Dua for anxiety and stress

25 Tips & Dua for anxiety and stress


Stress is life. Stress is anything that causes mental, physical, or spiritual tension. There is no running away from it. All that matters is how you deal with it. This article does not deal with the factors of stress, anxiety, and depression, nor is it a clinical advice. If you feel depressed, you are not alone. It has been estimated that 75 to 90 percent of all visits to primary care physicians in America are for stress-related problems. This is why it is wise to consult a doctor if you are having physical symptoms of stress. However, here are some Dua for anxiety and stress, that can help from a spiritual perspective.

Torture. Beatings. Loss of property. The death of loved ones. These were just some of the enormous challenges the Muslims of Makkah faced in the seventh century following their acceptance of Islam in fiercely tribal and polytheistic Makkah.

Detention. Harassment. Beatings. Discrimination. Loss of Job. Profiling. Hate Crimes. Constant media attention. Surveillance. These are just some of the challenges Muslims in America today face, post-9/11. Like our predecessors in Makkah, we have begun to face great stress, anxiety, and pressure, more than ever in our recent history on this continent, although Muslims who were brought here as slaves faced worse than what we can even imagine. 

1. Ask Him. He Listens: DU`A 

Turn each anxiety, each fear and each concern into a Dua for anxiety (supplication) and stress. Look at it as another reason to submit to God and be in Sajdah (prostration), during which you are closest to Allah. God listens and already knows what is in your heart, but He wants you to ask Him for what you want.

The Prophet said: Allah is angry with those who do not ask Him for anything (Tirmidhi).

The Prophet once said that in prayer, he would find rest and relief (Nasai). He would also regularly ask for God's forgiveness and remain in prostration during prayer praising God (Tasbeeh) and asking for His forgiveness (Bukhari).

Allah wants you to be specific. The Prophet advised us to ask Allah for exactly what we want instead of making vague Duas. Dua is the essence of worship (the Prophet as quoted in Tirmidhi).

"Call on your Lord with humility and in private: for Allah loveth not those who trespass beyond bounds. Do not make mischief on the earth, after it hath been set in order, but call on Him with fear. And longing (in your hearts): for the mercy of Allah is (always) near to those who do good" (Quran 7:55-56).

2. Tie your Camel: DO YOUR PART

One day Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, noticed a Bedouin leaving his camel without tying it. He asked the Bedouin, "Why don't you tie down your camel?" The Bedouin answered, "I put my trust in Allah." The Prophet then said, "Tie your camel first, then put your trust in Allah" (Tirmidhi).

Muslims must never become fatalistic. Although we know only Allah is in control and that He has decreed all things, we are each responsible for making the right choices and doing the right thing in all situations of our lives. We must take action (link to planning articles on SV). We must work to alleviate the hardships we, our families and our communities face.

Ask yourself the following questions if you are worried about the state of the world: are you part of the peace movement? Is your Masjid part of the peace movement? Are you part of an interfaith group with an agenda of peace and justice? Are you working with a group fighting discrimination? If your answer is no, it is time that you sat down to plan your share of time and money in finding solutions to the problems you face.

"Verily Allah does not change men's condition unless they change their inner selves" (Quran 13: 11).

Turn each worry into a Du`a and each Du`a into an action plan. That will show your commitment to your request and will focus your energy in the right direction. 

3. Remember that human responsibility is limited

While we need to carry out our duty to the best of our abilities, always remember that you don't control the outcome of events. Even the Prophets did not control the outcome of their efforts. Some were successful, others were not. Once you have done your duty, leave the results to Allah. Regardless of the results of your efforts, you will be rewarded for the part you have played.

However, never underestimate your abilities. Understand the concept of Barakah (blessings from Allah) and remember that Allah can and Insha Allah will expand them if you are sincerely exerting your energies for the right path.

