Does the Quran Refer to the Importance of Rest and Mental Relaxation?

The Holy Quran, as the divine word, profoundly addresses not only the importance of physical rest but also the tranquility and peace of mind and heart. Although the exact phrases 'mental rest' or 'mental relaxation' are not explicitly used in the Quran, the fundamental concepts and pathways leading to these states are abundantly expressed in its verses. The Quran, with a comprehensive view of humanity and its needs, introduces sleep, night, remembrance of Allah, reliance on God (Tawakkul), and divine tranquility (Sakinah) as essential pillars for achieving peace and psychological well-being. This Quranic perspective offers a holistic approach to human health, where the body, spirit, and mind are interconnected. One of the clearest references in the Quran to the importance of rest is its emphasis on the role of night and sleep. In several verses, God designates the night for rest and comfort and the day for striving and livelihood. For instance, in Surah An-Naba, verses 9 and 10, it states: "وَجَعَلْنَا نَوْمَكُمْ سُبَاتًا وَجَعَلْنَا اللَّيْلَ لِبَاسًا" (And We made your sleep for rest, and We made the night as clothing). The word "subātan" comes from the root "sabat," meaning cessation or cutting off from activity, indicating a pause from work and effort to restore energy and peace. This signifies that sleep is not merely a biological necessity but a divine gift for the rejuvenation of physical and mental faculties. The night, with its darkness, provides a serene environment where one can retreat from the day's hustle and bustle, allowing both body and mind to calm down. This natural order itself teaches humanity the greatest lesson about the importance of the work-rest cycle. Without adequate rest, physical and mental efficiency diminishes, leading to extreme fatigue, anxiety, and reduced decision-making capabilities. Beyond physical rest, the Quran pays special attention to the tranquility of the heart and mind. The concept of "Sakinah," mentioned repeatedly in the Quran, signifies peace, tranquility, and serenity, which Allah sends down into the hearts of believers. This Sakinah can bring calm during difficult and anxious situations, such as battles or calamities, and alleviate mental worries. In Surah Al-Fath, verse 4, it is stated: "هُوَ الَّذِي أَنزَلَ السَّكِينَةَ فِي قُلُوبِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ لِيَزْدَادُوا إِيمَانًا مَّعَ إِيمَانِهِمْ" (It is He who sent down tranquility into the hearts of the believers that they might add faith to their faith). This verse clearly shows that inner peace is a divine gift dependent on faith and connection with God. When one's heart finds peace through faith in God, their mind is also freed from worldly anxieties and distress. This type of peace is deeper than mere physical rest and directly contributes to one's psychological health. Another crucial way to achieve mental tranquility according to the Quran is "Dhikr Allah" or the remembrance of God. In Surah Ar-Ra'd, verse 28, Allah says: "الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ" (Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured). This verse explicitly states the direct relationship between the remembrance of God and the tranquility of the heart. The remembrance of God includes prayer (Salah), recitation of the Quran, supplication (Du'a), contemplation of divine signs, and any act that brings one to remember the Creator and His infinite power. When a person remembers that there is a higher and more compassionate power who holds everything in His hands, they are relieved of the heavy burden of life's worries and anxieties. This constant remembrance helps the mind distance itself from temptations and negative thoughts, moving towards light and hope. Reliance on God (Tawakkul) is also a significant pillar in promoting mental peace. The Quran invites believers to place complete trust and reliance on God. When a person is certain that their sustenance and destiny are in God's hands, they are freed from worries about the future and the hardships of livelihood. In Surah At-Talaq, verse 3, it says: "وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ" (And whoever relies upon Allah, then He is sufficient for him). This assurance of divine sufficiency removes a great burden from the human mind, enabling one to face life's challenges with greater calmness. Modern life is full of stresses arising from uncertainty and competition; Tawakkul acts as a powerful antidote to these stresses, helping people to look at the future with a more positive outlook and live in the present. Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes the concept of moderation and balance in all aspects of life. Excess in work, pursuit of pleasure, or even worship can disrupt one's psychological balance and lead to physical and mental burnout. Islam is a religion of moderation that does not accept extremism in any field. This concept implicitly indicates the importance of rest and preventing excessive pressure on oneself, whether in worldly or religious matters. A balanced life, where sufficient time is allocated for work, worship, family, recreation, and rest, is key to mental health. Finally, through invitations to ponder creation, express gratitude, show patience in calamities, and refrain from envy and malice, the Quran offers various paths to inner peace and liberation of the mind from negative thoughts. Each of these concepts, in some way, contributes to strengthening mental well-being and calming the mind. Contemplation of the universe's order makes one aware of the Creator's power and grandeur, freeing them from trivial worldly concerns. Gratitude fosters a positive outlook on life, and patience enhances the ability to cope with problems. Thus, it can be said that the Quran, with a profound and multi-dimensional approach, provides practical and spiritual solutions for achieving physical and mental peace, which are vital for human psychological health in any era.