Sufism and mental health.
Indian Journal of Psychiatry January 1, 2013 S Haque Nizamie, Mohammad Zia Ul Haq Katshu, N A Uvais
Human experience always includes a spiritual dimension, and spirituality is now recognized as a key determinant of health, extending beyond religion and mysticism. Recent neuroscience research has explored spirituality's role in understanding psychiatric illness and developing therapies. Sufism, a prominent spiritual tradition within Islam influenced by Christianity and Hinduism, has contributed to the spiritual well-being of many people. Originating in early Islam, it reached its height in the medieval period with many Sufi orders. Sufism aims for communion with God through spiritual realization, viewing the soul as the agent of this communion and God as the only real existence. This tradition may offer a vital link to understanding religious experience and its impact on mental health.