Islam, mental health (Part 1)

 Introduction

Mental health is no longer a si­lent issue in Ghana; it has be­come one of the most pressing challenges facing individuals, fami­lies, and communities. For decades, discussions around mental wellbeing were often confined to academic circles or whispered conversations about “madness” and “witchcraft.” Today, however, the reality is un­deniable: millions of Ghanaians live with depression, anxiety, sub­stance-related disorders, and other conditions that affect productivity, family stability, and national devel­opment.

The Ghana Health Service esti­mates that over 3 million people in Ghana live with some form of mental disorder, with nearly 650,000 experi­encing severe psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (Amenah et al., 2025). Yet, the country has fewer than 50 psy­chiatrists and fewer than 500 clinical psychologists to serve a population exceeding 30 million (Bonsu et al., 2025). This gap makes access to quality mental healthcare highly inequitable, especially outside major urban centers.

Beyond statistics, stigma and cul­tural perceptions exacerbate the cri­sis. Many Ghanaians attribute mental illness to witchcraft, curses, or demonic possession, leading suffer­ers to seek help at prayer camps or shrines rather than hospitals (Axame et al., 2024). Unfortunately, some of these alternatives expose patients to neglect or abuse. Broader global evidence confirms that in low- and middle-income countries, stig­ma and underfunding remain the largest barriers to effective care (Chowdhury et al., 2025).

For Muslims, however, the mat­ter must be approached holisti­cally. Islam recognises the human being as a balanced creation of body, mind, and soul. Just as the body requires food, exercise, and rest, the mind requires care, sta­bility, and healing. In the Qur’an, Allah says: “And We have certainly honoured the children of Adam…” (Qur’an 17:70). This honour includes safeguarding human dignity through the promotion of mental wellbeing.

This article seeks to explore men­tal health from both scientific and Islamic perspectives. It highlights definitions, components, and causes, while offering guidance on overcom­ing challenges through a synthesis of professional counselling and Islamic teachings.

By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, the Author