The best of remedies in times of affliction

2nd of Ramadhan 1441 Hijriah (25th April 2020)

We are facing a unique time in history, where almost all (if not all) human beings on the planet are being afflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This situation might be the new normal for us for several months, if not years. I personally feel that it has significantly affected my mental health. The uncertainty surrounding the jobs we’re in, the restrictions for meeting up with family and friends, restrictions for conducting other businesses, to the threat of the virus itself, are not easy things to take in.

A recent study has shown that this (negative effect on mental health) is also the case for many people. The study done by the University of Michigan (link below) showed an increased level of anxiety and depression of the respondents that were surveyed. Fifty percent said that they are experiencing anxiety attacks more often. In addition, more than 30% of the respondents showed signs of major depression. We are currently facing the possibility of global mass depression and anxiety.

Religious traditions have always had remedies for maintaining mental health in facing times of affliction and difficulty. In Islam, one of the most well-known injunctions (which I personally often fail to remember, let alone practice) can be found in the Quran, in Chapter Baqarah. Where God says that we should seek help in patience and prayer. Implying that in the end, no matter what methodology we use to help ourselves, there is nothing that can be better than patience and prayer.

The general concept of patience is universally understood. But the patience that is mentioned in the Quran stems from the understanding that everything that happens only happens by God’s will, and there is a lesson (hikma) behind it, whether comprehendible or not (whether we can understand it or not). And we trust that God decrees only what is best for us. In the case of the current global pandemic, one of the positives is that there is a good chance that inequality in society will drop. For me personally, through this condition, I am reminded about rethinking my priorities in life. 

The prayer is the source AND manifestation of patience. In the prayer, we are reminded about God, His omnipotence, our purpose in life, which helps us build patience for facing whatever comes our way. In addition, prayer can only be done if we have patience with what is afflicting us. So there is a circular connection between patience and prayer; one supports the other.

In facing these difficult times, we need to experimentise on methods to make us feel better; methods that can help maintain our mental wellbeing. Patience and prayer are definitely worth a try. After all, it is what God has instructed us to do in times of difficulties. May God make it easy for all of us to get through these difficult times.

https://www.parentingincontext.org/uploads/8/1/3/1/81318622/research_brief_mental_health_relationships_and_coping_during_the_coronavirus_pandemic_final.pdf

-Fendrri

#COVID19 #Islam #Reflection #Quran #AlBaqarah #Ramadhan #Mentalhealth #CeritaKamiRefleksi