Such people...

Such people, believing that sorrow, worry, and fear are psychological disorders incompatible with human nature, and that their harmful effects are confirmed in psychology and rejected by public culture, ask: Why does Islam, which presents itself as a religion of human nature, praise these negative and unpleasant states? Why do some Islamic teachings criticize laughter, which reflects joy and liveliness, while praising crying and supplication, which reflect fear and anxiety?

When non-Muslims, especially Europeans, observe Muslim, particularly Shia, religious ceremonies either in person or through media, and see their mourning, chest-beating, and crying, they say that these people suffer from masochism and have become accustomed to self-harm and self-inflicted pain! But the answer to this question is that Islam, as a complete and comprehensive religion, takes into account all dimensions of existence and all aspects of human life.

According to its teachings, none of the human faculties, physical, mental, psychological, intellectual, or emotional, is useless, meaningless, or harmful. All these natural and instinctive qualities, when used correctly, serve as means for human perfection. For example, the instinct of sexual desire is necessary for humanity and ensures the continuation of the human race.

Anger, although it has negative moral and psychological effects and can cause personal and social harm, is not useless, and its use is necessary in certain situations. Thus, all faculties and emotional states are necessary for human beings, and if they are used properly, they are beneficial and constructive. The harms arise only when these faculties, states, and inclinations are used in the wrong way.

The Need to Maintain Balance in Natural Instincts and Tendencies States such as joy, sorrow, fear, and even anxiety can be beneficial both for a person’s worldly life and for helping them reach perfection and eternal happiness. What matters is that a person knows when to be joyful and when to be sad; what they should rejoice over and what they should grieve about.

It is important for a person to understand for what purpose God has placed these capacities, tendencies, and instincts in human beings, and in what situations they should be used.