Answer
Wa Alaikum Assalam Dear Brother,
Thank you for writing us with your questions.
What you are describing to us is a serious matter that does, indeed, sound like a panic attack although I am not a psychologist by profession mind you. I’m wondering if you might be able to think back and identify what triggered the attacks?
Was there something that you were doing? Thinking about? Were you feeling down about something? Often, such attacks are triggered by something and do not just come out of nowhere.
The Remembrance of Allah
However, sometimes they do come from what seems to be nowhere without explanation. There may very well be a satanic element to this as well, whereas there is something or someone from the Jinn world bothering you.
Either way, you have to make a more concerted and stronger effort to engage in a daily spiritual exercise (wird) and a lot more remembrance of Allah (zikrullah), preferable after or before morning (fajr) prayer every morning.
I don’t know if you are in contact with any scholars or religious people nearby to where you are living but if you are, ask them for a daily litany of zikr you can do to help build up your spiritual defenses. And whenever possible, remember Allah.
It is good to always recite the three Quls, the last three chapters of the Quran, whenever possible. Do this constantly, make lots of duah (supplication) for Allah to protect you and your heart, and make sure not to miss any of your five daily prayers (salat), as well as refraining from any deeds that might attract negative elements to you. All of these are very important.
Remember what Allah tells us both in the Quran and Hadith about the importance of His remembrance:
{Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.} (Quran13:28)
and:
{And remember your Lord much and exalt [Him with praise] in the evening and the morning.} (Quran, 3:41)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said:
“Remember Allah during times of ease and He will remember you during times of difficulty.” (At-Tirmidhi)
Remembrance in the Sunnah
We know that the Prophet (peace be upon him) always remembered Allah – this is why we have duah and adhkar for almost everything we do: from entering into the restroom to what to say when someone compliments us.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also had specific remembrances that he said every morning and every evening (they can be found here).
Each of these words and phrases are precious – not only do they polish your heart and cleanse them of their disturbances, but the Prophet (peace be upon him) would say them for protection, and that in itself should give us peace of mind and heart.
Yaqeen (certainty) is so important – if the Prophet (peace be upon him) has told us that saying certain words will have an effect – we should have no doubt.
We should take the time to understand these words, so that they truly enter our hearts.
May Allah make us of the people:
{who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], “Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.} (Quran, 3:191)
I hope this helps address your concern.
Salam and please keep in touch.
(From Ask About Islam archive)