Dean of the Kuliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences at the Abdul Hamid Abu Sulayman International Islamic University Malaysia Professor Dr Shukran bin Abdul Rahman emphasised yesterday that the planet and its inhabitants are experiencing worsening environmental conditions, directly affecting individuals’ well-being and mental health. Delivering a presentation on ‘Environmental Change and Mental Health’, he linked these issues to the phenomenon of climate change, explaining that it affects not only physical health but also mental well-being, as the challenges posed by environmental changes strain the quality of life.
He made these observations during a discussion on the sub-theme ‘Mental Health and Environment’ discussed on the second day of the Knowledge Convention Seminar 2024 at the International Convention Centre, Berakas yesterday.
Associate Professor Dr Shaikh Abdul Mabud from the Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Centre for Islamic Studies at Universiti Brunei Darussalam presented the second paper on ‘Body-Mind Dualism or Somatic-Psychological Unification: Understanding Human Nature Through Science and Religion’. In his research, Dr Shaikh explored the contrasting views of mind-body dualism and the unification of the somatic and psychological aspects through both biomedical and Islamic approaches.
He noted that the prevalent view of dualism in modern medicine promotes an empirical and physical focus, often limiting research to the body. He said his research emphasised the importance of integrating religious and spiritual perspectives to fully understand human nature and improve the practice of biomedicine. Associate Professor Dr Muhamad Zahiri bin Awang Mat from the Faculty of Education at Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) also addressed the theme ‘Environmental Change and Mental Health’.
He discussed the factors that contribute to emotional, spiritual, psychological and cognitive imbalances, which can severely impact both mental and physical health.
Dr Muhamad Zahiri underscored the importance of spiritual practices and Islamic therapy in managing everyday stresses and life challenges.
His research found that awareness and the implementation of Islamic therapy need to be expanded, as it offers an effective approach to supporting individuals facing mental health difficulties through a holistic, faith-based method. Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof was the guest of honour.
Deputy Minister (Security and Law) at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Dato Seri Paduka Haji Sufian bin Haji Sabtu, Deputy Minister (Civil Service Governance) at the PMO Dato Seri Paduka Mohd Riza bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos, permanent and deputy permanent secretaries, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali rector and other senior officials and staff from ministries and departments were among those present. – Rokiah Mahmud
