Some Soothing Islamic tips to end Anxiety

Whenever you go somewhere for the first time, you have a mixed bag of emotions. You don’t know anything about the place, its inhabitants, customs, criteria, and many other things. Same was the case with me when I went for my Hajj 2 years back through Hajj Packages. It is an inevitable duty of every financially settled Muslim to perform Hajj at least once in his lifetime. It was the best maiden spiritual journey of my life. Alhamdulillah.

However, I was so nervous. It was my first time. I could feel the quiver in my legs when I reached there. My feelings were indescribable. I was going to witness the charismatic square of Holy Kaaba for first time in my entire life. It was just like a dream come true. When I entered my hotel room that I booked through my Hajj Package, I was so anxious. I was constantly thinking how Allah (SWT) has called me to behold his beautiful house.

 Hajj or Umrah isn’t as easy as it seems. So many halal things become haram at different times when we wear Ihram. We have to strictly follow the rules and regulations in Ihram. It is because; disobedience in following the rules may result in cancellation of virtue of the religious pilgrimage. If anyone fails to obey the rules of the pilgrimage, he has to pay penalty (daam). Therefore, the pilgrimage anxiety is real for the first timers. But fortunately, I overcame my anxiety through the help of Almighty Allah (SWT).

Weariness or anxiety is very natural phenomenon. Everyone suffers from anxiety or some form of depression in life. There are so many reasons for it. But Allah (SWT) has always instructed his devotees to remain strong and steadfast in times of trouble and turmoil.

Some Islamic Tips to end Anxiety

Here I am going to share some personal Islamic tips that I practiced to lessen stress of my pilgrimage.  I also use some of these tips whenever I suffer from anxiety. These tips are as follows

Do Azkaar

Whenever you feel anxious, itis strongly recommended to do Azkaar. In other words, recite duas or names of Allah (SWT). Keep your mouth busy in remembrance of Allah (SWT). Allah Almighty says in the Quran, Those who believe and their hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah; certainly in the Remembrance of Allah do the hearts find peace (Surat Ra’d 28).

Recite Holy Quran

The glorious Holy Quran is an unprecedented gift of Allah (SWT). It is the book of whole mankind. It provides you with solution of every social and spiritual ailment. It gives peace to an anxious mind. Whenever you feel sad or depressed, open up this miraculous book and start reciting it. It will soothe your ailing soul.

Offer Prayer

Whenever I feel anxious or saddened, I spread the prayer mat and offer prayer.  Prayer has a magical impact on the mind. Tell your problem to Allah in prostration (Sujood). Allah (SWT) loves the one who prostrates. He (SWT) showers his infinite blessings to the one who bows before him. In Holy Quran, He (SWT) has told his followers to seek help through “patience and Prayer”.  It is also recommended to offer two units of midnight prayer or Tahajud. This prayer is very beneficial for Muslims. It is a gateway to Allah’s pleasure.

Seek Forgiveness through Istagfaar         

Whenever I feel any sort of burden in my heart, I recite Istagfaar repeatedly. Holy Prophet (SAW) has also told us to seek forgiveness of our sins from Allah (SWT). The prophet (SAW) said, “If anyone constantly seeks pardon (from Allah), Allah will appoint him a way out of every distress and a relief from every anxiety and will provide sustenance for him from where he expects not. “ (Abu Dawood).

Tell yourself that your problem isn’t greater than Allah (SWT)

I know we all have fears, anxieties and confusions. We get entrapped within our personal problems every other time. However, in this situation, the best thing to do is to assure yourself that your problems are not greater than Allah (SWT). He (SWT) is an all-knower. He (SWT) is the sole problem solver. He (SWT) will create a way to get out of this ordeal. This firmest belief in Allah (SWT)’s powers will make us stronger and more patient. Patience is the key to Allah (SWT)’s pleasure for true believers.  Allah (SWT) tells us in Holy Quran that “Be patient (Steadfast): Allah doesn’t let the rewards of those who do good go waste” (Quran, 11: 115).

Stop comparing yourself to others                                    

I believe that another common cause of our nervousness is that we tend to compare ourselves with the ones who are superior to us. We keep looking at other people and thinking that they are more blessed than others. Remember that this sort of negative attitude invites the wrath of Allah (SWT). In this way, we become thankless of the blessings of Allah (SWT) that we already have. Hence as per Islamic teachings, the best way to end this self-created stress is to see the ones who are below you and remain thankful to Allah (SWT) for whatever you have. Stop complaining too much about your life. When I was watching my friends going for Hajj and Umrah, I became nervous. I also used to become sad that I cannot go for my spiritual journey. However, with the passage of time, I just stopped complaining. I became patient. But I used to make a lot of duas (prayers). I started praying that may Allah (SWT) make me capable to undertake my own spiritual journey. Hence Allah (SWT) at last answered my prayer.

Pray, pray and pray

This is the easiest way to ward off your fears, dejections and anxieties. A prayer (Dua) is the precious gift that Allah (SWT) has bestowed his followers. Dua is just like the direct wireless connection between Allah (SWT) and his believers. Allah (SWT) loves those who pray to him wholeheartedly. Ask Allah (SWT) directly to remove sadness in your life. Ask him to create ease in every matter of life. You will surely notice light and positivity in your life. May Allah (SWT) be pleased with us in this life and the life hereafter