Advice for Coping with Depression, Anxiety, and the Whisperings of Shaytān

[ummtaalib]

Q. I have been struggling with depression, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts (Waham & Waswasah) for the past 20 years. I’m currently on medication, but it hasn’t been effective. Could you please advise me on what to do? Despite reading duas, my mind remains overwhelmed by anxiety and intrusive thoughts."

 

(Question published as received)

 

A. May Allah Almighty remove these distressing thoughts from your mind and grant you ease and relief from the difficulties you are facing.

 

Medical and Psychological Support:

 

Firstly, continue taking the medication prescribed by your doctor. Alongside this, we strongly recommend seeing a qualified counsellor or therapist who can help you navigate and overcome the challenges you are experiencing. Mental health struggles require both spiritual and practical support.

 

Spiritual Practices:

 

Make a regular habit of reciting the Qur’ān as much as you are able. Allah says in the Qur’ān: "And We send down from the Qur’an that which is a healing and a mercy for the believers." (Surah Al-Isra: 82)

 

Here are some recommended supplications (Du'ās) to help combat the negative whisperings (waswasah) of Shaytān:

 

رَبِّ أَعُوْذُ بِكَ مِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيَاطِينِ وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ رَبِّ أَنْ يَحْضُرُونِ

 

“My Lord, I seek Your protection from the evil whisperings of the Shaytān, and I

seek refuge with You, my Lord, from their presence.”

(Surah Al-Mu’minun: 97–98)

 

لَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ

 

“There is no power and no might except with Allah.”

 

أَعُوْذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ نَفْسِيْ وَمِنْ شَرِّ الشَّيْطَانِ وَشِرْكِهِ

“I seek refuge in You from the evil of my own soul and the evil of Shaytān and his associates.”

 

Try to recite these Du'ās sincerely whenever you are troubled by such thoughts. Additionally, make it a habit to recite Āyah al-Kursī frequently, especially after prayers and before sleeping.

 

The Power of Du'ā

Never underestimate the power of Du’ā. It is the weapon of the believer. Turn to Allah with humility and pour your heart out. Ask Him sincerely to relieve you from this hardship and grant you peace of mind.

 

Continue Your Good Deeds

 

Keep doing the good that you are already engaged in. Shaytān thrives on our weakness and idleness, but when we remain firm in good deeds, we defeat him. Stay active and purposeful.

 

Stay Occupied and Informed

 

An idle mind can be a breeding ground for negative thoughts. Keep yourself engaged in beneficial activities, especially reading authentic Islamic literature. One highly recommended resource is: “Combating the Whisperings of Shaytān” by Hazrat Moulana Yunus Patel (Rahimahullāh), which offers practical guidance on managing Waswasah.

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

 

Mufti Muhammed Hamza Farooqui

Mufti Taahir Hansa

 

(The answer hereby given is specifically based on the question asked and should be read together with the question asked. Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh unless otherwise stated.) 

 

 

Fatwa Department
Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) 
Council of Muslim Theologians