e. Fatigue and loss of energy for most of the day. f. Lack...

e. Fatigue and loss of energy for most of the day. f. Lack of self-worth or excessive feelings of guilt. g. Decrease in mental capacity, lack of concentration and inability to make decisions. h. Recurring thoughts about death. Upon consideration of these three types of depression, it is clear that the first and third types are not intended by those who say that mourning ceremonies are a cause of sorrow and depression in the society.

The first type is extreme and it is clearly invalid to claim that the Shi‘ah societies are widely afflicted by major or chronic depression and sorrow. The third type of depression is also not intended by the sceptics because it is related to special and particular instances like premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or depressive disorders that follow psychological distress like schizophrenia. Therefore, habitual depression and sorrow is that which is intended by critics.

Habitual depression is relatively minor and has the following features: a. Lack of appetite or excessive appetite. b. Lack of sleep (insomnia) or excessive sleepiness. c. Lack of energy or excessive fatigue. d. Difficulty in decision making or feelings of helplessness. e. The appearance or manifestation of these symptoms for the greater part of the day or for most days for a period of at least two years. f.

The symptoms are not a result of physiological effects due to inappropriate use of medicines, etc. g. The symptoms result in disruption of the individual’s work and social activities. Now, we will examine whether or not mourning ceremonies bring about the symptoms of habitual depression in man, and therefore cause social despondency. In order to make this issue clear, it is necessary to scrutinize the factors which cause depression and despondency from the viewpoint of psychology.

Psychologists have enumerated three main factors that cause depression: existential, hereditary and environmental stimulants.[^2] The surroundings or situation alone do not cause depression. In fact, negative stimuli in the environment are only effective in people who have a background of hereditary depression or biological disorder in the brain affecting its normal function. In addition, mourning ceremonies cannot be classed as environmental causes that generate intense stress.

Real grief and sorrow resulting from current tragic events can cause extreme distress and depression, but mourning ceremonies for the awliya’ of Allah play no part in producing intense stress.