The Islamic View of Well-being

The Islamic view of health and cure is based on the notion of balance. Well-being is a state of integration and balance of all the different components of the human being: body, mind and soul. Only when these components are balanced and harmonized is it possible to be transformed in a full human being able to realize one’s own potentialities.

Therefore, it is necessary to harmonize the lower components, starting from the personal level. If the body is sick it affects the mind, the psyche, the emotions, and even the soul. If one is emotionally disturbed or unbalanced, this affects the body as well as the spirit.

The first step is to observe and eventually control one’s own inner states and especially the negativities, though one should notice that it is impossible to completely eliminate them.

Each negativity can be turned into a positive and this is the endeavor; to recreate, reform and transform the personality; and by doing so, access the inner self, the pure essence with which we are all endowed at birth.

By being receptive to the Source of Divine Light and Life, one opens oneself to the influx of the grace of God (baraka), which has healing quality. The first manifestation of this healing influence is inner peace or serenity and an ability to accept one’s own condition, no matter how bad, whilst being grateful for the good in our life. Focusing on the good rather than the bad and accepting the suffering often releases the healing power within.

Islam values the human body, physicality and sexuality, since they are all beautiful signs of the Divine, and part of creation.

Illness and suffering are considered as one of the ways by which humans become aware of God’s Mercy. This is not to say that one should not try to correct a painful condition, but the Muslim is always aware that everything has a purpose and that God’s will cannot be bent. Yet it is permissible to ask for help and it is our duty to help, love and care for all creatures, including ourselves.

The entire human being; body, mind and soul are a creation of God, and is the vehicle for His service as long as we are in this world. Every aspect of this vehicle has to be attended to, just like we check the gas, oil and water in the car; as without any one of these the car will break down.

In the same way the human being needs to attend to his body, mind and soul so that he can function optimally in the role that he is destined for. Therefore creating a balanced self is of primary significance.




Published in the March 2002 issue of 'Islamic Reflections'