Fit mind in a fit body: Islamic recipes

Abstract

Background: The goal of the Islamic thoughts, teachings and practices is to attain and maintain a fit mind in a fit body. Islam opposes the Descartesian dualism, which was the view that the mind and body exist independently. Rather, Islam regards human being as a sacred entity where the mind and body interact. Research in this area abounds in both the Muslim and Western countries but not in Nigeria with widespread ignorance, misconception and atimes hostility towards the concepts and practice of Islam within the general context of health care and mental illness in particular. It is within this context that this paper described in details the concept of mental health and wellbeing and highlights the contributions of Islam and Muslims to the healing, care and management of people with mental health challenges.

Methodology: Searches on literature on the topic from library desk and online (internet based) publications were conducted. The review of such extant literature on the topic formed the theoretical framework of the paper.

Results: The paper highlights the historical development of mental health care among Muslims and their

contributions to these fields as well as the Islamic understanding of the causation, prevention and treatment of mental disorders. The paper provides people, especially those who are not familiar with Islamic values, with the therapeutic methods and techniques that are in line with Islamic values.

Conclusion: Islam is full of recipes for the numerous psychiatric ailments confronting humanity today. Islamic healing methods and principles can be beneficial in the treatment and healing of mentally-ill people through the incorporation of these Islamic methods.

Key words: mental disorders, mental health care, Islamic healing methods