The Concept of Depression in The Perspective of The Quran

Nurmalia Lusida1, Suherman2, Dadang Herdiansyah3, Fini Fajrini4, Noor Latifah5

1,2,3,4,5,6
Public Health Study Program, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta
Jl. KH. Ahmad Dahlan, Cirendeu, Ciputat, South Tangerang City, Banten.
Email: nurmalialusida@umj.ac.id

Abstract
According to the Quran, this study aims to determine (1) the concept of depression in children and
adolescents. (2) the causes or reasons for the emergence of depression in children and adolescents. (3) How
can the efforts be applied to overcome this depression problem according to the Islamic religion. This
research uses quantitative methods through descriptive analysis. The verses in the holy book of the Qur'an
are used as perspective samples to be associated with depression problems among adolescents and children.
In addition, researchers also look for sources from various literature, from books, journals, and articles
related to this study, to be analyzed and developed in narrative form to be studied and understood following
Islamic teachings. This research has the result that the concept of depression, according to the perspective
of the Qur'an, is an emotional force coupled with a spiritual approach inherent in human psychology in
practicing faith in their hearts. The practice of faith is an essential aspect of human life. Without faith, or if
the person does not believe, it is feared that he will get a punishment or punishment, which can be illness
or other things. In addition, faith is one aspect that guides humans to the right path, corrects a person's
wrong behavior, actions, thoughts, or views, and brings them to follow what Allah SWT wills. Depression
is a problem that involves a person's psychological and mental life due to the pressure/issues that cause this
to happen. This psychological problem can only be treated by a psychologist or psychiatrist formally. This
study also shows that depression problems that occur among children and adolescents can be treated and
overcome by increasing the practice of faith in everyday life. The practice of faith can be done, among
others, by diligently worshiping, praying, drawing closer to Allah, purifying oneself from intentional and
unintentional sins, diligently reading the Qur'an, and practicing the holy book in daily personal life to get a
sense of security and protection. True from Allah SWT.
Keywords: depression, descriptive, emotional, psychological, spiritual
Introduction
A mental disorder is a disorder of human organs related to psychiatric (psychological) elements. 1
Mental disorder have various types, including depressive, anxiety, or bipolar disorders. But the study here
focuses on depressive disorders. Depressive disorder is a mental health disease characterized by a restless,
depressed mood and excessive anxiety about something, and it can cause a loss of interest in daily life.
People who experience depressive disorders, there are changes in behavior, attitudes, lifestyles, and energy
levels accompanied by a continuous sense of sadness. 2
Modern design towards matters concerning the problems of human psychology can increase the
statistics of people with melancholy, anxiety, phobias, stress, and so on. A person experiences spiritual and

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psychological emotional instability, so the level of suffering from mental illness cuts the shortcut to suicide.
This is the direct effect of the separation between man and religion, as an implication of the development
of the Western philosophy of science.3
Western psychology in the context of self-control is known as self-control or self-control. This
concept of restraint is like the notion of patience put forward by Agte and Chiplonkar, which defines
patience as "... patience is defined as calmness and willingness or ability to tolerate delay ...".4 What kind
of patient behavior is defined as calmness and willingness to tolerate delays. Adversity Quotient, this
concept is close to controlling. Control is the ability to control emotions, the feeling of a person's attitude
to respond to a problematic event encountered.
This disorder is often caused by various factors, including heredity, having a specific personality
that tends to be too inferior, too pessimistic, dependent on others, or having abused dangerous and illicit
drugs. Or it can also be caused by external driving factors, for example, starting stress due to severe
problems or situations that cause the person to feel unable to live. In this day and age, mental illnesses such
as depression are widely found, especially among adolescents. Not infrequently, teenagers or children
experience depression due to stress or pressure from being bullied by their classmates. It is very feared that
this will impact the child's psychological state in the future, and it is not uncommon to encounter cases of
teenagers who commit suicide due to depression. When a human experiences mental turmoil, he usually
experiences changes such as sad feelings, irregular sleep patterns, irregular diets, insecurities, self-blame,
helplessness, fatigue, hopelessness, and until someone commits suicide.5
Therefore, humans need a way to overcome this depressive problem, one of which is by telling
many stories, communicating with those closest to them so they can help overcome their problems, and,
lastly, drawing closer to God. By drawing closer to God, it is hoped that worry, anxiety, and anxiety can be
avoided because God will keep us away from all that is evil. All human beings want a happy, safe, peaceful,
and peaceful life. From the Islamic perspective, to achieve these things, what needs to be done is to practice
all the commandments of Allah Almighty and stay away from the prohibitions. Religion is interpreted not
only as a dogma but as a need for the soul that must be met.6 Praying is the most critical force in living life
related to dealing with this problem of depression. Who can cure all kinds of diseases is God. Therefore,
humans are required to be diligent in worship. Zikir, a therapy for reflection that can provide calm and carry
out positive and religious behaviors, is expected to prevent all forms of mental illness.
The purpose of this study is to find out the concept of depressive disorder based on an Islamic
perspective so that the implementation of religious principles based on the values of the Quran can be
realized and implemented in everyday life, especially for adolescents and children who are in a crucial
period for their physical and spiritual growth. This is done to overcome and prevent these mental disorders
by getting closer to religion.

