Author: A message to young muslims by Asifa Mohamed
Life can be overwhelming at times. As young Muslims in the UK and beyond, we face challenges that can leave us feeling anxious, low, or uncertain. But in the midst of these struggles, we must remember one of the most powerful tools Allah ﷻ has given us: gratitude.
The Example of the Prophet ﷺ
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ lived a life of simplicity. He often went without food, slept on the floor, and had little in terms of material possessions. Yet, he was the most grateful of servants to Allah. He would stand in prayer until his feet swelled, and when asked why he exerted himself so much despite having his sins forgiven, he replied:
“Shall I not be a grateful servant?”
This teaches us that gratitude is not about how much we have, but about recognising the countless blessings Allah has already given us. Even in hardship, there are always signs of His mercy: our ability to breathe, to see, to pray, and most importantly, to have Islam.
Turning to Allah in Distress
When we feel lost, anxious, or burdened by our thoughts, the first place we should turn is to Allah. He created us, He knows us better than anyone else, and He understands the pain we carry in our hearts. Who better to seek help from than the One who fashioned us in perfect form?
Talk to Allah in your prayers. Cry to Him in sujood. Ask Him for healing and strength. He never grows tired of hearing your voice, and He is always near:
“Indeed, I am near. I respond to the call of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.” (Qur’an 2:186)
Here are some powerful duʿās you can use:
- For sadness and worry: اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْبُخْلِ وَالْجُبْنِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ غَلَبَةِ الدَّيْنِ وَقَهْرِ الرِّجَالِ
(Allāhumma innī aʿūdhu bika mina al-hammi wal-ḥazan, wa aʿūdhu bika mina al-ʿajzi wal-kasal, wa aʿūdhu bika mina al-bukhli wal-jubn, wa aʿūdhu bika min ghalabatid-dayni wa qahri rijāl.)
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and grief, from weakness and laziness, from miserliness and cowardice, from being overcome by debt and overpowered by people.”
- For strength: حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ
(Ḥasbunallāhu wa niʿmal-wakīl)
“Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs.”
- For healing: اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ النَّاسِ أَذْهِبِ الْبَأْسَ، اشْفِ أَنْتَ الشَّافِي، لَا شِفَاءَ إِلَّا شِفَاؤُكَ، شِفَاءً لَا يُغَادِرُ سَقَمًا
(Allāhumma rabban-nās adhhibi al-ba’sa, ishfi anta al-shāfī, lā shifā’a illā shifā’uk, shifā’an lā yughadiru saqaman)
“O Allah, Lord of mankind, remove the harm and heal [me], for You are the Healer; there is no healing except Your healing, a healing that leaves no illness behind.”
Steps to Strengthen Mental Well-Being
- Increase Your PrayersPrayer anchors the heart. Make salah your safe space, the time where you disconnect from the world and reconnect with your Creator. Even extra sunnah prayers or heartfelt du’as can ease your worries.
- Express Gratitude DailyWrite down three things you’re grateful for each day. They don’t need to be big! Sometimes the smallest blessings bring the biggest comfort. With each act of gratitude, say Alhamdulillah, reminding yourself that every blessing is a gift from Allah.
- Reach Out for HelpAsking for help is not a weakness. In fact, it is an act of strength and humility. Whether you speak to family, friends, an imam, or a counsellor, know that taking steps to care for your mental health is something Allah will reward you for. The Prophet ﷺ said, “The one who relieves a hardship of a believer in this world, Allah will relieve for him a hardship on the Day of Judgement.”
- Surround Yourself with Good CompanySpend time with those who remind you of Allah, encourage you to pray, and uplift you. Good friends are a mercy, while isolation can make struggles heavier.
A Reminder of the Bigger Picture
This world will always bring tests. The Prophet ﷺ said: “This world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the disbeliever.” For us, there will be ups and downs until our very last breath. But ultimate peace is not here, it is in Jannah – where there will be no sadness, no pain, and no fear.
So keep going. Strive for Allah’s forgiveness, hold on to gratitude, and remind yourself that every step you take in patience brings you closer to eternal happiness.
May Allah make your heart firm, fill you with gratitude, ease your worries, and grant you the highest place in Jannah.
Ameen.