ABSTRACT
Islam is a holistic belief system that takes into account the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of individuals and societies. Public health, in the Islamic context, is part of bioethics and the focus of Islamic bioethics is not only about the prevention and promotion of health but also guidance, for the believers both lay and professional, in dealing with health and social care issues. The Qur’an and the Sunnah offer numerous directives about maintaining health at the community, family and individual levels. Islam has always been in the forefront in dealing with public health issues. Islamic scholars argue that bioethical deliberation is inseparable from the religion itself, which emphasises the integration of body and mind, metaphysical and spiritual realms and between ethics and jurisprudence. Islamic bioethics is intimately linked to the broad ethical teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah, and thus to the interpretation of Islamic law. There are a number of principles related to bioethics from an Islamic perspective, governed by the rulings of the Shari’ah. In Arabic, Shari’ah means ‘the clear, well-trodden path to water’ or ‘a way.’ In the West, the concept of Shari’ah is used interchangeably with Islamic law, but Shari’ah is a much broader term than assumed. The aims of the Shari’ah are to protect five essentials: protection of religion; maintenance of life; protection of intellect; preservation of honour and progeny; and protection of wealth. This chapter will explore the Islamic bioethical dimensions and mental health. It will present an introduction to the principles of Islamic bioethics and sources and guiding principles of Islamic law. It will also examine the issues of insanity, confidentiality, therapeutic relationship, suicide and involuntary admission. The ethical considerations examined in this chapter will enable healthcare professionals to have a greater awareness and understanding of Islamic ethics related to mental health.
