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What Are the Solutions to Depression and Stress in Islam: Part1

What Are the Solutions to Depression and Stress in Islam: Part1

30 - Jan - 2021
Lifestyle
4
Min

In the era we are living in today, stress and stress-related illnesses such as depression and anxiety are becoming of the biggest killers, and the effects that they have on our emotional and physical health can be devastating. Stress, as a highly personalized phenomenon, varies between people depending on individual vulnerability and resilience. How could one build up that strength required to beat the stress in Islam?

How could one manage to control anxiety and relieve stress in Islam?

Here are some of the solutions that Islam proposes.

Having Real Faith in God

In Islamic teachings and narrations, the faith in God is known to be the first and the most efficient approach to achieve the inner peace and the control over anxiety and stress in Islam. Imam Ali (AS) said that having faith in God equals being safe and secure [1] &[2]. Believers know that there is a goal behind every happening. They believe that God is just; hence, they have not been just created and left to live some days in this world and suffer for nothing. But, they are created to pass all the difficulties to reach the perfection that they deserve.

That is why a believer rarely loses hope and even if gets disappointed, knows that he/she has a God who has promised to help him/her: “you who have faith, if you support Allah, He will support you” (47:7); “Whoever is wary of Allah, He shall make for him a way out [of the adversities of the world and the Hereafter]” (65:2). The opposite view on this matter is that life evolved spontaneously. This implies that there is no wisdom or goal behind the actual and future happenings, and this can be stressful by itself.

As stated earlier, the faith in God is the key to the inner peace. To be efficient, the faith should be practiced and manifested in one’s acts. Here are some practices that increase one’s faith in God and also relieve the stress in Islam.

Prayer (Salat) and invocation (Dua)

The two possible ways to remember God are prayer (Salat) and invocation (Dua). In Surah R’ad it is stated that the hearts find rest in Allah’s remembrance (13:28). Also, God has promised: “Remember Me, and I will remember you” (2:152). The more consciously and concentrated one does the prayer and invocation, the more relief he\she will experience. During prayers, one spends some moments talking to God as the superior infinite power in the universe. This helps to overcome sorrow, just as talking with another person might do.

Reading the Quran and Contemplation

Reading the Quran and perceiving the divine messages is another practice that brings considerable relief. The caring advises that exist in Quran and that nice feeling of knowing that the creator of the whole universe is mindful of us, are relaxing. It is narrated from Imam Ali (AS) that the cure for the illnesses can be found in the Quran [3]. Also, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has advised reading Quran regularly as it lightens the heart and makes it alive [4].

Fasting in Islam

Fasting is known to be an anti-stress practice [5]. One of the reasons that one feels stressful and anxious is the lack of determination. He/she often thinks that he/she is not able to ameliorate such a condition, nor can he/she control his/her confusing thoughts. But fasting is a good chance to strengthen one’s character and to change the attitudes and acts.

In addition to spiritual practices mentioned above, some other activities are known in Islam to heal the stress:

Seeking knowledge

Seeking knowledge and wisdom is believed to enlighten the heart and keeps it alive and active. Imam Ali (AS) said: “Surely the hearts get tired just like the bodies, so seek for them new objects of wisdom” [6]. It is encouraged to seek wisdom, for Allah enlivens the dead heart through the light of wisdom just as He enlivens the dead earth through water from the sky [7]. So, one should dedicate some time every day to read or listen to the wisdom that inspires him spiritually.

Working

Idling the days away and almost doing nothing in life are severely blamed in Islam since it is believed to corrupt one’s mind and body [8]. A corrupted mind might tempt to perverted thoughts and imaginations, evil intentions, laziness, etc. that will ruin one’s life in this world and the Hereafter [9]. Imam Sadeq (AS) has strongly disapproved laziness and apathy [10]&[11]. The reason is that these two characteristics hinder one to profit from this world and the Hereafter [10] and cause him to be humiliated by the others [11] which can lead to the isolation of the lazy person and the consequent psychological problems.

