In today’s khatira, I intend to share with you some thoughts on one of the most common ailments of the modern age, and that is stress. There are many kinds of illnesses caused by stress involving both the body and the mind. None of us are free from stress but some deal with it better than others.
It is wise to consult a doctor if you are having physical symptoms of stress. However, there are some tips that can help us from a spiritual perspective. Let us first try to understand some of the factors that contribute towards increasing one’s stress? (1) Fear of the unknown and trying to see through, and control the destiny; (2) Losses in our lives of people and things dear to us and our inability to recover from those losses, and (3) The inner conflict between our heart and mind; between what is known to be the truth and our failure to accept that truth.
Let us examine the guidance we get from the Qur’an and Sunnah to deal with such situations. As for our destiny, it is predetermined. We do not have control on that part. What we have control over is a limited free will, that is our actions, our choice to do good or bad, but we have no control over events not related to our actions. Although we know that only Allah is in control and that He has decreed all things, we are responsible for making the right choices and doing the right things in all situations of our lives.
As for mourning over losses in our lives of people and things dear to us, and our inability to recover from those losses, Allah says,
“We shall certainly test you with fear and hunger, and loss of property, lives, and crops. But give good news to those who are steadfast; those who say, when afflicted with a calamity, We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return. These will be given blessings and mercy from their Lord, and it is they who are rightly guided.” (al-Baqarah, 2:155-157).
In Islam, we do not have the concept of absolute ownership of goods and life. Man owns nothing. Whatever we possess, is an amanah—a trust given to us by Allah. Everything belongs to Allah and returns to him. So if we don’t own anything, why keep on mourning its loss, and increasing our stress?
In situations of panic and despair, believers should behave differently than non-believers. Non-believers have no one to return to, no one to ask for mercy and forgiveness, their life is this life, which they cannot control, and thus they get more depressed; more diseased. Rejection of faith is like a disease. After denial of truth, which is basically due to arrogance one sets up an inner conflict; between heart and mind.
We should turn each anxiety, each fear and each concern into a du’a—a supplication. Allah listens and already knows what is in our heart, but He wants us to ask Him for what we want. The Prophet (SAW) said: “Allah is angry with those who do not ask Him for anything.” The Qur’an says, ادْعُوا رَبَّكُمْ تَضَرُّعًا وَخُفْيَةً “Call on your Lord humbly and secretly” (al-A’raf, 7:55).
Also, we should turn each du’a into an action plan. If we are worried about the state of the world: are we part of any peace- movement? Is our Masjid part of the peace movement? Are we part of an interfaith group with an agenda of peace and justice? Are we working with a group fighting discrimination and injustice? If our answer is no, it is time that we sit down to plan our share of time and money in finding solutions to the problems we face.
“Allah never changes a people´s state until they change what is in themselves” (al-Ra’d, 13:11).
While we need to carry out our duty to the best of our abilities, always remember that you don’t 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. Regardless of the results of your efforts, you will be rewarded for the part you have played. However, never underestimate your abilities. If you are sincerely exerting yourselves, Allah will bless the work you do. It will be full of barakah.
Further, we should also be seeking Allah’s help through Sabr and Salah وَاسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاةِ وَإِنَّهَا لَكَبِيرَةٌ إِلَّا عَلَى الْخَاشِعِينَ “And seek help with patience and prayer: It is indeed hard, but not to the humble.” (al-Baqarah, 2245).
This instruction from Allah provides us with two critical tools that can ease our worries and pain. Sabr and Salah are two oft-neglected stress busters. Sabr is often translated as patience but it is not just that. It includes self-control, perseverance, endurance, and a focused 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.
We should 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 the call to prayer. When you stand ready to pray, mentally prepare yourself to leave this world and all of its worries and stresses behind you. By reminding ourselves that Allah is the Provider, we will remember that getting a job or providing for our family in these economically and politically challenging times, is in Allah’s Hands, not ours. We have this ayah in Surat Hud, وَمَا مِنْ دَابَّةٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ إِلَّا عَلَى اللَّهِ رِزْقُهَا “There is no creature on the earth which is not dependent upon Allah for its sustenance.” (Hud, 11:6)
It is also important to keep reminding ourselves that we don’t control all the variables in the world. Allah 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.
In conclusion, let us strive to have the taqwa of Allah—the consciousness of Allah as much as we can. فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْ“Be conscious of Allah as much as you can” (al-Taghabun, 64:16). One of the ways to do this is to keep the remembrance of Allah alive in our hearts. أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ “Truly, it is in the remembrance of God that hearts find peace” (al- Ra’d, 13:28).
