Provisions for mentally ill patients in Islamic law and international agreements

Author's name: Ahlam Muhammad Mohsen Aqil

Since I was a child, my ambition was to become a nurse, to help people and treat patients. My dream came true, and my passion for this profession grew, especially when I learned that the Messenger of God, may God bless him and grant him peace, said: "The people most beloved to God are those who are most beneficial to people."

During my time at the hospital, I realized the importance of understanding the rulings and guidance of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions regarding patients. I could only answer their questions if I was familiar with Islamic jurisprudence. This prompted me to enroll in the Faculty of Sharia (Islamic Law) as a part-time student, studying in the morning and working in the evening. After graduating, my thirst for knowledge led me to pursue a master's degree and eventually a doctorate. The book before you is the result of my doctoral dissertation. Anyone who studies the rulings of Islamic law will find them fascinating in their comprehensiveness, consistency, and relevance for all times and places. Derived from the Holy Quran and the teachings of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), they provide clarity and guidance for all that is best for us, both in this world and the hereafter. From these principles, we derive the legal basis for addressing emerging issues in the modern era.

It is with great pleasure that I present this book, "Judgments of the Mentally Ill," which was my doctoral dissertation. This work has been a beacon for me for the past twenty years, and I have studied it in my community. I am now delighted to share it with a wider audience, as it supports one of the rights of patients and serves as a resource for psychologists, mental health students, and scholars.

This book contains:

- Causes of mental illness, the position of Islamic jurisprudence on these causes, and how Islam treats and prevents mental disorders.
- An explanation of most of the rulings related to mentally ill people in Islamic jurisprudence, including matters of worship, financial affairs, and personal status such as marriage, divorce, and custody.
- The most important individual, social and institutional duties towards mentally ill patients.
- Comparison between international and Islamic rights for mentally ill patients.
I ask God Almighty to bless these efforts and to benefit everyone through this book.