Islamic Teachings for Reducing Depression and Stress

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What is the root cause of depression?

There are many reasons for depression. The most common reasons people become depressed are:

• Disappointment with life

• Excessive worry

– When the heart becomes restless after committing sins

• Chasing after worldly success

• Personal life tensions, etc.

However, Islam teaches us that the world is a place of testing. Here, hardship and happiness will both come.

As Allah says in the Quran:

“We will certainly test you with fear, hunger, and the loss of wealth, lives, and crops. But give good news to the patient.”

(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:155).

Find peace of mind in the remembrance of Allah.

Remembering Allah is the most effective way to reduce stress. As Allah says in the Quran:

“Those who believe and whose hearts find peace in the remembrance of Allah. Know that in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find peace”

(Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:28).

True peace is not found in worldly wealth, but rather through the remembrance of Allah, the recitation of the Quran, and supplication.

Be patient.

Patience is the greatest medicine for reducing depression. During depression, people often give up. But Islam teaches patience.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

“The condition of the believer is amazing! All his circumstances are good for him. When he is happy, he is grateful; when he is sad, he is patient—both are good for him” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2999).

(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2999).

Therefore, being patient during difficult times strengthens the mind and reduces depression.

Prayer

In any calamity, one should seek Allah’s help. Praying to Allah is the most powerful solution for depression.

Allah says:

“Call upon Me, and I will respond to you.”

(Surah Ghafir 40:60).

When the Prophet ﷺ was sad, he would pray to Allah like this:

“O Allah! I seek refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow.”

(Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith 1555).

This proves that prayer is not only a form of worship, but also a source of mental peace.

Praying

Prayer is one of the five main obligatory acts of Islam. Every believer is obligated to pray five times a day. Prayer also plays a significant role in overcoming depression.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Prayer is the coolness of my eyes.”

(Sunan An-Nasa’i, Hadith: 3939).

People can express their sorrow to Allah while praying. This relieves a lot of mental stress.

Trust in Allah and maintain positive thinking.

During depression, negative thinking can weaken a person. Islam teaches us to be positive and to trust in Allah.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“No believer should feel inferior. If he has a problem, he should seek help from Allah.”

(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 4021).

Finding solace by helping others

Just as helping others brings happiness, it is also very effective in overcoming depression.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The best of people is the one who benefits others.”

(Sahih Bukhari, Al-Adbul Mufrad, Hadith: 228).

Helping others also eases one’s own suffering.