There are different ways to manage stress. The first step is to have faith in Allah. As stated in the Quran 53:43 – « and that it is He who makes people laugh and makes them cry. »
Many of us face difficulties in our daily lives. We struggle with fear, anxiety, and other challenges. Sometimes, life takes us to unfamiliar places where it can seem like problems are piling up. Stress and sadness are now an integral part of human existence. They are normal human emotions that we all experience at different stages of our lives.
Such stress can only be cured with the help of Allah. We know that stress, depression, anxiety, and other psychological problems weigh heavily on the human condition. And all of this occurs due to a lack of communication with Almighty Allah.
How to cope with stress: an Islamic prescription
We have the best of everything available, yet the reality is that we have nothing. Nothing to comfort the soul. How do we escape this? How do we manage stress? In Islam, the answer is remarkably simple. We return to our Creator. Allah knows what is best for His creation.
Those who have believed, and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah. Indeed, by the remembrance of Allah hearts find rest.
Learning to manage stress
Stress results from factors such as fear of the unknown and attempts to see and control the unforeseen, loss of loved ones and our inability to recover, internal conflicts between mind and heart, acceptance of truth, etc.
Let’s see how the Quran tells us to deal with these situations.
When we are stressed, we lose hope, we lose faith in Allah. Our losses are trials for us. Everything belongs to Allah and returns to Him. So, if we are only mortal beings, why mourn a temporary loss?
Reciting the Quran can help you manage stress and disturbances. It brings peace to your soul.
After every suffering comes happiness or ease.
Life is one difficulty after another. After every hardship comes happiness or ease. There is the ease of dying after life’s difficulties, the ease of sleeping after the day’s struggles, the ease of retirement after career difficulties, and so on. Difficult times lead to easier times.
Nothing on this earth is permanent or static. Everything ends, everything changes. When we face difficulties or have to cope with stress, it is our duty not to lose faith in Allah. We must understand that this life is a life of duality; there is good and evil, love and hate, peace and terror, truth and falsehood. Allah says in the Quran 16:97
Whoever, male or female, does a good deed while being a believer, We will surely grant them a good life. And We will reward them according to the best of what they used to do.
Remember Allah
Whenever you are sad or depressed, or wish to manage stress more easily, contemplate the names of Allah. This brings great relief. Remembering Allah helps us focus on calmness and patience. It is important to understand that believers are encouraged to turn to Allah, ask of Him, and seek His mercy. Allah Himself has commanded us to invoke Him.
To avoid anxiety, stress, and fear, be sure to keep up with your prayers. Never miss a Salah, and above all, be sincere in your prayers.
Read the Quran. Give as much charity as possible! Even if you can’t give money to the poor, helping others physically or even emotionally can do wonders.
Don’t let Satan play with your mind. Instead, set new goals and remember Allah. Always remember, Allah is with you. He never forgets you or your difficulties, so don’t stray from your path.
Thank Allah for everything you have: family, friends, health, and wealth. Be grateful for everyone and everything.
And finally, remember to be patient. We know that patience, or Sabr, encompasses self-control, perseverance, endurance, and a focused struggle to achieve one’s goal, especially when trying to manage stress. Always keep in mind that good things take time.