The History of Maristans

Perhaps one of the most unique manifestations of Islamic Civilization are the Maristans, or institutions of healing, that boasted the world’s first treatment centers for treating psychological illnesses. Given the holistic framing of the Islamic worldview, it was no accident that these healing centers embedded the treatment of psychological illnesses into their offerings. In so doing, Maristans became a trademark of the Muslim world and could be found in major metropolitan cities from the 8th Century onwards. These healing institutions forever changed the understanding and treatment of psychological illnesses by first dedicating specialized wards for psychological illnesses within the larger Islamic hospital complex, later followed by stand-alone institutions solely dedicated to the treatment of the mentally ill.

Maristans & Islamic Psychology

It is imperative to note that the creation of the very first healing institutions dedicated to treating psychological illnesses is unique to the Muslim world as it was inspired directly by Islamic teachings found in the Qu’ran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad. Most importantly, the interdisciplinary nature of these healing centers mirrored the interdisciplinary nature of the emerging field we today refer to as Islamic Psychology. In short, the Maristans served as the center where theoretical concepts developed by early Muslim scholars- physicians, theologians, and philosophers- who contributed to the creation of Islamic Psychology, were translated into practical, clinical applications.

Many of the novel methods, tools, and approaches for treating psychological illnesses developed in the Maristans of the Muslim world can be utilized today in formulating a practical implementation of  Islamic psychology. Historical sources reveal that Maristans spread in the Muslim lands between 8th and 19th centuries were known to provide state-of-art treatment for psychological conditions through a holistic understanding of health and illness utilizing a wide range of treatments. Environmental and personal factors were considered in a broader perspective for diagnosis and treatment so that the well-being of body, mind, and soul could be holistically attained. A variety of treatment methods including medication, music therapy, water sounds, baths, healthy balanced diet, cupping, and talk therapy were offered by a multidisciplinary team who cared for the ill. Furthermore, the physical features of Maristans such as their location, architectural design, and landscape were an instrumental part of the psychological healing process. 

Maristan Today

Our online clinical, educational, and research-based Maristan initiative was inspired by the historical function of traditional Maristans. Our goal is to revive the Islamic traditional function of Maristans with research and education, stemming from the work of the Stanford Muslim Mental Health & Islamic Psychology Lab, to inform holistic healing for our clients and provide culturally and spiritually congruent, professional, accessible, affordable mental health care for all.