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Research Methods
Researchers use the literature review method in researching depression among children and
adolescents in Islam in the table; researchers found several factors of depression among children and
adolescents from the perspective of the Islamic religion, and research can include some information derived
from literature, including Books, Journals, Documents, and so on, the purpose of this study is to get some
information and ideas that will be formulated results according to research that it's been done. Literature
Review in this study is used to get conclusions about the concept of depression that exists in children and
adolescents from the perspective of the Quran

Table 1 List of Literature Used in Research

No. Researcher's Title Publications and Conclusion

Name Years
1. Yasipin, Silvia The Role of Religion Manthiq Journal Vol V It can be concluded that: 1). Mental
Ayu Rianti in Shaping No 1 of 2020 health can affect a person's spirit
Nurman Hidaya7 Adolescent Mental Page 7 status, feelings, and mood 2). As a
Health result of mental health disorders,
causing inefficient people 3).
Mental health problems can be
addressed with religious therapy).
Dhikr can make a person relax 5).
The higher a person's religious
knowledge, the healthier his mental
state.
2. Layla Takhfa Improving The Al-Hikmah: Journal of The results of the research from the
Lubis, Laras Sati Mental Health of Religion and Science article explain that adolescents and
Naura Najla Children and Vol.16 No.2, October children who have a high level of
Adhinda,Hera Adolescents Through 2019 faith and piety and are diligent in
Yulianirta, Bahril Islamic Worship carrying out worship in their lives
Hidayat8 are considered to have more ability
to overcome challenges and
problems that occur in their lives.
Religious practice can be done by
diligently worshiping, praying,
reading the Quran, and zikir,
maintaining his relationship with
God, and his relationship with
fellow humans has a high tendency
to have maintained mental health. It
can also be filled by carrying out
productive and valuable activities,
both beneficial to oneself and
others, that can unwittingly provide
true happiness in their life.
3. Rizka Nur The Concept of Prophetic Guidance Based on the results of research on
Hamidah, Noneng Adolescent Mental and Counseling adolescent mental health in the
Siti Rosidah9 Journal Islamic view, it can be concluded

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No. Researcher's Title Publications and Conclusion

Name Years
Health Islamic that religious education is used as a
Perspective foundation in all aspects of life, both
in terms of faith, worship, morals,
economy, then health. However, in
addition to the need for adolescents'
understanding of mental health,
what is even more important is that
they can apply it in everyday life. In
addition, the support of various
parties is also needed to support the
growth and development of
adolescents so that they become
civilized and mentally healthy
teenagers. Thus, mental health can
be improved with spiritual abilities
through the habit of carrying out
good ritual worship habits to impact
positive thinking, civilized
behavior, and understanding of the
purpose of life. Aspects of mental
health in adolescents are viewed
from an Islamic point of view. At
least they can know and carry out
worship practices according to
Islamic teachings, face various life
problems, adapt to new changes,
establish good relations with the
surrounding environment, and
strengthen their relationship with
God.
4. Hayatussofiyyah, The effectiveness of Journal of Psychology. Based on the explanation above, it
S., Nashori, H.F., religious cognitive Vol 2 No 1 (2017). can be concluded that it is necessary
Rumiani, R.10 therapy in lower to apply religious cognitive therapy
depression in to reduce the level of depression and
adolescents counteract depression that occurs in
the lives of adolescents who are in a
transition period or transition from
children to adults. In this
transitional period, the formation
and development of a person's
character traits and behaviors will
later be seen. This is an important
time in the growth process.
Therefore, it would be nice if this
adolescence was filled with doing
positive things, as well as carrying
out the commandments of Allah
Almighty contained in the holy

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No. Researcher's Title Publications and Conclusion

Name Years
book of the Quran. by drawing
closer to God and abstaining from
all that He forbids in order to create
true peace, happiness, peace, and
comfort in living this life.
5. Mutia, E, Subandi, Cognitive Therapy Journal of Based on the explanations listed in
Mulyati, R. Of Grateful Psychological the journal, it can be concluded that
(2010).11 Behaviors To Lower Intervention. 2 (1), 53- the notion of cognitive therapy is a
Depression In 68 form of psychotherapy intended for
Adolescents. people who have mental disorders,
is a form of psychological therapy
that has proven to be effective in
overcoming problems related to
anxiety, excessive worry and major
depression.as for the application of
cognitive therapy in mirroring the
behavior of adolescents who are
grateful, accept and realize that
everything that happens,
experienced and possessed is a
blessing, a mercy and a gift from
God that must be grateful for its
existence. by having an attitude that
is always grateful, it is hoped that
everything that can interfere with
comfort, tranquility and things that
cause anxiety, anxiety and
discomfort in this life can be
avoided as much as possible.
gratitude is one of the most effective
strategies in facing problems and
great challenges in life.
6. Ramadhani, A., Depression in Journal of Psychology. The journal explains that one of the
Renowati, S. Adolescent Victims 9 (2), 73-79. causes of depression that is found
(2013).12 of Bullying. among adolescents is due to
bullying events, which are carried
out in schools. bullying is a form of
violent act that is beyond the limits
of juvenile delinquency. bullying
can not only harm his physical
health but can also harm and
threaten his psychological health.
The psychological of a teenager can
be disturbed due to excessive fear,
worry and anxiety due to fear of
being bullied. it starts with a small
amount of psychological burden but
increases and increases until it

