In today’s fast-paced world, it’s common to feel a sense of emptiness and pressure from the demands of everyday life. Many people experience psychological challenges like anxiety and depression. Interestingly, Islamic teachings, especially those shared by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), offer insights into how a strong belief in Allah can help us overcome these difficulties.
Finding Comfort in Remembering Allah
The Quran, the holy book of Islam, tells us that those who believe and remember Allah in their hearts find comfort. The verse from Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:28) assures us that in the remembrance of Allah, our hearts can find solace.
ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ ٱلْقُلُوبُ
those who believe and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah. Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort.
(Quran 13:28)
This means that turning to Allah in times of stress or worry can make our hearts feel better. Remembering Allah’s presence can be like a soothing balm for our minds and souls.
Connecting with Allah: A Path to Peace
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us that believers who have a close connection with Allah are in a unique position. He shared a saying, or hadith, where he said, “How wonderful the affair of the believer is! Indeed, all of his affairs are good for him.” This means that believers see both good and bad events as opportunities for growth. When good things happen, they’re thankful to Allah. And when faced with challenges, they show patience, which is a way of coping with difficulties.
Faith to Face Challenges
Anxiety and depression often stem from fear, tough circumstances, or worries about the future. In Islam, we’re reminded that everything is under Allah’s control. The Quran, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155-157),
وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُم بِشَىْءٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْخَوْفِ وَٱلْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْأَمْوَٰلِ وَٱلْأَنفُسِ وَٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ
We will certainly test you with a touch of fear and famine and loss of property, life, and crops. Give good news to those who patiently endure—
(Quran 2:155-157)
This Verse teaches us that even when we face difficulties like fear, famine, or loss, our patience and trust in Allah will lead to rewards. Believers know that Allah’s plan is behind everything, so they remain patient and seek Allah’s reward even in tough times. This perspective helps them turn difficulties into rewards.
Trusting Allah’s Protection
The Quran teaches us that even when facing threats or dangers, having strong faith can make us feel protected. In Surah Aal-E-Imran (3:173-174),
ٱلَّذِينَ قَالَ لَهُمُ ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّ ٱلنَّاسَ قَدْ جَمَعُوا۟ لَكُمْ فَٱخْشَوْهُمْ فَزَادَهُمْ إِيمَـٰنًۭا وَقَالُوا۟ حَسْبُنَا ٱللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ ٱلْوَكِيلُ
Those who were warned, “Your enemies have mobilized their forces against you, so fear them,” the warning only made them grow stronger in faith and they replied, “Allah ˹alone˺ is sufficient ˹as an aid˺ for us and ˹He ˺ is the best Protector.”
(Quran 3:173-174)
Allah recounts the story of believers who faced warnings about impending harm. Instead of being scared, they trusted in Allah’s protection and said, “Allah alone is sufficient as an aid for us and He is the best Protector.” This trust in Allah strengthens their faith and shields them from harm.
Prayer and Remembrance: The Ultimate Solution
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) showed us that during hard times, turning to prayer is a powerful way to find peace. He used to say, “O Bilal, call for prayer. Relieve us thereby.” This shows how important prayer is for finding calm and getting rid of worries, anxiety, concern, and grief. The act of praying can provide a sense of tranquility and help us let go of our troubles.
Guidance in Tough Moments
In Islam, there are special words we can say when we’re feeling sad or distressed. These words, called supplications or duas, are like a conversation with Allah. One such dua is mentioned in Hisn al-Muslim, where we ask Allah to make the Quran the source of light in our hearts and the banisher of our sadness. This dua reminds us that turning to the teachings of Allah can bring us relief.
Asking Allah for Help
The Prophet taught a simple dua for when we’re feeling down. Asma’ bint ‘Umais narrates in Sunan Ibn Majah (3882) that the Prophet taught her to say,
اللَّهُ اللَّهُ رَبِّي لاَ أُشْرِكُ بِهِ شَيْئًا .
“Allah, Allah is my Lord, I do not associate anything with Him.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah 3882)
This dua reminds us to turn to Allah for help and support in times of distress.
Seeking Mercy in Tough Times
Another dua taught by the Prophet asks Allah, the Living and Self-Sustaining Sustainer, for mercy and relief. Anas bin Malik shares in Tirmidhi (3524) that whenever he felt distressed, the Prophet would say,
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ حَاتِمٍ الْمُكْتِبُ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَدْرٍ شُجَاعُ بْنُ الْوَلِيدِ، عَنْ الرُّحَيْلِ بْنِ مُعَاوِيَةَ أَخِي زُهَيْرِ بْنِ مُعَاوِيَةَ، عَنِ الرَّقَاشِيِّ، عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ، قَالَ: كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِذَا كَرَبَهُ أَمْرٌ قَالَ: يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّومُ بِرَحْمَتِكَ أَسْتَغِيثُ .
Anas bin Malik said: “Whenever a matter would distress him, the Prophet (ﷺ) would say: ‘O Living, O Self-Sustaining Sustainer! In Your Mercy do I seek relief (Yā Ḥayyu yā Qayyūm, bi-raḥmatika astaghīth).’” And with this chain, that he said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Be constant with: “O Possessor of Majesty and Honor (Yā Dhal-Jalāli wal-Ikrām).
(Tirmidhi 3524)
This dua shows that when we’re struggling, we can ask Allah for help just like we’d ask a close friend for support.
The Power of Faith in Challenges
The Quran tells us that when people say hurtful things or when life gets tough, believers should remember Allah and praise Him. This is mentioned in Surah Al-Hijr (15:97-99),
وَلَقَدْ نَعْلَمُ أَنَّكَ يَضِيقُ صَدْرُكَ بِمَا يَقُولُونَ ٩٧فَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ وَكُن مِّنَ ٱلسَّـٰجِدِينَ ٩٨وَٱعْبُدْ رَبَّكَ حَتَّىٰ يَأْتِيَكَ ٱلْيَقِينُ٩٩
We certainly know that your heart is truly distressed by what they say. So glorify the praises of your Lord and be one of those who ˹always˺ pray, and worship your Lord until the inevitable1 comes your way.
(Quran 15:97-15:99)
This verse shows that turning to Allah in times of trouble is a way to find strength and peace.
In Conclusion: Finding Peace Through Faith
In a world where anxiety and depression are common, Islamic teachings offer a comforting message. By connecting with Allah, remembering Him, and turning to Him in prayer and supplication, believers can find solace and strength. The wisdom from the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) guide us toward a path of inner peace and resilience. Through faith, we can navigate life’s challenges with a sense of tranquility and trust in Allah’s plan.
“O Allah, the Sustainer of all, grant me good health in both body and soul. Protect me from all illnesses and ailments. Strengthen my immune system and grant me the ability to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Grant healing to all those who are suffering from illness. Grant me the strength and perseverance to overcome any health challenges I may face. Bestow upon me the blessing of vitality and wellness, and help me use my good health to serve You and those around me. Ameen.”
Allah Bless Us All….TC
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