Feeling Down? Here Are Some Tips that May Help
We should know that whatever hardship or difficulties we face will come to an end soon. It, therefore, behoves us to be patient and to have good expectations concerning Allah. Allah is the Most Merciful of those who are merciful, even more merciful than a mother towards her small infant. We should realize that the Merciful will not leave us in that situation for long if we are patient for the sake of Allah.
If a person lives a life of ease only, it becomes simple for him to forget about Allah. If a person is rescued by Allah in his darkest hour, that person should never afterwards forget Allah and what Allah has done for him. Indeed, there should be a close bond forged that may not have existed had Allah not tried His servant.
Feeling down in the dumps, depressed, having the blues? These are just some of the terms used to describe a feeling of hopelessness and despair that can hit even the most optimistic of us at some point in our lives. While clinical depression requires proper professional treatment, the occasional feeling of sadness due to factors ranging from marital issues, economic difficulty to harassment and discrimination can be helped through some simple spiritual practices. Here is a couple that can help:
1. Look at those below you
The United Nations Development Program’s Human Development Report notes that there are still around 1 billion people living worldwide at the margins of survival on less than $1 a day, with 2.6 billion living on less than $2 a day. Also consider that in the Quran (14:7), Allah says that if you are thankful to Him for what you have, He blesses you with more.
2. Serve your fellow human beings
One of the best ways by which to thank Allah is to serve humanity, especially those who have less than you. Serving others is uplifting and rewarding. It helps us gain a better perspective on life’s challenges, making us realize how very often, our problems seem so small compared to the awesome difficulties others face. That’s why when the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and the Muslims were a small, poor and persecuted community, they used to give to the poor even more. They understood that when you are generous when you have less, you achieve the perspective of a winner. You focus on the bigger picture.
3. Read Surāh Adh-Dhuhaa
According to one report, after the Prophet had begun receiving revelation from God, at one point a long period of time passed with no such communication from Allah. As a result, the Makkans ridiculed the Prophet. That’s when this chapter was revealed (Quran 93: 1-11). The chapter is a beautiful reminder to us to see life in the greater scheme 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 God for depression.
4. Turn to Allah in all situations
Remember that nothing can harm you without the consent of Allah, the Most High. While you must take care of yourself, rely on Allah and know that He is always with you and only He can give you strength in this difficult time. Dear believer, remember that He will help you and that you can come out of this trying situation as a better person if you deal with it positively.
5. Remember Allah’s Names
Allah has many beautiful Names which describe His Attributes and Powers. These are reminders of His Love, Mercy, Forgiveness, Justice, Strength and much, much more. Supplicating to Allah using these Names reminds us that Allah has these attributes more than any other being and that we can and must rely on Him during good and bad times.
6. Say ‘Hasbun Allahu wa Ni’mal Wakeel’
This has been translated as “God suffices me and He is the best Guardian.” It is an excellent way of reminding us that whatever worries we have or problems we face, Allah has the answer and cure to all of them and is the only One who can really do what is best for us.
7. Make sure that when you leave home…
…you read the following Duā (supplication),”Bismillahi tawakkaltu ‘ala Allahi wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah!”
(In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah, and there is neither might nor power except with Allah.)
8. Take your spiritual break from the world
Offer your Salah five times a day. Take a break away from your busy schedule and endless life activities by spending a few minutes to remember Allah, the Almighty. This will help you reconnect with the Creator of the Universe, fortify your soul and strengthen your resolve to live a better life that is in tune with your faith and principles.
9. End your day on a good note
Shakespeare once wrote a play entitled “All’s well that ends well.” That’s good advice for dealing with depression too. End a day that may have been riddled with challenges and frustrations by making Wudhoo (ablution) before going to bed, thinking of Allāh and the Prophet (peace be upon him) and by counting and consciously realizing the many countless blessings you have.
10. Stop Shaytan in his tracks
Shaytan (Satan) is the source of many of our negative emotions. It’s his job to make us feel pessimistic and to despair of any good in our lives. When you feel these feelings coming on, stop him dead in his tracks. Recite the following Du’a before reciting the Quran Kareem:
“A’udhu billahi minash-Shaitanir-Rajim.” (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan).
Also recite the last two Surahs of the Quran called Al Mu’awwazatain (Surāh Al-Falaq and Surāh An-Nās).
Source: Muslim Village