4. Leave the world behind you FIVE TIMES A DAY

Use the five daily prayers as a means to become more Hereafter-oriented and less attached to this temporary world. Start distancing yourself as soon as you hear Adhan, the call to prayer. When you perform Wudu, keep repeating Shahada, the declaration of faith, as water drops slip down your face, hands, arms, and hair. When you stand ready to pray, mentally prepare yourself to leave this world and all of its worries and stresses behind you.

Of course, Shaytan will try to distract you during prayer. But whenever this happens, go back and remember Allah. The more you return, the more Allah will reward you for it. Also, make sure your Sajdas (prostrations) are talking Sajdas, in which you are really connecting to God and seeking His Mercy, praising Him, and asking His forgiveness. (link to Sajda article...ramadan page) 

5. Seek help through SABR

Seek help through Sabr and Salat (Quran 2:45).

This instruction from Allah provides us with two critical tools that can ease our worries and pain. Patience and prayer are two oft-neglected stressbusters. Sabr is often translated as patience but it is not just that. It includes self-control, perseverance, endurance, and a focused struggle to achieve one's goal. Unlike patience, which implies resignation, the concept of Sabr includes a duty to remain steadfast to achieve your goals despite all odds.

Being patient gives us control in situations where we feel we have little or no control. 'We cannot control what happens to us but we can control our reaction to our circumstances' is the mantra of many modern-day self-help books. Patience helps us keep our mind and attitude towards our difficulties in check.

6. Excuse Me! You are Not Running the World, HE is.

It is important to remind ourselves that we don't control all the variables in the world. God does. He is the Wise, the All-Knowing. Sometimes our limited human faculties are not able to comprehend His wisdom behind what happens to us and to others, but knowing that He is in control and that as human beings we submit to His Will, enriches our humanity and enhances our obedience (Uboodiah in Arabic) towards him. Read the story of the encounter of Moses with the mysteries behind God's decision (Quran: 18:60-82). Familiarize yourself with God's 99 Names, which are also known as His Attributes. It is a powerful way of knowing Him.

"God-there is no deity save Him, the Ever-Living, the Self-Subsistent Fount of All being. Neither slumber overtakes Him, nor sleep. His is all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth. Who is there that could intercede with Him, unless it be by His leave? He knows all that lies open before men and all that is hidden from them, whereas they cannot attain to aught of His knowledge save that which He wills them to attain. His eternal power overspreads the heavens and the earth, and their upholding wearies Him not. And He alone is truly exalted, tremendous." (Quran 2:255).

The Prophet recommended reading this verse, known as Ayat al kursi, after each prayer, Allah's peace and blessings be upon him. Once Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, approached the Prophet during a difficult time and he found the Prophet in Sajda, where he kept repeating "Ya Hayy Ya Qayyum", words which are part of this verse. 

7. Birds Don't Carry their Food

Allah is al Razzaq (the Provider).

"How many are the creatures that carry not their own sustenance? It is Allah Who feeds them and you, for He hears and knows all things (Quran 29:60)."

By reminding yourself that He is the Provider, you will remember that getting a job or providing for your family in these economically and politically challenging times, when Muslims are often the last to be hired and the first to be fired, is in God's Hands, not yours. As Allah says in the Quran:

"And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine. And if anyone puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is (Allah) for him. For Allah will surely accomplish His purpose. Verily, for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion (Quran 65:3).

8. God controls Life and Death

If you fear for your physical safety and security, remember that only Allah gives life and takes it back and, that He has appointed the time for it. No one can harm you except if Allah wills. As He says in the Quran:

"Wherever you are, death will find you out, even if you are in towers built up strong and high!" (Quran 4:78).

9. Remember that life is short

It's easy to get caught up in our own stress and anxiety. However, if we remember that our life is short and temporary, and that the everlasting life is in the Hereafter, this will put our worries in perspective. 

This belief in the transitory nature of the life of this world reminds us that whatever difficulties, trials, anxieties, and grief we suffer in this world are, Insha Allah, something we will only experience for a short period of time. And more importantly, if we handle these tests with patience, Allah will reward us for it.

