10 Ways to Deal with Stress and Anxiety Assalamu Alaikum, 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. 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 is wise to consult a doctor if you are having physical symptoms of stress. However, here are some tips that can help from a spiritual perspective. In sha Allah. 1. Ask Him. He Listens: Dua Turn each anxiety, each fear and each concern into a Dua (supplication). Look at it as another reason to submit to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and be in Sajdah (prostration), during which you are closest to Allah. Allah listens and already knows what is in your heart, but He wants you to ask Him for what you want. The Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) said: Allah is angry with those who do not ask Him for anything (Tirmidhi). The Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) once said that in prayer, he would find rest and relief (Nasai). He would also regularly ask for Allah’s forgiveness and remain in prostration during prayer praising Allah (Tasbeeh) and asking for His forgiveness (Bukhari). 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, (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam), noticed a Bedouin leaving his camel without tying it. He asked the Bedouin, Why dont you tie down your camel? The Bedouin answered, I put my trust in Allah. The Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam)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). We must work to alleviate the hardships we, our families and our communities face. 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 Dua and each Dua 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 dont 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 Subhanahu wa Ta’ala. 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 In sha 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 Subhanahu wa Ta’ala. 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 Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and seeking His Mercy, praising Him, and asking His forgiveness. 5. Seek help through Sabr Seek help through Sabr and Salat (Quran 2:45). This instruction from Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) 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 focussed 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’. Patience helps us keep our mind and attitude towards our difficulties in check. 6. You are Not Running the World, Allah is. It is important to remind ourselves that we don’t control all the variables in the world. Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) 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 towards him. Read the story of the encounter of Moses with the mysteries behind Allah’s decision (Quran: 18:60-82). Familiarize yourself with Allah’s 99 names, which are also known as His Attributes. It is a powerful way of knowing Him. Allah-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 (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) recommended reading this verse, known as Ayat al kursi, after each prayer. 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 (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) 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, is in Allah’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. Allah controls Life and Death If you fear for your physical safety and security, remember that only Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala)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. R of the life of this world reminds us that whatever difficulties, trials, anxieties, and grief we suffer in this world are, In sha Allah, something we will only experience for a short period of time. And more importantly, if we handle these tests with patience, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala)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. Example: Subhana Allahi wa be hamdihi, subhan Allahil Azeem 100 times. The Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam 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). The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.....
Posted on: Tue, 15 Jul 2014 08:09:44 +0000
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