Self-hisbah among married women towards the early symptoms of depression

Abstract

Self-hisbah is based on al-amr bi al-maaruf wa al-nahy an al-munkar, which is the ability to expand one’s potential to evaluate oneself by emphasizing the emotion and changes in behavior that creates awareness of good virtues and live following the essence of Sharia. The process of self-hisbah is relevant to the empowerment of oneself especially for women with early symptoms of depression while they are struggling to reach happiness and reverence to God. To prevent early symptoms of depression from getting worse, self-hisbah among married women should be emphasized to shape self-empowerment. Self-hisbah of married women are observed through six constructs which is called muhasabat al-nafs. It is to emotionally support married women while dealing with conflicts in their marriage based on Islamic insights and strong inner spirits following the fitra and needs in Islam. The six constructs are known as musyaratah (agreement of the heart), muraqabah (behavioral observation), muhasabah (practicing self-reflection), muaqabah (spiritual supplementary), mujahadah (spiritual struggle) and muatabah (affirmation of the soul). Results of the qualitative case studies showed self-hisbah plays a vital role in helping married women with early symptoms of depression. It also becomes an agent in handling wider social issues and spiritual struggles. Hence, self-hisbah can be considered a tool in preventing conflicts in marriage.