Most-asked question

What does Islam say about depression and seeking therapy?

190 fatawa in the archive answer questions on this, from 7 South African Darul Iftas (AskImam, Mufti Online, Ibn Masood, Jamiat KZN, Azaadville, Camperdown and others). Below, each Darul Ifta’s answer is quoted word for word from the opening of one of its fatawa.

Based on the fatawa linked below. Please read the sources and double-check with a Darul Ifta for your situation.

Consult a mufti for your situation. Fatawa SA is a read-only archive and issues no rulings of its own.

What the Darul Iftas say

“If ‘Lyno Therapy’ includes or comprises of any impermissible methods of treatment as in ‘Emotional Freedom Therapy’ or ‘Body-Talk’ then it will not be permissible.”

Ibn Masood — Lyno Therapy · 21 Sep 2023

“It is impermissible and sinful for the boy’s family to hide this information from his fiancée. Mental illness is a serious defect which will have drastic consequences on the marriage.”

Jamiat KZN — Concealing Mental illness from a Potential Spouse · 9 Nov 2023

“In order to understand stem cell therapy, we wish to highlight what stem cells are. What are stem cells? “Stem cells are the raw materials of the body — cells from which all other cells with specialized functions are generated.”

Azaadville — Stem Cell Therapy · 9 Sep 2024

“There is no need to lose hope and become depressed. Turn to Allah Ta'ala and beg Him for His mercy. Everything happens on its appointed time. To draw the mercy of Allah Ta'ala towards you and to bring barakah (blessing) in your life, you should ensure that you obey Allah Ta'ala and please Him at all times.”

Mufti Online — Depressed due to not getting married yet · 7 Feb 2024

Quotes are the opening words of each answer as published; the full answer, its conditions and references are on the fatwa page. Answers depend on the exact details of each question.

Read the fatawa

  1. Emotional Healing Therapies Azaadville · 10 Aug 2026
  2. Forensic Psychology Ibn Masood · 27 Jul 2026
  3. I feel extremely depressed and suicidal, please help? Jamiat KZN · 3 Jun 2026
  4. How to get rid of OCD and Anxiety? AskImam · 30 Sep 2025
  5. Suicidal thoughts Mufti Online · 19 Sep 2024
  6. Attributing Modern Mental Health Issues to the Sahabah radiyallahu ‘anhum” Camperdown · 7 Aug 2024
  7. Seeking Debt Counselling MJC · 18 Nov 2025
  8. Stem Cell Therapy Azaadville · 9 Sep 2024
  9. Remedy For Clinical Depression Ibn Masood · 10 Jul 2024
  10. Anti-Depressant Homemade Mixture from the Sunnah Jamiat KZN · 11 Sep 2024
  11. I suffer from Tourette’s syndrome & severe anxiety - Can i use Medical Marijuana? AskImam · 12 Feb 2023
  12. Depressed due to not getting married yet Mufti Online · 7 Feb 2024
  13. OCD and Talāq Camperdown · 4 Sep 2023
  14. Lyno Therapy Ibn Masood · 21 Sep 2023
  15. Concealing Mental illness from a Potential Spouse Jamiat KZN · 9 Nov 2023

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