As we see in the Qur’an, the first words uttered by Isa (alayhi salam) while in the cradle were a declaration that he is the servant of Allah ﷻ. Despite this clear message, many people either believe him to be the son of God or God himself (God forbid). However, Isa (alayhi salam) himself rejected this notion from the very beginning.
قَالَ إِنِّى عَبْدُ ٱللَّهِ ءَاتَىٰنِىَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ وَجَعَلَنِى نَبِيًّۭا
Isa (Jesus) declared, “I am truly a servant of Allah. He has destined me to be given the Scripture and to be a Prophet [Qur’an 19:30]
1. The Power of Belief
Belief in Allah ﷻ plays a profound role in shaping not only our psychological resilience, but also our brain function. One of the most significant benefits of strong belief is its ability to reduce anxiety, particularly the kind that stems from uncertainty. Anxiety often arises from the fear of the unknown and the unpredictability of future events. However, a firm belief in Allah’s ﷻ will and wisdom provides a sense of certainty and trust that can alleviate these fears.
Psychological Insights: The Role of Certainty:
Anxiety is often driven by the fear of the unknown—the “what ifs” that plague our minds. However, when we have certainty in Allah’s ﷻ will, these fears are significantly diminished. This certainty stems from the belief that whatever happens is by the will of Allah ﷻ and that He knows what is best for us. This trust in divine wisdom provides a psychological buffer against anxiety, allowing us to navigate life’s challenges with a greater sense of peace, while also fostering a healthier brain state.
Example from the Story of Maryam (Alayha Salam):
The story of Maryam (alayha salam) offers a powerful example of how belief can transform anxiety into calmness. When she received the news of her miraculous pregnancy, she was understandably distressed. The prospect of facing her community with this miraculous pregnancy was daunting, and the future seemed uncertain. Despite this, Maryam (alayha salam) placed her trust entirely in Allah ﷻ. She secluded herself, and when the time came, Allah ﷻ provided for her in miraculous ways. Her unwavering faith in Allah ﷻ guided her through this challenging period. Neuroscientific findings suggest that such deep spiritual conviction can activate areas in the brain that promote calmness and resilience, helping individuals manage stress more effectively. This demonstrates how belief can anchor us in times of profound uncertainty, both psychologically and neurologically.
2. Lessons from Isa (Alayhi Salam) in Healing and Humility
وَأُبْرِىءُ الاٌّكْمَهَ
“And I heal him who is akmah,”
meaning, ‘a person who was born blind,’ which perfects this miracle and makes the challenge more remarkable.
وَالاٌّبْرَصَ
“And the leper,”
which is a known disease.
وَأُحْىِ الْمَوْتَى بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ
“And I bring the dead to life by Allah’s leave.” [Qur’an 3:49]
Isa (alayhi salam) was granted the extraordinary ability to heal people from specific diseases, a gift that astonished many and confirmed his prophetic status. From curing the blind to healing the lepers, his miracles were a testament to his close connection with Allah ﷻ. Despite these miraculous acts, Isa (alayhi salam) consistently made it clear that these healings were not due to his personal abilities, but were manifestations of Allah’s ﷻ will.
Modern research indicates that humility and the recognition of a higher power, as exemplified by Isa (alayhi salam), can lead to a more balanced and healthier brain function. Studies show that humility can reduce stress levels, promote social bonding, and improve overall well-being. For practitioners today, Isa (alayhi salam) offers a timeless lesson in humility, reminding them that while they may facilitate healing, the ultimate source of all cure is Allah ﷻ.
For patients facing physical or psychological challenges, the story of Isa (alayhi salam) offers profound insights. In today’s world, we see how people are blindfolded in believing healers—especially in desi culture, where people go to extremes in trusting their practices. It is crucial for patients to approach treatment with the understanding that ultimate healing comes from Allah ﷻ. This belief is not meant to undermine the value of medical or psychological interventions but frames them within a broader spiritual context. In Islamic psychology, faith is seen as a vital component of the healing process. Belief in Allah’s ﷻ wisdom and mercy provides psychological comfort and resilience, enabling individuals to face their struggles with a sense of trust and peace. This potentially enhancing brain function by reducing cortisol (stress hormone) and promoting emotional regulation.
3. Cognitive Dissonance and the Oneness of Allah ﷻ
وَجِئْتُكُمْ بِأَيَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ
“…And I have come to you with a proof from your Lord.”
(Containing affirmation and evidence to the truth of what I am conveying to you.)
فَاتَّقُواْ اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُونِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ رَبِّى وَرَبُّكُمْ فَاعْبُدُوهُ
“So have Taqwa of Allah ﷻ and obey me. Truly, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him (Alone),”
“For I and you are equal in our servitude, submission and humbleness to Him,”
هَـذَا صِرَطٌ مُّسْتَقِيمٌ
“This is the straight path.” [Qur’an 3:50-3:51]
From an Islamic psychological perspective, every individual is born in a state of Fitrah—a natural disposition towards recognizing Allah ﷻ as the one true Lord. Ibn Taymiyyah, a prominent Islamic scholar, explained that Fitrah is the natural state of a human being, directing a person towards acknowledging Allah ﷻ as their Lord and adhering to moral and ethical values consistent with divine commandments.
The Brain and Cognitive Dissonance:
Cognitive dissonance occurs when an individual holds contradictory beliefs, leading to psychological discomfort and distress. When people worship Isa (alayhi salam) as the son of God or God himself, this state can create cognitive dissonance with the state of Fitrah. Research shows that cognitive dissonance triggers areas of the brain associated with discomfort and stress, which can lead to long-term mental health challenges. In contrast, the Islamic belief in Tawhid, the oneness of Allah ﷻ, brings coherence and peace to the mind. It allows for a harmonious and balanced cognitive framework where one’s beliefs, thoughts, and actions are aligned with the truth of Allah’s ﷻ oneness. This alignment not only eliminates the discomfort of cognitive dissonance but also promotes a sense of mental and spiritual tranquility, which is reflected in healthier brain activity.
Conclusion:
Isa (alayhi salam) consistently delivered the message of servitude to Allah ﷻ, emphasizing Tawhid (the oneness of Allah ﷻ) and rejecting any notions of divinity attributed to him. This message has profound psychological implications. Belief in Allah ﷻ not only provides clarity and reduces cognitive dissonance, but also nurtures mental and spiritual tranquility. The examples from the lives of Isa (alayhi salam) and Maryam (alayhi salam) illustrate how unwavering faith in Allah ﷻ can transform anxiety into resilience, while humility and recognition of Allah’s ﷻ power foster mental well-being. In today’s world, these timeless teachings remind us that aligning our beliefs with the truth of Tawhid can enhance our psychological and physical health, offering a balanced approach to both spiritual and mental healing.
Written by: Atufa Hamid
Edited by: The Editorial Team
© The Islamic Reflections Blog
References
Blogger, I. (2023) Concept of Fitrah in Islamic psychology ► isip, ISIP. Available at: https://www.isip.foundation/concept-of-fitrah-in-islamic-psychology/ (Accessed: 13 September 2024).
Surah Maryam – 30-33 (no date) Quran.com. Available at: https://quran.com/en/maryam/30-33 (Accessed: 14 September 2024).
Tafsir Surah Ali ’imran – 50 (no date) Quran.com. Available at: https://quran.com/en/ali-imran/50/tafsirs (Accessed: 13 September 2024).