Ethic of Sound Mind
An equal, if not greater, emphasis was placed on mental heath since preservation of sound mind is among the foundational principles of Islam’s ethical code. The principle was seriously applied in practice. In designating a ward of the Mansuria Hospital, built in Cairo in 1284, for mental patients, its endowment deed stipulated: “The foremost attention is to be paid to those who have suffered loss of mind and hence loss of honour”. The principle has had a wider application in tradition. Any substance abuse which interferes with the normal functioning of the mind is a greater violation of the ethical code for it amounts to self-inflicted loss of personal dignity and of the ability to fulfil one’s responsibility to oneself, to one’s family and to society. “Do not be cast into ruin by your hands”, is a recurring admonition.
Ismailimail 