Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a chronic disorder which is characterized by excessive anxiety and exaggerated worry and tension. The West categorized it as a psychiatric disease or mental illness neurosis. There is no real cause of this disorder but research has shown that pressure from the family, society, finance and interpersonal are among the factors. This disorder brings a lot of negative effects physically such as palpitations, less focus and sleep disorder. In terms of its psychological impact, the person who suffers GAD experiences stress and depression. Among the treatments that have been used by the psychiatrists nowadays are pharmacology and psychotherapy. Islam on the other hand, views GAD as a spiritual or soul disease. Some would argue that this disease was originated from the human inner self because of the satanic interference, passion sedition and low faith in God due to the estranged relationship with Him. As a result, the patient would have a soul disease in which he/she would feel distress. Although Islam does not provide a specific treatment to cure GAD, there are methods that had been used by the previous Islamic scholars and theologians to heal such mental illness which are through the practice of Al-Quran and Hadith and the implementation of the Islamic scholar practice in the past. These had been proven to be successful by all the Islamic scholars during the golden Islamic civilization. Among the methods that had been practiced were being faithful to God, performing prayer, practicing specific chant and prayer, being happy and also being patient with God’s certainty. Obviously, religious mechanisms with the spiritual approaches gave positive effects compared to the treatments from the west which can only cure patients physically.
Source: World Journal of Islamic History and Civilization
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