10. Do Zikr, Allah, Allah!

"... without doubt in the remembrance (Zikr) of Allah do hearts find tranquility" 
(Quran 13:28).

If you commute, use your time in Zikr. Pick any Tasbeeh and do that instead of listening to the radio or reading the newspaper. Maybe you can divide it up between Zikr and planning. Personally, I recite the Tasbeeh of "Subhana Allahe wa be hamdihi, subhan Allahil Azeem" 100 times as I drive. The Prophet taught us these two short phrases which are easy to say but will weigh heavy on our scale of good deeds in the Hereafter. 

When your heart feels heavy with stress or grief, remember Allah and surround yourself with His Zikr. Zikr refers to all forms of the remembrance of Allah, including Salat, Tasbeeh, Tahmeed, Tahleel, making supplication (Dua), and reading Quran.

"And your Lord says: 'Call on Me; I will answer your (prayer)..." (Quran 40:60)

By remembering Allah in the way He has taught us to, we are more likely to gain acceptance of our prayers and His Mercy in times of difficulty. We are communicating with the only One Who not only Hears and Knows all, but Who can change our situation and give us the patience to deal with our difficulties.

"Remember Me, and I shall remember you; be grateful to Me, and deny Me not" 
(Quran 2:152).

11. Relying on Allah: Tawakkul

When you awaken in the morning, thank Allah for giving you life after that short death called sleep. When you step out of your home, say 'in Your Name Allah, I put my trust in Allah, and there is no power or force except with Allah' (Bismillahi Tawakal to al Allah wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah). At night, remember Allah, with His praises on your lips.

Once you have established a plan you intend to follow through on to deal with a specific issue or problem in your life, put your trust in the most Wise and the All-Knowing.

"When you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah" (Quran 3: 159).

Rely on Allah by constantly remembering Him throughout your day. When you
lay down to sleep, remember that sleep is death. That is why one of the recommended supplications before going to sleep is "with Your (Allah's) Name I die and become alive". 

12. Connect with other human beings

You are not alone. Muslims are not alone. We are not suffering in silence. There are millions of good people who are not Muslim with beautiful hearts and minds. These are people who have supported us, individually and collectively, post-9/11, by checking up on us and making sure we are safe. These are individuals and organizations who have spoken up in defense of Muslims as we endured harassment and discrimination.

We must think of them, talk to them, connect with them, and pray for them. Through our connections, we will break the chain of isolation that leads to depression and anxiety. 

13. Compare your dining table with that of those who don't have as much as you do

The Prophet said: Whenever you see someone better than you in wealth, face or figure, you should look at someone who is inferior to you in these respects (so that you may thank Allah for His blessings) (Bukhari, Muslim).

Next time you sit down to eat, eye the table carefully. Check out the selection of food, the quality, the taste, the quantity, and then think of the millions of others who don't have even half as much. The Prophet's Hadith reminds us of this so that we can appreciate and thank God for all that we have.

Also remember that the Prophet only encouraged us to compare ourselves to others in two respects: in our Islamic knowledge and level of belief in God (Deen). In these two areas, we should compare ourselves with those who have more than what we do.

14. Say it Loud: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar: Takbirat & Adhan

Find a corner of a lake, go out in the wilderness, or even stand on your lawn at your home and call the Adhan with your heart. While driving, instead of listening to the same news over and over again, say Allahu Akbar as loudly as you can or as softly as you want, based on your mood. Year ago, I remember calling Adhan on a Lake Michigan shore in Chicago after sunset as the water gushed against my knees. I was calling it for myself. There was no one else accept the waves after waves of water with their symphony. It was relaxing and meaningful. Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. 

15. Pray in congregation (Jamat)

Pray with other people instead of alone. If you can't pray all five prayers in congregation, at least find one or two prayers you can pray with others. If you are away, establish Jamat in your own family. During the Prophet's time, even though the Muslims endured great persecution, including physical beatings, they would sometimes meet on the side of a mountain or valley and tried to pray together. This is a great morale booster.

