Using Islamic Mindfulness-Based Interventions as a Compass for Improving Muslim Mental Health Outcomes: A Scoping
Yusra Ahmad1, Wai Lun Alan Fung, Heba Khan
1From Department of Psychiatry (Drs. Y Ahmad, WLA Fung, K Fung, and A Hassan), Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work (Ms. Khan), Mount Sinai Hospital Seniors' Wellness Centre, Sinai Health (Dr. WLA Fung), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; Women's College Hospital, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto (Drs. Y Ahmad, K Fung, and Hassan); Health Sciences Department, McMaster University (Ms. Rahman and Ms. Ahmad); Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto (Dr. Hassan); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto (Dr. Hassan); Department of Psychiatry and Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital (Dr. Hassan).
Objective:
Muslim communities in North America face significant mental health challenges that are exacerbated by Islamophobia, social isolation, and spiritual incongruence. Spiritually adapted mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) tailored to Islamic principles have emerged as promising approaches. This scoping review explores how Islamic mindfulness practices are defined and implemented to enhance Muslim mental health outcomes.
Methods:
We conducted a systematic scoping review using Arksey and O'Malley's framework and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Review guidelines, searching seven databases from May 2024 to June 2025. The final analysis included 53 studies after a rigorous screening process.
Results:
The literature has expanded substantially in recent years, emphasizing Islamic practices such as dhikr, salah, Qur'anic recitation, and muraqabah as central components of mindfulness interventions. Integrating Islamic values into existing MBIs (e.g., mindfulness-based stress reduction and cognitive behavioral therapy [CBT]) shows enhanced cultural relevance and therapeutic engagement. Emerging neurophysiological evidence demonstrates effectiveness, including cortisol and dopamine regulation. Standardized, manualized approaches suitable for diverse Muslim populations, however, remain absent.
Conclusions:
Islamic mindfulness interventions offer substantial potential for improving mental health among Muslims. Future research should prioritize developing standardized, culturally responsive MBIs tailored to diverse Muslim communities.
Related Concept Videos
Introspection
Community Based Intervention
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the risk...
Altered States of Awareness
The ingestion of substances like stimulants or hallucinogens leads to chemical alterations in the brain that...
