The Nexus Between Depression And Legal Competence (al-ahliyyah): A Jurisprudential Analysis Of Worship Responsibilities

Depression is a psychological state that harbours the potential to influence emotional regulation, cognitive functions, and daily functioning. It adversely affects cognitive processes, compromising the capacity for reasoned judgment and logical thinking. Consequently, these cognitive implications have far-reaching consequences for the ahliyyah al-adā’ (active legal capacity and competence) of the mukallaf, especially in areas related to worship performance. This research seeks to evaluate the legal competence of individuals undergoing depression by utilising the clinical depression assessment scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). A documentary methodology is employed, integrating library research and the referencing of primary sources in psychology, medicine, uṣūl al-fiqh, and contemporary fiqh. Complementary to this, field research is executed through interviews with experts in medicine and Shariah to establish a comprehensive correlation between ‘awāriḍ al-ahliyyah (impediments to legal competence) and depression symptoms as quantified by the PHQ-9 scale. Following data collection, thematic and comparative methods are applied for analysis. The study outcomes suggest a categorisation of depression into three main levels: mild, moderate, and severe. Mild depression is linked to impediments in legal competence attributed to al-maraḍ (sickness), while moderate depression is associated with al-‘atah (cognitive impairment), and severe depression demonstrates a correlation with al-junūn (insanity). Depression symptoms closely correspond to impediments in legal competence, significantly impacting the capacity to fulfil religious obligations. This influence stems from disruptions in both cognitive and physiological functions experienced by affected individuals.