Unfortunately, anxiety is the most common mental health issue. Be it a teenager, child, or an adult in their late 50s, anyone can become a victim of it.
Every religion presents unique ways to deal with mental health issues. Some sects prefer mediation and yoga while others consider music a healing solution. Islam being one of the most peaceful religions in the world, provides several ways to deal with anxiety.
Muslims can use the power of duas, the sayings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), and the stories of Sahabas to alleviate anxiety symptoms. What are these duas, and which solutions are present in the Holy Quran? Let us shed light on them:
1- Believe In Allah
As mentioned in the above point, the cause of getting into this terrible condition may be a test from Allah. Therefore, have firm faith in Him.
Faith and belief will make us realize that whatever is happening is the will of Allah. Recall the sacrifices of the Holy Prophet and see how the messengers of Allah faced the struggles of life.
The comparison will highlight how minor your problem is. Thus, you will get the courage to deal with it.
Quran says:
“And put your trust in Allah, and sufficient is Allah as a Trustee (Disposer of Affairs),” (Al-Ahzab, 33:3)
2- Never Skip A Prayer
Muslims are obliged to pray five times a day. Prayers increase the blood flow in our body, which is ideal for reducing anxiety.
If you find it challenging to pray five times a day, here are some tips for you:
- Set an alarm for the prayer times or use apps to get reminders
- Ask family and friends to remind you about praying
- Start with the obligatory fard prayers
- Try to set your schedule as per the prayer timings
3- Do Zikr
Another useful way to deal with anxiety is doing zikr. It is a repetitive act in which we can successfully distract our minds. Most importantly, it enables us to divert our minds positively.
Zikr refers to reciting the verses of the Holy Quran, duas, or the names of Allah. When we know the meaning of what we are reciting, we start believing in it. Eventually, it strengthens our faith, giving us more strength to face mental health disorders.
4- Read and Understand Quran
The Quran is a comprehensive book, having lessons on every aspect of life. It shows us positivity and leads us to a path where there is immense peace.
Therefore, start reading the Quran and if you fail to understand the Arabic language, read it with translation. For a better understanding, try to read Tafseer. Tafseer gives you an idea about the background of what has been said.
5- Help Others
Muslims are required to give Zakat and charity to the poor. Scientifically, helping others releases several hormones like dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin. The function of these hormones is to make us feel good.
That is why we always feel great after helping others. Islam gives the same message to Muslims. A greater charity can safeguard Muslims from greater suffering.
6- Have Patience
Muslims have a firm belief in the sayings of the Holy Quran. And, the Quran highlights the significance of patience several times.
Besides this, Allah reveals that both good and bad times will come in our life. All we need is to show patience and wait for the reward.
Surah Ahzab sheds light on the significance of patience. Allah is addressing the wives of the Holy Prophet to show patience in this world and wait for the reward in the life after death.
Therefore, instead of indulging in other things, just showing patience can save us from the harmful effects of anxiety.
Allah says:
“And bear with patience, and your patience is only because of the help of Allah – and do not grieve over them, nor feel distressed by their evil plans” (Quran, 16:127)
7- Take Help From Psychotherapists
Apart from having belief in the Creator, showing patience, and doing Zikr, seeking help from psychotherapists is also important.
Psychotherapy sessions are one-on-one discussions where a therapist listens to your problems. By using the power of words and the mind, these therapists are trained to deal with mental health patients.
A therapist might advise you to walk daily, socialize, meditate, or change your way of thinking.
8- Think Positive
Recall your past events and notice how you got out of the miserable situations. Also, recall the good old days and see how good days always come after the bad ones.
Allah says:
If you are grateful, I will surely increase you in favor. (Quran 14:7)
9- Remind Yourself About The Life After Death
Understand the difference between the temporary world and the permanent life, which is after death. The realization of this temporary world will never make you sad.
You will feel blessed to have hardships in this world. These hardships might become a source of forgiveness on the Day of Judgment.
Thus, you won’t feel hopeless as you know that whatever you are facing will only last for a few days.
10- Recall The Blessings Of Allah
Sit in a peaceful environment and try to jot down the blessings of Allah. From the ability to walk, speak, and eat, to the blessing of having a house, kids, and family, write everything.
Focusing on these blessings will reduce your worries. You will get multiple reasons to stay happy instead of being sad. Additionally, you can compare the causes of your sadness.
These causes can never exceed the blessings of your Creator. Thus, your mind will get convinced to stay happy.
Wrapping It Up
In short, Muslims can successfully deal with anxiety and lead happy life. Offering prayers, doing zikr, thinking positively, and helping others are a few ways.
Besides this, doing astaghfaar, and understanding the blessings of life can also help alleviate anxiety. Additionally, psychotherapy sessions are also helpful.
Practice all or a few of the above tips if you are facing anxiety. But always have a firm belief that whatever you are going through is temporary.
Good days will come soon!
