⬇ Download Article PDF (pp. 25–28)
Abstract
The family environment is a major determinant of mental health across the lifespan. Chronic conflict, abuse, neglect and instability raise the risk of depression, anxiety, trauma symptoms and behavioral disorders, whereas cohesion, emotional support, justice and constructive conflict resolution protect against them. This review examines Islamic family teachings as a preventive psychosocial framework that addresses family-related stressors. It first summarizes the research evidence: unmarried adults had 1.86 times the odds of depressive symptoms compared with married adults in a seven-country study; marital distress is associated with mood, anxiety and substance use disorders and with post-traumatic stress disorder; and adverse childhood experiences are associated with an approximately 66% increased risk of later anxiety and depression. It then reviews the Qur’anic perspective, supported by classical and modern exegesis, on marriage, parental care, the prohibition of harm, and dignified separation. Finally, it considers the practical value of these teachings for practitioners working with religiously oriented Muslim clients, drawing on a quasi-experimental study of spiritually integrated couple therapy and a systematic review of 63 studies, while noting that study designs and contexts vary and limit generalizability. Clinicians may draw on them, provided that interventions are evidence-informed, culturally sensitive and respectful of clients’ values and autonomy.
Keywords: family mental health; Islamic family teachings; marital quality; filial piety; adverse childhood experiences; Qur’anic exegesis; spiritually integrated therapy
Authors: Prof. Elzubeir Beshir Taha, PhD
Affiliation: Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Khartoum; Dean, Napata University College, Khartoum, Sudan
Accepted: 22 September 2026 · Published: 6 October 2026 · Vol. 1, Issue 2 · pp. 25–28