2.1 Understanding Stress and Anxiety

Stress often arises from:

  • Fear of the future – Worrying about what might happen.

  • Regret over the past – Wishing things had been different.

  • Lack of control – Feeling powerless in certain situations.

Allah reminds us:

"No disaster strikes except by permission of Allah. And whoever believes in Allah – He will guide his heart." (Qur'an 64:11)

Everything that happens is part of Allah’s plan. Trusting in this plan helps reduce stress and anxiety.

2.2 The Power of Dua for Anxiety and Worry

The Prophet ﷺ frequently made dua when facing difficulties. He said:

“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, weakness and laziness, miserliness and cowardice, the burden of debt, and being overpowered by men.” (Bukhari)

Dua is a powerful tool for mental well-being. No matter how difficult life feels, turning to Allah in prayer provides comfort and relief.

2.3 Practical Steps to Manage Stress Islamically

  1. Remember Allah Constantly

    • Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) calms the heart.

    • Saying SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar regularly helps refocus the mind.

    • Reading morning and evening adhkar provides spiritual protection.

  2. Strengthen Your Salah

    • The Prophet ﷺ turned to prayer whenever he was stressed.

    • Establishing a strong Salah routine helps manage anxiety.

  3. Engage in Good Deeds

    • Helping others can lift your own spirits.

    • The Prophet ﷺ said: “Charity extinguishes sins just as water extinguishes fire.” (Tirmidhi)

  4. Have Tawakkul (Trust in Allah’s Plan)

    • Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear.

    • Placing trust in Allah reduces fear and uncertainty.

  5. Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health

    • Islam encourages balance in all aspects of life.

    • Eating well, exercising, and getting proper sleep contribute to mental well-being.

2.4 Islam’s Approach toOvercoming Sadness and Depression

Feeling sadness or hopelessness is part of being human, but Islam provides solutions:

  • Turning to Allah through dua and prayer.

  • Seeking knowledge and understanding that hardships are a test.

  • Surrounding yourself with good company who uplift you.

The Prophet ﷺ faced immense hardships, yet he remained patient and trusted in Allah. His example teaches us that through faith, perseverance, and seeking help, we can overcome any difficulty.