References:

  1. “Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim”, T. 771.
  2. “Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim”, T. 2839.
  3. “Nahj al-Balagha”, p. 223, no. 158.
  4. H. al-Bahrani,“Al-Burhan fi tafsir al-Quran”, vol. 1, p. 19.
  5. M. Reyshahri, "Mizan al-Hikma," T. 10671".
  6. “Nahj al-Balagha”, No. 197.
  7. stress in life
  8. Al-Shaykh al-Mufid, "Al-Irshad", vol. 1, p. 298.
  9. “Tuhaf al-Uqul”, p. 300.
  10. M. al-Kulaynī, “Al-Kafi”, vol. 5, p. 85.
  11. “Tuhaf al-Uqul”, p. 304.


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Intention

09 - Jan - 2021 25 Read 3 Min

Undoubtedly, all of us have heard more or less about the word ‘ intention ’. There is a famous English expression which says: “When there is a will, there is a way.” It has a miraculous power hidden beneath, but not if you just look at it and do nothing!

What does it mean, by the way?! Very briefly, it is as stretching or bending the mind towards a goal that makes you go ahead. Intentions occupy a vast and different portion of our everyday life. A very simple example: when a person greets you, tells you a few loving words, his intention will determine the effect of his words. If he loves you, then those words will have a good impact on you, and if not, the more he repeats these phrases, the more you get disgusted!

Now let’s start with what God says. According to the Quran: “All His command, when He wills something, is to say to it" Be," and it is” (36:82). In other words, He [God] stands upon the summit of the mountain of intention, and again, the Quran says: “Indeed we belong to Allah” (2:156). So, we can conclude that we have immense power, something similar to God. But the point is that every person can use this magic tool based on his inner self.

Imam Ali (AS) says: “having good intention arises from the pure inner self,” so when you could capture a pure soul, it brings about a healthy body for you.

When we have a great God, why don’t we set our aspirations to him? The Holy Quran says: “O Prophet! Urge on the faithful to fight: If there be twenty patient men among you, they shall overcome two hundred; and if there be a hundred of you, they shall overcome a thousand of the faithless, for they are a lot who do not understand” (8:65).

Another example: “As Saul set out with the troops, he said: ‘We have no strength today against Goliath and his troops.’ Those who were certain they would encounter Allah said, ‘How many a small party has overcome a larger party by Allah's will’ (2:249). Yes, as you noticed they believed in Allah, and they won.

So, whatever your goals are, try to adapt them to God's will; this way you will make them come true. Abraham (AS) is one of the prophets who is also called the friend of God. But why?! It is a long story, in Quran Allah himself says: “Indeed I have turned my face toward Him Who originated the heavens and the earth, as a hanif, and I am not one of the polytheists” (6:79). He believed that everything in his life belonged to God, that’s why God chose him as a real friend.

Do not forget this golden rule which says: Do everything for God; then, he opens the way for you. 

The mere good intention of a person even without acting upon it is praiseworthy since it will lead to getting close to God.



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40 Thought provoking Imam Ali (AS) Quotes

13 - Feb - 2021 5,834 Read 6 Min

1. Speak at the Right Time

Don’t speak when it’s not a good time to talk. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no. 10274. 

2. A Day of Celebration

Any day on which you don’t commit sins or disobey Allah is a day of celebration (Eid). 

Nahj al-Balagha, Wisdom no.428. 

3. The Effect of Nature 

Looking at nature brings happiness.

Nahj al-Balagha, Wisdom no.400. 

4. Two Valuable Blessings in Imam Ali (AS)'s Words 

There are two things whose worth you will find out only after losing them; youth and health.

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, vol. 1, p.449.

5. Difference with Children 

Do not impose your own traditions on your children, since they are living in a different era than yours. 

Ibn abi al-Hadid, Interpretation of Nahj al-Balagha, vol.20, p.286. 

6. Who to Consult and Who not to Consult

Consult with your wise enemy, but avoid your ignorant friend’s advice. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.2471.

7. The Best Candidates to Consult

The wise, knowledgeable, experienced, and prudent ones are the best to consult with. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.4990.

8. When to Consult 

Consult before making decisions and think before taking action.

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.5754.

9. Be Patient with Your Job's Difficulties 

If you don’t endure the difficulties of working, you are made to bear the misfortunes of poverty.

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.8987.

