Ads by Muslim Ad Network

Anxiety: I Fear Something Bad Will Happen to Me

08 March, 2017
Q As-Salamu Alaykum. I’ve been suffering from an illness in which I always fear that something bad will happen to me. For the last 6-7 year, I feel a lot of pressure, my heart pierces whenever there’s any tough situation even if’s just a cricket match. But nowadays the problem has become worse. 2 years ago, when I suffered a lot from the fear of winter and taking bath, I consulted a psychiatrist who told me that something wrong is in the back of my head. He also gave me some medicines which helped me, but now again I’ve started facing same problems. What is it? Please give me some solution under the light of Islam.

Answer

Answer:

As-Salamu ‘Alaikum Brother,

Thank you for writing us. I’m not sure if you mean by “something bad will happen to me” an accident or health issues such as getting a disease or becoming ill. Also, you did not mention what the psychiatrist diagnosed you with or the medication he prescribed. So, I will do my best to address your issues.

First, you are describing a fear of something bad happening to you. This could be a result of an event or trauma you may have suffered as a child or it may be an anxiety you developed, or a somatic symptom disorder.  As you mentioned, you feel pressure on your heart “whenever there is a tough situation” leads me to believe it may be anxiety.  However, I cannot diagnose you. I can only give you suggestions based on what you wrote.

The symptoms of anxiety are varied and may include numbness and tingling of hands or feet, heavy feeling chest, feelings of inability to breath, feelings of panic or fear, restlessness, and feeling as if you are going to die. These are only a few. Anxiety can manifest in many forms. Therefore, while I do not know if you have anxiety, I suggest brother that you go back to your psychiatrist for re-evaluation, and if you have stopped taking the medication he prescribed, I highly suggest you begin taking them again. If you did not stop taking them, and they have stopped working, your psychiatrist needs to know so he can adjust your medication.

I cannot advise from a scholarly Islamic perspective as I am not an Islamic scholar. However, I can say that prayer, du’aa’, dhikr, and good deeds will in sha’ Allah help ease your fears and symptoms. When we focus on Allah (swt), things get better as He is Most Merciful. Also, when we do dhikr, it is a form of relaxation and meditation praising the Most High. I can attest that when I have been feeling stressed out, or life gets difficult, I go to the Masjid and do dhikr; I leave feeling healed.

When we do good deeds and help others, and do acts of charity, it takes our minds off of ourselves and places it on someone or something that needs help or assistance. Helping others and doing charity work from the heart, in sha’ Allah, balances one’s perception of self as well as purifies our hearts and minds.

Ads by Muslim Ad Network

Shaytan is the darkness and ignorance. Shaytan is that which we fear. However, no darkens can exist in the light. Allah gives light to our mind, our world, and our lives. When you shift your focus onto the beauty of Allah, the protection of Allah, the Power of Allah, Shaytan cannot be near you. Light a candle in a dark room and watch what happens. The dark room is no longer dark; it is filled with light for the darkness flees. If you remember this, you will not be so worried about Shaytan. Replace all your fear thoughts, which are your darkness thoughts with thoughts of Allah (swt), the light thoughts.

As we can see, if we put our focus on Allah (swt), the Most Magnificent, the Most Beautiful, we can light up the darkness of fear with the beauty, light and protection of Allah (swt), and soon in sha’ Allah it will dissipate.   

Lastly brother, Allah (swt) prescribes in the Qur’an remedies for all our ills and fears. Allah (swt) also created people who, through the love in their hearts became doctors, nurses, teachers, and so forth to help us. Allah (swt) helps those who help themselves and, therefore, He (swt) provides us with people who have studied long years to specialize in various illnesses whether physical or mental. I suggest a combination of both Qur’anic prescriptions as well as therapy and medicinal treatments from those who have chosen the path in life to help heal others.

I highly suggest you return to your psychiatrist as well as following the Qur’anic guidance brother. Please let us know how you are doing. You are in our prayers.

Salam,

***

Disclaimer: The conceptualization and recommendations stated in this response are very general and purely based on the limited information that was provided in the question. In no event shall AboutIslam, it’s volunteers, writers, scholars, counselors, or employees be held liable for any direct, indirect, exemplary, punitive, consequential or other damages whatsoever that may arise through your decision or action in the use of the services which our website provides. 

 

About Aisha Mohammad
Aisha has a PhD in psychology, an MS in public health and a PsyD. Aisha worked as a Counselor/Psychologist for 12 years at Geneva B. Scruggs Community Health Care Center in New York. She has worked with clients with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, panic disorder, trauma, and OCD. She also facilitated support groups and provided specialized services for victims of domestic violence, HIV positive individuals, as well youth/teen issues. Aisha is certified in Mindfulness, Trauma Informed Care, Behavioral Management, Restorative Justice/ Healing Circles, Conflict Resolution, Mediation, and Confidentiality & Security. Aisha is also a Certified Life Coach, and Relationship Workshop facilitator. Aisha has a part-time Life Coaching practice in which she integrates the educational concepts of stress reduction, mindfulness, introspection, empowerment, self love and acceptance and spirituality to create a holistic healing journey for clients. Aisha is also a part of several organizations that advocates for prisoner rights/reentry, social & food justice, as well as advocating for an end to oppression & racism. In her spare time, Aisha enjoys her family, photography, nature, martial arts classes, Islamic studies, volunteering/charity work, as well as working on her book and spoken word projects.