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No. Researcher's Title Publications and Conclusion

Name Years
reaches the peak of depression in the
life of a teenager. Adolescents are
generally in the period of
adolescence or is a transition period
from children to adults which is an
important period in the
development and formation of a
person's character and maturity
level. it is very worrying and very
sad to see that the bullying behavior
carried out can be a great threat to
the victim and will interfere with his
mental health, it is not even
uncommon to find suicide events
among adolescents who cannot
stand it because there are great
pressures and interventions that
interfere with the peace and comfort
of their lives. it must be eradicated
as soon as possible, one of which is
by drawing closer to God,
worshipping frequently, reading
scriptures, and practicing the
commandments of God contained in
them and staying away from its
prohibitions.

Result
From the results of research on the concept of depression according to the perspective of the Islamic
religion, it can be seen that in general depression is caused by various factors, including internal and external
factors that come from outside the individual himself. Internal factors can be caused by a person's lack of
faith, lack of practice of religious teachings in daily life, and lack of realization of how important religious
teaching is to be applied and implemented in living life. While external factors can be caused due to
behavior, problems or problems caused and occur in the surrounding environment. Examples include the
influence of association, bullying events, violence, or severe problems that become a tremendous pressure
and intervention for a person's life, where the safety, comfort, peace, and happiness of his heart are
threatened.
The problem of mental disorders in the case of depression is often found in adolescents and children
as individuals who tend to be still unstable and easily swayed in living this life, where they are still very
easily influenced by invitations, influences, or suggestions from others without understanding precisely
what they should do or how to respond to the teachings. However, this generally happens to teenagers who

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lack piety and faith in Allah Almighty and do not apply religious teachings in their daily lives, so they are
still easily influenced by the invitation of this mortal world. But, people, especially teenagers who already
have faith and piety and always practice religious values in their lives, usually will have stronger mental
and psychological because they have more robust guidelines, handles, and foundations that guide them in
facing the currents and waves of life.

Discussion
When related to the Islamic perspective, religion is intended in addition to being the basis for
guidelines and handles on life or dogma alone; it is also considered to be able to provide comfort and
fulfillment of physical and spiritual health. Religion has an important role in regulating, guiding, and
directing one's life. Religion can also control individuals to walk, act and behave correctly in accordance
with the commandments listed in the holy book of the Quran.
In addition, religion also has the function of providing calm, comfort, and peace of self and mood.13
Without having a religious handle, a person will be easily swayed and affected by this world. This religious
function in providing calm can have a positive influence on a person's mental (psychological) development,
especially in the context of adolescence. Adolescence is a transitional period in which great changes emerge
at this time as a transition to maturity. With religion, a teenager will grow into a mature person in speaking,
acting, and behaving. At the same time, adolescents who do not have faith or do not have a religious handle
early on will be worried about growing up to be individuals who cannot discern right from wrong.
Regarding the psychology of these two types of adolescents, it can be interpreted that adolescents with a
high level of piety and faith will become strong individuals and able to face various kinds of life problems
and challenges, so it is improbable to experience depressive disorders because there is already a trustworthy
source of happiness and peace, namely Allah SWT. However, on the contrary, adolescents who lack piety
and lack faith will tend to be easier to experience psychological disorders such as depression if faced with
problems or significant events that can threaten their peace and comfort.
The terms happiness, peace, salvation, glory, prosperity, and perfection are in those terms of mental
health. The Qur'ān also contains verses related to the description of the definition of mental health, covering
man's relationship with himself, his fellow human beings, the environment, and God, all of which are aimed
at obtaining a happy life of the world and the hereafter. 14
The Qur'an is a perfect book with many values that instructs humans to respond to difficulty and
prevent mental health disorders. One of the noble values that are very important to be a human being is the
spirit of the heart (patience).15 Therefore, this concept of depression must be appropriately considered by
avoiding it in such a way, namely by increasing worship, increasing communication with God, and always
making scriptures the basis for living life.

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Conclusion
In this study, it can be concluded that several things related to depression exist among children and
adolescents from the perspective of Islam. The author summarizes several elements, namely:
1. Basically, the depression of a teenager in the perspective of Islam has stated two factors, including
external factors and internal, among others from oneself or environmental factors.
2. Religion is a guide for a person in living this mortal life which is full of problems, challenges, trials,
and obstacles faced. With solid religious guidelines and guidelines, it is hoped that a person can
live his life in a stable, calm, and confident mood of God's purpose in allowing all these things to
happen in his life.
3. With piety, faith and good practice of religious teachings, it is very unlikely that these individuals
will experience mental health disorders such as depression because they tend to be stronger and
more mature.

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