are people born good according to Islam?
And what does Islam say about psychopathy?
Some say that people who suffer from this problem are born that way and there's nothing we can do to change them.
Answer
In this counseling answer:
It is clearly stated in the Qur’an that everyone is born in a state of fitrah.
A pure state with an unfiltered belief in Allah.
However, as you look around you notice that not everyone is good.
Therefore, it is not unusual to question whether the human is born good or bad, as you’ve as for in this case.
Why is this?
Most likely this is because of the external influences that one comes into contact with who influence the person than to fall astray from the straight path.
Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullah wa barakatuh brother,
In this case, I would advise you to ask such questions to people of knowledge who will be able to provide you with a more detailed answer based on the Qur’an and Sunnah.
I can provide you with some brief answers to these questions,
but I would urge you to verify with a sheikh and get further information to strengthen your understanding.
It is clearly stated in the Qur’an that everyone is born in a state of fitrah;
a pure state with an unfiltered belief in Allah. However, as you look around you notice that not everyone is good and, therefore,
it is not unusual to question whether the human is born good or bad, as you’ve as for in this case.
Why is this?
Most likely this is because of the external influences that one comes into contact with who influence the person than to fall astray from the straight path.
If you feel someone is going astray from the path and acting out of accordance of Islam,
then, of course, there is a lot you can do to try and help steer them back onto the straight path.
Beginning with making prayers for Allah to guide them as He is the only one who can turn someone’s heart and put them on the straight path.
Check out this counseling video:
You can also be more directly involved with them.
Interact with them and encourage them to at least be committing to the obligatory deeds on a daily basis.
You can do this by directly reminding them, but also by being a good role model to them and letting them see you engage in these things and see how it brings you contentment to perform these acts.
Bringing there to support them will also help make this process easier for them and more likely yield positive results.
Regarding psychopathy, if you suspect that someone suffers from it,
it is important that they seek some kind of assessment for this to confirm any type of diagnosis.
This will enable them to get the most appropriate treatment.
Sometimes episodes of psychopathy and spiritual ailments such as Jinn possession are commonly misdiagnosed one way or the other resulting in incorrect treatment.
A person in this situation should try and seek both spiritual treatments from the local imam or qualified person to rule out any chances of spiritual explanations for any symptoms.
Simultaneously, they can also see a doctor who will be able to assess them for the physical and psychological symptoms of psychopathy and treat them from this perspective if necessary.
There may even be some other cause of any symptoms that may also need investigating first.
Again, as in the case of the one who has seemingly gone astray from the path,
the person suffering from psychopathy will also require support from loved ones in overcoming these difficulties.
This will make recovery quicker and easier, in sha Allah. It will bring great relief to the person as well as a reward for the one who assists them.
May Allah guide us all aright and keep us on the straight path. May He protect us from difficulties and ease our pains in times of trial.
salam,
***
Disclaimer: The conceptualization and recommendations stated in this response are very general and purely based on the limited information provided in the question. In no event shall AboutIslam, its counselors or employees be held liable for any damages that may arise from your decision in the use of our services.
Read more:
https://aboutislam.net/counseling/ask-the-counselor/mental-health/human-psyche-islamic-perspective/
https://aboutislam.net/family-life/your-society/faith-ultimate-solution-mental-health-issues/
https://aboutislam.net/family-life/your-society/are-psychology-and-islam-compatible/
