In our modern world, we often speak of mental health in terms of stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression. Clinicians try to analyze this from a scientific perspective, such as measuring brain chemistry, analyzing neurotransmitters, social determinants, and prescribing medications or therapy. While it is beneficial to seek these modern treatments, they provide value. What remains overlooked is the spiritual dimension of human experience.
To fully heal, we must look not only at the mind and body but also at our soul. Faith traditions have long understood that the meaning, purpose, and connection to something greater than oneself are fundamental to emotional resilience and inner peace.
The Quran and the Bible both reference spirituality as the key to finding peace.
Quran 13:28 states that comfort and peace can be found in the remembrance of Allah (God), especially for those who believe and whose hearts are at rest through this remembrance.
Quran 12:86 states that Prophet Yaqub (Jacob) said, “I only complain of my suffering and my grief to Allah, and I know from Allah that which you do not know”. This verse emphasizes his submission to God’s will and his knowledge that Allah has a plan that his sons are unaware of.
(Philippians 4:6-7) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
People with a strong sense of spiritual practice and faith often experience lower levels of anxiety, greater emotional stability, and better coping mechanisms in times of loss. Faith provides us not only comfort but also structure, community, and moral grounding. All of which enhance mental resilience. When people connect with faith, prayer, or meditation, they often feel anchored.
Anchoring is a mental process in which our initial beliefs or perspectives shape how we interpret everything else. When deeply rooted, faith serves as a positive psychological anchor. When anchored in belief in God, we interpret challenges not as punishment but as opportunities for growth.
The stories of the prophets show us that mental and emotional suffering is often a pathway to spiritual maturity. What we face in our daily lives, the prophets have endured much worse. Jesus faced an emotional challenge of rejection and loneliness, Jacob faced the challenge of chronic suffering, Moses faced the challenge of anxiety and self-doubt, Jacob faced a challenge of loss and sadness, and Muhammad faced a challenge of grief and rejection. The prophets’ Hardships teach us that every trial is an opportunity for us to strengthen our faith, restrain our thoughts, and grow into the fullness of who God created us to be.
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