insights with contemporary psychiatric treatments, promoting a balanced approach that addresses both spiritual and psychological well-being. The Quran provides guidance on mental health, emotional well-being, and coping with distress, offering comfort to those struggling with suicidal thoughts. Several verses emphasize patience, hope, and reliance on Allah SWT (God) in times of hardship.