16. How is your Imam's Dua?

Does the Imam at your local mosque make Dua silently or out loud? Ask him to supplicate with the whole congregation. Suggest Duas for him to make. Ask him to make Dua for other people.

17. Work for the Unity of Muslims

Bringing Muslims together will not only help the Muslims, but it will also encourage you to focus your energies on something constructive versus zeroing in on and consistently fretting about difficulties you are going through.

Invite Muslims from other ethnic groups to your functions. Visit Masjids other than yours in your city. When you meet a Muslim leader, after thanking him for his efforts, ask him what he is doing for Muslim unity. Ask Imams to make Dua for this. These are just small ways you can help yourself and the Muslim community. 

18. Sleep the way the Prophet slept 

End your day on a positive note. Make Wudu, then think of your day. Thank Allah for all the good things you accomplished, like Zikr and Salat. Ask yourself what you did today to bring humanity together and what you did to help Muslims become servants of humanity. For everything positive, say Alhamdu lillah (Praise be to Allah). For everything negative say Astaghfirullah wa atoobo ilayk (I seek Allah's forgiveness and I turn to You [Allah]). Recite the last two chapters of the Quran, thinking and praying as you turn on your right side with your hand below your right cheek, the way the Prophet used to sleep. Then close your day with the name of Allah on your tongue. Insha Allah, you will have a good, restful night. 

19. Begin the Day on a Positive Note

Get up early. Get up thanking God that He has given you another day. Alhamdu lillahil lazi ahyana bada ma amatana, wa ilaihin Nushoor (Praise be to Allah Who gave us life after death and unto Him will be the return). Invest in an audio tape driven alarm clock so you can get up to the melody of the Quran. Or Let Dawud Wharnsby's joyful notes put you in a good mood. Sing along if you like. Develop your to do list for the day if you didn't do it the night before. Begin with the name of Allah, with Whose name nothing in the heavens or the earth can hurt you. He is the Highest and the Greatest.

(Bismillahillazi la yazurru maa ismihi shaiun fil arze wa la fis samae, wahuwal Alee ul Azeem).The Prophet used to say this after every Fajr and Maghrib prayers.

20. Avoid Media Overexposure: Switch from News to Books

Don't spend too much time checking out the news on the radio, television or internet. Spend more time reading good books and journals. When you listen to the persistent barrage of bad news, especially relating to Muslims nowadays, you feel not only depressed, but powerless. Cut down media time to reduce your stress and anxiety. It's important to know what's going on but not to an extent that it ruins your day or your mood. (similarly, when you are in a sad mood, refrain from wallowing and listening to sad songs)

21. Pray for Others to Heal Yourself.

The Prophet was always concerned about other people, Muslims and non-Muslims, and would regularly pray for them. Praying for others connects you with them and helps you understand their suffering. This in itself has a healing component to it. The Prophet has said that praying for someone who is not present increases love. 

22. Make the Quran your Partner

Reading and listening to the Quran will help refresh our hearts and our minds. Recite it out loud or in a low voice. Listen to it in the car. When you are praying Nafl or extra prayers, pick it up and use it to recite portions of the Quran you are not as familiar with. Connecting to the Quran means connecting to God. Let it be a means to heal your heart of stress and worries. Invest in different recordings of the Quran and their translations.

"O humanity! There has come to you a direction from your Lord and a cure for all [the ills] in men's hearts - and for those who believe, a Guidance and a Mercy" (Quran 10:57). 

23. Be thankful to Allah

"If you are grateful, I will give you more" (Quran 14:7).

Counting our blessings helps us not only be grateful for what we have, but it also reminds us that we are so much better off than millions of others, whether that is in terms of our health, family, financial situation, or other aspects of our life. And being grateful for all we have helps us maintain a positive attitude in the face of worries and challenges we are facing almost daily. 

24. Ideals: ONE STEP AT A TIME

Ideals are wonderful things to pursue. But do that gradually. Think, prioritize, plan, and move forward. One step at a time. 

