Are you feeling depressed? Here is the solution!

Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel the way you think and how you act. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person’s ability to function at work and at home.

Islamic view point about depression

In this dunya (this world – the name in Arabic carries connotations both of that which is close and that which  is base and vile), a man’s life is not consistent, rather his  circumstances will vary between that which he likes and that which he does not like.   The wise man, when he thinks about this world, will realize that he  needs to develop an optimistic outlook and put an end to worries and distress  that could disturb him and cause him stress.  

What the Shaytaan wants to do is to cause the Muslim grief and stress. Being introverted and thinking constantly about  pain and sorrow gives the Shaytaan a great opportunity and may cause  the worries and stress to multiply. 

Looking forward to a happy life and  being optimistic is one of the means of feeling content and at peace. It  is known that this world is a mixture of ease and hardship, joy and sorrow,  hope and pain, so why should a person help the dark side to prevail  over the bright side?

Solutions

Wisdom dictates that if a man cannot make optimism prevail, then at the very least he should think in a balanced and objective manner.

should sincerely turn towards Allaah and call upon Him (du’a’), beseeching Him to relieve him of this waswaas  (whispers from the Shaytaan) and seeking refuge in Him a great deal from  the accursed Shaytaan. For it annoys the Shaytaan to see a believing slave  feeling peace of mind and contentment, so he whispers to him to distract him from that and make him fearful and confused. 

Try to change something in your daily routine, to allow yourself the opportunity to do different kinds of permissible things that will relieve of boredom and renew his energy. There is nothing wrong with travelling for leisure purposes or to relax, so long he does not go to extremes. Even better than that is if he can travel for the purpose of ‘Umrah and to visit the Prophet’s mosque, because a change of scene can be very beneficial.

You should raise his head and look forward, and view the future with optimism and the certainty that he will succeed. I say to him: You have a great deal of potential for success and high achievement, and a lot is to be expected of someone like you. We hope that these troubles and worries will be lifted from you. May Allaah make things easy for you and relieve you of your distress and worry.

How to Deal with Depression and Anxiety According to Quran and Sunnah

We should have faith in Allah Almighty in every aspect of life. Some couple of steps that can help to deal with depression and anxiety mentioned below:

Ask Allah Almighty (Dua): Turn each anxiety, each fear and each concern into a Dua. Look at it as another reason to submit to Lord and be in prostration, during which you are closest to Allah. Allah Almighty listens and already knows what is in your heart, but He wants you to ask Him for what you want. Our beloved Prophet (SAW) said: “Allah is angry with those who do not ask Him for anything.”(Tirmidhi). We should always ask Allah Almighty no matter to what we are dealing with. He is the only One who can help us.

Read Surah Ad Duha: According to one report, after the Prophet (SAW) had begun receiving revelation from Allah Almighty, at one point a long period of time passed with no such communication from Allah. As a result, the Makkans humiliate the Prophet (SAW) due to that he became severely depressed. At that time this chapter was revealed (Quran 93: 1-11). The chapter is a beautiful reminder to us to see life in the greater pattern of things, to be grateful for what we have and to never give up striving for what is right. This chapter of the Quran can be considered a direct recipe from Lord for depression.

Remember Allah, Do Dhikr: Keep your tongue busy with the remembrance of Allah that is Dhikr. Remembering Allah comforts your heart and removes your depression and anxiety. Allah says in Holy Quran: “Those who believe, and whose hearts find peace in the remembrance of Allah: for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find peace.” (Quran, 13:28)

Offer Salah: Those who keep their prayers on time and pray with focus and shyness will find peace. Salahis the great way to reduce stress and depression because a Muslim prays with the intention to connect with His Creator Who is Able to get him through his difficulties. Allah Almighty says in Holy Quran: “O you who believe! Resort to patience and prayer; surely, Allah is with the patient.” (Quran, 2:153)

Recite the Holy Quran: Quran is the best form of remembrance Allah Almighty it brings comfort and peace to the heart. Our beloved Prophet (SAW) said: “Quran is the best remedy for the illness of the soul” (Bukhari).

Reciting Surah Nas: Consistently reciting Surah Nas will safeguard one from depression and cheer the mood of one who suffers from depression.

Seek Help Through Sabr: Being patient gives us control in situations where we feel we have no control. Patience helps us keep our mind and attitude towards our difficulties controlled. Allah says in Holy Quran: “Seek help through Sabr and Salah” (Quran 2:45).

Rely on Allah Almighty (Tawakkul): Rely on Allah by constantly remembering Him throughout your day. 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 that is Allah Almighty. Allah says in Holy Quran: “When you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah” (Quran 3: 159).

Seek Forgiveness for Your Sins: When one seeks forgiveness of Allah, he/she will be relieved of the anxiety and depression that caused by his sins. Forgiveness brings happiness, so ask forgiveness and also try to forgive others.

Don’t Procrastinate: Laziness is one of the most common causes of stress because a person sees that he is not finishing his job. The Prophet (SAW) used to seek refuge in Allah from laziness.

Allah helps those who have belief in Him to overcome depression and anxiety. May Allah helps us to deal with depression and stress with these Islamic healing points that mentioned above. Ameen!