How to overcome sadness in Islam?

Experiencing deep sorrow, depression, or loss of hope. Your tears are known to Allah, who is As-Sami (The All-Hearing) and Al-Wadud (The Most Loving). One exercise is The Gratitude Shift (Shukr): Depression often causes tunnel vision on the negative. Counter this by forcing the brain to scan for blessings. Take a physical pen and paper (or your phone notes). Write down 3 extremely specific things Allah has given you today (e.g., 'the ability to see this screen', 'a glass of clean water', 'a working pair of lungs'). Say 'Alhamdulillah' aloud for each one.

Back to Journal

😔

Dealing with Sadness & Depression

Q: What does the Quran say about sadness?

Allah says in Quran 3:139: "So do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are [true] believers."

"So do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are [true] believers."
— Quran 3:139

Experiencing deep sorrow, depression, or loss of hope. Your tears are known to Allah, who is As-Sami (The All-Hearing) and Al-Wadud (The Most Loving).

Prophetic Remedies (Duas)

اللَّهُمَّ رَحْمَتَكَ أَرْجُو فَلا تَكِلْنِي إِلَى نَفْسِي طَرْفَةَ عَيْنٍ، وَأَصْلِحْ لِي شَأْنِي كُلَّهُ لا إِلَهَ إِلا أَنْتَ

Read:Allahumma rahmataka arju, fala takilni ila nafsi tarfata 'aynin, wa aslih li sha'ni kullahu, la ilaha illa anta.

Meaning:O Allah, it is Your mercy that I hope for, so do not leave me in charge of my affairs even for a blink of an eye, and rectify for me all of my affairs. None has the right to be worshipped except You.

Sunan Abu Dawud 5090

Mindfulness Exercise

The Gratitude Shift (Shukr)

1.Depression often causes tunnel vision on the negative. Counter this by forcing the brain to scan for blessings.
2.Take a physical pen and paper (or your phone notes).
3.Write down 3 extremely specific things Allah has given you today (e.g., 'the ability to see this screen', 'a glass of clean water', 'a working pair of lungs').
4.Say 'Alhamdulillah' aloud for each one.