Ever since I started studying counselling and psychotherapy, I have been amazed at the care, in Islam, put into building a sound mind and good mental health. 

If you disclose your charitable expenditures, they are good; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you, and He will remove from you some of your misdeeds [thereby]. And Allah, with what you do, is [fully] Acquainted. (2:271)

Many of us would have read this ayah over and over again, but did you ever wonder why it is good for us to give charity in secret, while giving charity openly is just good?

I found out the reason why or perhaps one of the reasons why from a psychological point of view in a video on ways to overcome depression. And one of the things that people are suffering with depression are advised to do is to do charitable acts, but not just that. What they are specifically asked to do is to do secret acts of kindness. Because secret kindness builds the person’s sense of self esteem, away from people’s judgement and applause, but the video explains it better.

http://www.nicabm.com/a-secret-kindness-intervention-for-working-with-depression/

 

 Islam and mental health

Ramadan reflections (1)

Ever since I started studying counselling and psychotherapy, I have been amazed at the care put into building a sound mind and good mental health. My faith only keeps getting reinforced and I am just in awe of the magnificence of Islam.

I would like to share with you throughout the month, some of the things I came across that triggered these feelings. One of them is this Ayah in Surat al-Baqara regarding charity.

 

If you disclose your charitable expenditures, they are good; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you, and He will remove from you some of your misdeeds [thereby]. And Allah, with what you do, is [fully] Acquainted. (2:271)

Many of us would have read this ayah over and over again, but did you ever wonder why it is good for us to give charity in secret, while giving charity openly is just good?

I found out the reason why or perhaps one of the reasons why from a psychological point of view in a video on ways to overcome depression. And one of the things hat people are suffering with depression are advised to do is to do charitable acts, but not just that. What they are specifically asked to do is to do secret acts of kindness. Because secret kindness builds the person’s sense of self esteem, away from people’s judgement and applause, but the video explains it better.

http://www.nicabm.com/a-secret-kindness-intervention-for-working-with-depression/