One of the most prevalent things in the world today is depression and anxiety.

From teens to adults; irrespective of age and gender or even societal or financial status, a lot of people are facing this.

According to World Health Organization, depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide and it impacts women more than men with an estimated 3.8% of the population affected.

However, World Health Organization statistics from 2015 reveals that suicide rates among Muslim is comparatively lower and faith in Islam offers protection against it.

Allah says,

“Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction, in the remembrance of Allah: for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.”

People who have guarded their hearts with firm belief in Allah are often safe.

Depression is one of the tricks of shaytan who wishes to plant the seeds of hopelessness and misery in the heart of Adam’s son.

He often makes us overlook the blessings of Allah by making our lives compare to others or with not being content with what Allah has decreed for us.

Imam In al-Qayyim said, “The most beloved thing to Shaytan is that he causes the servants of Allah to be sad.”

He tricks people with comparisons, regrets ungratefulness, and idleness.

So, the people who practice gratitude and are content with the decree of Allah are often on the safe side. Patience is one of the pillars of faith.

Everyone’s life is full of challenges, but the one with firm faith in Allah triumphs in the end.

As Allah mentions in his Holy Book;

“Oh you who have believed. Seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed Allah is with the patient.”

These verses certainly emphasize on the importance of patience in a believer’s life.

Allah promises, “If you are grateful, I will give you more.”

We are so impatient with the pace of life we forget that everything we come across has a purpose in life; something to learn from and a believer is the one who knows that he will be tested, so he’s prepared for it.

Allah says in his Holy Book,

“And we will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.”

The Prophets of Allah were the ones who were severely tried and tested, but with power of faith; they overcame every adversity.

Prophet Ayub overcame illness, Prophet Yusuf overcame betrayal, Prophet Musa overcame tyrants, Prophet Zakariyya overcame loneliness, and several other adversities were conquered by the Prophets of Allah through true faith.

When we go through their life, we find so much of pain, yet they were patient and grateful to their Lord.

So, in order to overcome depression, one needs to be strong in his faith. One should also know how to spend his time wisely.

Eating healthy food, doing exercise daily and sitting with your loved ones helps a lot too.

Reading books about the instances of Prophets, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and their companions is also a good way to go ahead, instead of just watching web series or movies that make you feel engaged from outside, but makes you shallow from inside.

Life doesn’t come with the flow of our whims and desires, but with the commandment of Allah. The people with perseverant faith are the ones who succeed both spiritually and scientifically as the study of World Health Organization proves.

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