 10. Be Kind

Be kind to the less privileged ones than you, so that your superiors be kind to you. 

Muhammadi Reyshahri, Mizan al-Hikmah, Hadith no. 6960. 

11. Respect Your Father and Teacher

Rise in respect to your father and your teacher, even if you possess a high status. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.2341.

12. The Foundation of the World according to Imam Ali (AS)

The world is founded on justice. 

Muhammadi Reyshahri, Mizan al-Hikmah, Hadith no. 11955. 

13. Observe Justice 

The fairest among you is the one who observes justice between people while in power.

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.3242.

14. Treat others as you expect to be treated

The fairest manner is to treat people the way you expect them to treat you. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.3170.

15. Quality is more important than Quantity for Imam Ali (AS)

Don’t worry about how fast you do a job; instead, observe the best quality in whatever you do. 

Ibn abi al-Hadid, Interpretation of Nahj al-Balagha, vol.20, p.267. 

16. The Worst Homeland

The worst homeland is the one that doesn’t keep its citizens safe. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.5712.

17. How to Start a Deed

You need to have enough knowledge of a deed before doing it. 

Nahj al-Bakagha, p.171.  

18. Do Every Deed on its Own Time 

Do every day’s work on that specific day, since each task is due to its special day. 

Nahj al-Balagha, letter no.53.  

19. Keep Your Promises

The ones who don’t keep their promise do not believe in Allah. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.9577.

20. Don't Break Your Promise to Children 

It’s beneath you to make a promise to your child and not keep it. 

Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Al-Amali, p.342. 

21. Be Childlike 

If you have a child, be childlike with him/her. 

Usul al-Kafi, vol.6, p.50. 

22. Yesterday, Tomorrow, Today 

Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is yet to come, while today is a precious chance for you to make the most of it.

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.9840.

23. An Unplanted Land

The heart of the teenage is like an unplanted land that is ready to receive any seed planted in it. 

Nahj al-Balagha, letter no. 31. 

24. Read Books

The greatest peace is obtained by reading books. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.8126.

25. Scholars' Heaven 

Find the scholars’ heaven within the pages of the books. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.991.

26. The Perfection of Religion

The perfection of religion is in seeking knowledge and making use of it. 

Usul al-Kafi, vol.1, p.30.

27. What is Said not Who Said it 

Pay attention to what is said, not who is saying it. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.5048.

28. Think instead of Talking

Try to ponder and understand instead of quoting. 

Muhammadi Reyshahri, Mizan al-Hikmah, Hadith no. 3355.

29. Help Others

You will be helped, the same way as you help others. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.7209.

30. The Faithful as Defined by Imam Ali (AS)

The faithful who help the destitute in the hardships and misfortunes of their lives are loved most by Allah.

Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.376.

31. Peace is Better Than War

I found peace, so far as it won’t degrade Islam, more beneficial than war. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.10138.

32. You Make a Mistake, too!

Don’t be happy about the mistakes of others, since you are not perfect either. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.10294.

33. Respect to be Respected 

Talk respectfully to people to hear respectful responses. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.2568.

34. The Power of Optimism 

Optimism reduces despair and keeps you away from committing sins. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.4823.

 35. Do not Measure Truth Based on People 

What is right is not distinguished by the people; You should first know what is right to find the ones following it.

al-Fattal al-Neyshaburi, Rawḍat al-wāʿiẓīn wa baṣīrat al-muttaʿiẓīn, p.31.

36. Be at Peace

Whoever avoids holding grudges, his/her heart and mind will remain at peace. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.8548.

37. Be Thankful and Patient 

Be thankful to Allah on your days of comfort and happiness, and be patient on the days of difficulty and hardship.

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.7148.

38. The Precious Blessing of Health 

Health is more precious than any other of Allah’s blessings. 

Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, p.483.

39. Women in Islam

Women are Allah’s trusts upon you, do not hurt them, and do not put pressure on them.

Mustadrak al-Wasail, vol.2, p.551.

40. Make the most of Your Happy Moments 

Enjoy your moments of happiness with all your heart to help you at the time of sadness. 

Ibn abi al-Hadid, Interpretation of Nahj al-Balagha, vol.20, p.286. 



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