Stopped being normal because of depression
Fatwa No: 86444

Question

What is the provision in Islam regarding a person who has stopped offering Salat in the mosque and individually. Is not interested in Islam. Some times that person considers converting to some other religion, but not Islam. But he doesn't say anything against Islam. Otherwise he is normal. We as doctor know that blasphemous thoughts do occur in case of sever depression. That person I am asking about can he be treated from depression, but he has been non-compliant in the treatment. Kindly help me regarding this case.

Answer

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions. Remind this person that has bestowed a great blessing upon him by making him Muslim. Tell him that Satan is always lying in ambush to block his path to Paradise. Allah made the remedy of depression and grieves the Qur'an and Sunnah. In fact, it is from the Mercy of Allah that He made Qur'an a source of cure and relief for Believers. The remedy of Qur'an may be found in many forms: First, let him try to establish firm faith in his heart, which in turn, has good and remarkable effects in the heart, feelings, and actions of the person. Having faith in Allah, in His Good Names and Attributes, in Devine destiny and in the Last Day, etc., are among the fundamentals of Islamic faith, and they are the greatest protectors against depressions, grief, etc. Second, make efforts to arouse his interest in Taqwa, doing good deeds, remembering Allah, making Du'a, seeking refuge in Allah, and assure him of the great returns in this life and rewards in the Hereafter for those who engage themselves in doing the above mentioned good deeds. Third, make him hopeful and attract his attention to the bright side of his life. For instance, you may console him saying: 'Your illness is a common and usual matter, you are not the only one who is facing this disease, there are many other people who are also suffering from more acute and severe disease. This sickness needs patience and the treatment will cure you, Inshah Allah.' By these words you may make him hopeful. Fourth, recite Qur'an and the Azkar proved in the Sunnah on the patient. The Azkar that are not in Qur'an and Sunnah should be free from Shirk. Also we advise you to read the book "sorrow and depression in the light of Qur'an and Sunnah", written by Abdullah al-Khatir . Allah knows best.

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