Promoting the Mental Health of Women and Children through the Provisions of Islamic Jurisprudence: A Comparative Study between Jordanian and Kuwaiti Legislation

Objectives: This study aims to explore the measures taken to enhance the mental health of women and children in Islamic jurisprudence. It also compares the relevant legislation in Jordan and Kuwait.
Methods: The study relies on inductive, analytical, and comparative approaches to define mental health from an Islamic perspective, identify its components, and explain the Islamic concept of a balanced personality. It further aims to clarify the legal foundation of factors and approaches related to mental health, including the Islamic criterion for measuring mental health. The study also tracks the legal steps that enhance the mental health of women and children, comparing these with the legislation in Jordan and Kuwait.
Results: From an Islamic perspective, mental health represents a relative balance achieved by Muslims through worshiping God. This balance acts as a shield against mental and physical illnesses, promotes tranquility and happiness, and enables individuals to become active members of society. Among other findings, the study provides an in-depth analysis of Muslim scholars' contributions to discussions on mental health. It also reveals that mental health depends on regulating impulses, meeting needs, and controlling emotions, forming an interdependent, non-compensatory relationship. Notably, the Islamic standard used to assess mental health is a four-dimensional criterion.
Conclusions: The researchers recommend that mental health professionals and religious counselors consult jurisprudential studies linking psychological issues to solutions in Islamic law. They also suggest mandatory pre-marriage awareness courses on the importance of children's mental health and how to promote it.