Anxiety and despair may strike anybody at any time. While being a Muslim entails having our faith ingrained in us, it does not mean that we are immune to such obstacles.
Depression may not always imply a lack of faith in Allah s.w.t. and His divine decree, but it might lead to a loss of Iman. The fact that a person still has a great confidence in Allah while facing mental difficulties demonstrates how strong his or her faith is.
We can employ a holistic and complete strategy to address anxiety and sadness. While prayers are an important component of Islam, it is equally necessary to pair them with the appropriate measures and strategies to maintain our mental health, such as getting professional treatment.
The solution to anxiety and depression management does not have to be limited to certain ritualistic behaviors. Someone who is dealing with mental health issues should get appropriate medical help and assistance.
In the Quran, Allah s.w.t. reminds us:
الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ
Those who believe and take consolation in Allah’s remembrance. Surely, hearts find consolation in Allah’s remembrance. (13:28, Surah Ar-Rad)
We remember Allah s.w.t. and ask for His assistance. Here are five duas to recite if you’re dealing with anxiety or depression:
“Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. said to me: Shall I not teach you certain phrases to say when you are in distress?” Asma’ Binti ‘Umais r.a. related.
اللهُ اللهُ ربِّي لَا أُشرِكُ به شيئًا
“I do not connect anything with Allah, Allah, my Lord.” Sunan Abi Daud (Sunan Abi Daud)
Prophet Yunus a.s. placed his confidence and reliance in Allah s.w.t. while stuck in the belly of a whale, isolated from even the slightest sight of light and as though the path out seemed impossible, and performed the following invocations:
لاَّ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّى كُنتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ
“You are the one deity, exalted be You!” Indeed, I was one of the perpetrators.” (21:87, Sura Al Anbiya)
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ جَهْدِ الْبَلَاءِ، وَدَرَكِ الشَّقَاءِ، وَسُوءِ الْقَضَاءِ، وَشَمَاتَةِ الْأَعْدَاءِ
“O Allah, I seek shelter in You from terrible affliction, from impending anguish, from decreed disaster, and from the delights of the adversaries.” (Bukhari) (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي وَاحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً مِّن لِّسَانِي يَفْقَهُوا قَوْلِي
“Lord, please strengthen my heart and make my duty easier for me. Remove the stumbling block off my tongue so that people can understand what I’m saying.” (20:25-28) (Surah Taha)
Whoever recites this 7 times in the morning or evening will be granted sufficient in whatever problems cause him or her grief:
حَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ لآ إلَهَ إلَّا هُوَ، عَلَيْهَ توَكَّلتُ، وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ
“For me, Allah is sufficient. There is no one more deserving of adoration than He. He is the king of the Majestic Throne, and I have placed my confidence in Him.” Sunan Abi Daud (Sunan Abi Daud)
Insya’Allah, Allah is with you wherever you go. Beyond praying these petitions, seek the right assistance you require. Mental health is vital, and we have a responsibility to look after it.
Seeking competent medical help and assistance is critical, and it is an important element of our effort (ikhtiyar) to get healthy.
May Allah take away your anxieties, concerns, and worries, and offer you tranquilly, peace, and healing. Ameen.