25. EFFORTS not Results Count in the Eyes of Allah

Our success depends on our sincere efforts to the best of our abilities. It is the mercy of Allah that He does not demand results, Alhamdu lillah. He is happy if He finds us making our best sincere effort. Thank you Allah!

Comments

Assalamualaikum. I can't actually tell you how many times I have read this article. In fact, I have bookmarked it in my browser so that I can go through it from time to time. Whenever, I become depressed and find it hard to handle the stresses in my life I come back here to read it so that I remember these beautiful words. It truly soothes me. It is very constructive and wonderfully written. May Allah (SWT) reward you for your efforts in writing this wonderful piece and may all my brothers and sisters going through stress and anxiety find it useful in handling the hardships.

Location

Dhaka, Bangladesh

Salaam everyone

I am 29 and have been depressed for about 10 years. I want to just die now. So sick of living. I wish I was never born. I can't keep on going. Lately ive began trying to justify suicide to myself because I don't think i can endure this pointless life of mine any longer. The pain is unbearable. I feel trapped. If I lived in america i could have made my way to alaska to live a solitary existence. Instead I'm stuck here in the UK with no hope of getting out of here.

I have terrible social anxiety and cant live around people. i just want to be on my own and die in the wilderness. i dont even want a funeral.

there is no point to life. I wish suicide wasnt haraam. im so fed up with living my cursed life. im such a cursed wretch. God must really hate me. There is no hope for me. i will go to hell im sure so why not just end this misearable life of mine and throw myself head first into hell.

Location

Uk

Dear bro, " HOPE IS WHAT MAKES US STRONG. IT IS WHY WE ARE HERE. IT IS WHAT WE FIGHT WITH WHEN ALL ELSE IS LOST."
Also, Allah Almighty says is the Holy Quran that " DON'T LOSE HOPE. NOR BE SAD." So you should follow Allah's commandments that you should not lose hope and should not be sad either. POINTLESS LIFE: Do u think u have a pointless life and u are a very sinful person? Always remember that our Holy Prophet (ppbuh) said that even if a needle pins you, or even an atom's weight of sadness or grief or depression gets hurt you, some of ur sins qill be forgiven. So you are not living a pointless life, you are living a life far better than other because you are living a life of far more hardships than others. If Allah loves someone, He gives him Trial(hhardships). Surely Allah and His Prophet loves you so much.

Location

Lahore, Pakistan.

Salam. please. dont let yourself go to shaitan. He wants you with him in hell. Dont let him win. Allah is testing you. I have severe anxiety, cant function at all really. But dua and prayer are what keeping me hoping. You can do it too. It's not easy, but Allah does not hate you , he loves you and is testing you to see if you'll call on to him. The devil hates you, dont answer his calls. Be patient. love always

Location

canada

Don't get panic dear brother..I dono what's ur exact problem n y u thinks abt suicide..but I know one thing... suicide is not a permanent solution for your worries ...try to be optimistic n remind this Quranic verse" verily with every difficulty there will be a relief" ... keep smiling n wait for Allah's mercy....do remember one thing Allah is Rahman

Don't fed up brother and be patient and wait and put trust in Allah and he will solve your problem insha allah .do more zikr and other that which article which show above and I will pray for you

Location

Srilanka

Dear Isa
i do not know yr troubles or circumstances you went through
yet i can say to you : there is Always Hope.
Mark it well upon yr heart that Allah swt is the most merciful and compassionate. Turn to Him, talk to Him. and know for sure that He hears you. People can turn their back on u but Our Lord will never abandon u. I personally went through difficult times. And i had my share of misery... the world is a cold place, the hearts of man are stone hard and those who hurt us most are the closest..
At some point in my life, i had lost hope in humanity.
Then, i began searching and I searched with all my heart and i found Al Wadud The most Loving.
Please, seek refuge in Allah from the cursed shaitan.
get back to the Deen, refresh and read.
You are stronger than u think. We muslim are made resilient.
Verily, Allah is with you.

