Importance of Social Support in Islamic Psychology
by Abubakar Haruna
Social support plays a crucial role in human life and well-being. There is also a strong emphasis on it in Islamic psychology, aligning with the teachings of the Quran, the Hadith, and Islamic scholars’ opinions.
Social support in Islamic psychology is defined as helping or assisting an individual with any means to improve his or her spiritual life.
Some examples of social support include supporting needs, taking care of orphans, providing for education and food, building mosques, helping people pay hospital bills, creating places for easy access to water, building homes for the destitute, and other supports that help and ease hardship within Muslim communities.
A socially supported Muslim will behave well in society and do things that will lead him to be closer to Allah and follow His commands, unlike an unsocially supported Muslim whose life might cause discomfort or danger to the Muslim community.
Social support has important backing both in the Qur’an and Hadith. Not only in the Qur’an and Hadith but also Islamic and modern researchers have discussed the pivotal importance of social support in Islamic psychology.
In the Quran, Allah says, “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies His reward for whom He wills.” (2:261)
In the Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasised the concept of the “Ummah,” a community that supports and cares for each other. The well-known Hadith that explained this states:
“The Believers, in their mutual love, mercy, and compassion, are like one body; if one part is afflicted, the entire body feels it; in sleeplessness and fever.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
The views of Islamic scholars like Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya have further expounded on the significance of social support. In his book Al-Wabil al-Sayyib, elaborating on the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) opinions, he emphasises the role of companionship in improving mental well-being and the need to surround oneself with positive influences. Being close to people helps us improve our emotional balance and influences the social well-being of those in our circles.
Modern researchers in Islamic psychology have also highlighted the importance of social support in Islamic communities. Mahmoud Khatami and Parvaneh Mohammad Khani, in their paper “Religious Coping, Social Support and Mental Health in Adolescence: A Study in Iranian Context,” underscore the positive impact of religious social support on mental health among Muslim adolescents. Some examples of social support include giving good advice, having good friends, socializing with people who will help increase your Iman, and having supportive neighbors. All these helps to maintain an individual’s mental health.
In today’s digital world, health and wellbeing app in Islam are also emerging as valuable tools to further support and nurture mental health and spiritual well-being. These apps offer resources such as guided prayers, reminders of Islamic teachings, and community support features that encourage positive mental and spiritual health. Additionally, online affirmation cards designed with Islamic principles can help individuals reflect on verses from the Quran or the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), offering a way to practice gratitude, mindfulness, and spiritual resilience.
Finally, social support holds a pivotal place in Islamic psychology, as guided by Quranic teachings, Hadith, and scholarly insights. It not only aligns with religious principles but also contributes significantly to the well-being of individuals and the community. The communities need to promote good social support among their members. By combining traditional practices with modern tools, such as health and wellbeing apps and online affirmation cards, individuals can nurture their mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being in a comprehensive manner.
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