With so much going on in our lives we tend to get overwhelmed at times. Often if things are not kept in prospective, the stress that develops can cause undue mental anxiety, leading to a potential deterioration in our emotional and physical health.

Islam values the importance of good mental, emotional and physical health. We have seen a big rise over the past couple of decades in cases of mental illness. Mental wellbeing has been a concern for centuries.

However, there is a large population of people whose attitude toward this condition is still scorn and disdain, with some even believing the condition to be a curse or a sign of mental weakness and fragility. This theory is not at all true. Anyone can be afflicted.

Muslims believe that the Koran can be used as a guide to those suffering from emotional distress that can play a part in mental illness, as the teachings of the Koran and Hadith support this belief. Time has made no difference in the potency of the Koran for healing, even after 1,400 years. Throughout all time the Koran aims to lead people to a meaningful quality of life in all matters and mental health is no exception.

“There is no disease that Allah has created, except that He also has created its treatment.” (Hadith).

There are many ways to address and control our anxieties using spiritual guidelines, as well as conventional and alternative medications. We believe though, that the Koran is the best means and should be used as the first defence to combat these conditions.

There are many verses in the Koran that can and should be used as remedies to alleviate some mental conditions.

The power of Surah Ar-Rahman as a way to reduce depression is highly recommended. Ar-Rahman so aptly means “The Merciful” and is the 55th Surah (Chapter), having 78 ayats (verses) of the Holy Koran. It is recommended to be read daily to help those dealing with all types of illnesses and conditions such as mental anxiety, diabetes, hypertension and even cancer, however faith in Allah is very necessary too as we all know that “faith without works is dead”.

The recitation of Surah Ar-Rahman definitely brings about calming of the nerves, relaxation and peace as I can personally testify. The Koran has brought me through many trials, tribulations and life's challenges.

Muslims believe that the Holy Koran is a book of instruction for its followers in every aspect of life, hence, we believe that finding remedies for other psychological and physical diseases through reading and recitation of certain verses of the Koran can and have been achieved.

The continuous remembrance of Allah brings peace to the heart and mind. As Allah describes it in the Koran: “… with the remembrance of Allah do hearts find peace”. (Ar-Ra’d, 13:28)

There is nothing like peace to foster and promote healthy minds, bodies and souls, none of humanity should live in turmoil. Since the struggle for peace continues we too must continue to stand up and let our voices be heard, calling for peace for everyone, everywhere. Let peace reign within us and exude from us making a healthy, wholesome and peaceful world.

In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King: “We must live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”

Bermuda I wish you all: As salaam alaikum (peace be unto you).

• Linda Walia Ming is a member of the Bermuda Hijab Dawah team, a group of Muslim women who reside in Bermuda and have a goal of educating the community about the religion of Islam