Location

Algeria

Dear Isa,
First of all, if you haven't already talk to a therapist, trust me, it will help a lot.
Second of all, Allah always tells us never to lose hope! Do not forget the stories of all those whom Allah forgave in the Quran. For example, Hazrat Younus who defied Allah, and was punished with a severe punishment, forsaken by Allah in the whale's belly. This phase of life you're going through is much like that; the whale's belly, sad and without hope. Yet, Hazrat Younus was saved after he repented to god sincerely. And you can be saved too, if your Tawbah is sincere. It was narrated by Anas bin Malik that the Messenger of Allah (ASA) said "The greatest reward comes with the greatest trial. When Allah loves a people, He tests them. Whoever accepts that, wins His pleasure, but whoever is discontent with that, earns His wrath."
Allah is testing you because he loves you, and wants you to increase in rank spiritually, and the more severe the test, the more Allah loves you, and believes you can go through it. Yet, in the end it is you who chooses whether you will continue in Allah's path or be led astray by Shaitan. Even the fact that you have not committed suicide yet, during all this hardship, and have controlled yourself, is elevating your rank in Allah's eyes. So, do not commit suicide, and lose hope. Allah is the Merciful, and the Compassionate", this phrase is repeated many times throughout the Quran whether in Bismillah or in an ayah. So, repent and pray to Allah. He will forgive all your sins.

Dear Isa,
First of all, if you haven't already talk to a therapist, trust me, it will help a lot.
Second of all, Allah always tells us never to lose hope! Do not forget the stories of all those whom Allah forgave in the Quran. For example, Hazrat Younus who defied Allah, and was punished with a severe punishment, forsaken by Allah in the whale's belly. This phase of life you're going through is much like that; the whale's belly, sad and without hope. Yet, Hazrat Younus was saved after he repented to god sincerely. And you can be saved too, if your Tawbah is sincere. It was narrated by Anas bin Malik that the Messenger of Allah (ASA) said "The greatest reward comes with the greatest trial. When Allah loves a people, He tests them. Whoever accepts that, wins His pleasure, but whoever is discontent with that, earns His wrath."
Allah is testing you because he loves you, and wants you to increase in rank spiritually, and the more severe the test, the more Allah loves you, and believes you can go through it. Yet, in the end it is you who chooses whether you will continue in Allah's path or be led astray by Shaitan. Even the fact that you have not committed suicide yet, during all this hardship, and have controlled yourself, is elevating your rank in Allah's eyes. So, do not commit suicide, and lose hope. Allah is the Merciful, and the Compassionate", this phrase is repeated many times throughout the Quran whether in Bismillah or in an ayah. So, repent and pray to Allah. He will forgive all your sins. If you owe anyone anything pay your debt, and you will be successful in life. Do not be so negative, instead be grateful to god. Give charity for if you give charity when you have the least, your reward will be multiplied many times over. Sincere wishes and good luck.

Location

Canada

Aslamo alikom brother Isa,

I hopey message gets to you, i know you wrote your comments about suicide (may allah forgive you) a while a go but i just read it now. I was living in UK foe over 20 years and have went through tremendous bad and depressing experiences there to name but a few loss of family, job, and even diginity! In the end i had nothing left over for me to stay i was so depressedsnd sick and on constant medications and often visiting my GP who was not a muslim but i am very greatful to him he was very supportive and with good heart. Dear Isa, do you know what? Allah was and is my only remedy, i prayed to him sincerely from my heart and he hears me and responded to me i just left UK and moved to UAE and started a new life, i have now a beautiful wife and a beautiful daughter and a good job, it didn't happen quick but i knew it will be i kept praying and never ever despair. Suicide is (haram) forbidden and sinful in islam please connect to god with your heart ask him, pray for him and follow those guidance in this article brother Malik listed (jazaho Allah Khair) and i am 200% sure you'll find peace and happiness Never Ever even think of Suicide, be strong and have faith in Allah (swt). May allah bless you and make it easy for you and all muslims. Ameen.

Location

UAE

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