Eid Mubarak!

Salaam + Eid Mubarak to everyone!! Just a quick *relevant* post- Alhamdulillah the new school’s really good, but the workload and long days are taking a lot out of me so please keep me in your duas!

From soundvision.com- 25 ways to deal with stress and anxiety

25 Ways to Deal with Stress and Anxiety

by Abdul Malik Mujahid

Stress is life. Stress is anything that
causes mental, physical, or spiritual tension. There is no running away
from it. All that matters is how you deal with it. This article does not
deal with the factors of stress, anxiety, and depression, nor is it a
clinical advice. If you feel depressed, you are not alone. It has been
estimated that 75 to 90 percent of all visits to primary care physicians
in America are for stress-related problems. This is why it is wise to
consult a doctor if you are having physical symptoms of stress. However,
here are some tips that can help from a spiritual perspective. Please
send us your feedback so that we can improve this article Insha Allah.

Torture. Beatings. Loss of property. The death of loved
ones. These were just some of the enormous challenges the Muslims of Makkah
faced in the seventh century following their acceptance of Islam in fiercely
tribal and polytheistic Makkah.

Detention. Harassment. Beatings. Discrimination. Loss of Job. Profiling.
Hate Crimes. Constant media attention. Surveillance. These are just some
of the challenges Muslims in America today face, post-9/11. Like our predecessors
in Makkah, we have begun to face great stress, anxiety, and pressure,
more than ever in our recent history on this continent, although Muslims
who were brought here as slaves
faced worse than what we can even imagine.

1. Ask Him. He Listens: Dua

Turn each anxiety, each fear and each concern into a Dua (supplication).
Look at it as another reason to submit to God and be in Sajdah (prostration),
during which you are closest to Allah. God listens and already knows
what is in your heart, but He wants you to ask Him for what you want.
The Prophet said: Allah is angry with those who do not ask Him for anything
(Tirmidhi).

The Prophet once said that in prayer, he would find rest and relief
(Nasai). He would also regularly ask for God’s forgiveness and
remain in prostration during prayer praising God (Tasbeeh) and asking
for His forgiveness (Bukhari).

Allah wants you to be specific. The Prophet advised us to ask Allah
for exactly what we want instead of making vague Duas. Dua is the essence
of worship (the Prophet as quoted in Tirmidhi).

“Call on your Lord with humility and in private: for Allah loveth not
those who trespass beyond bounds. Do not make mischief on the earth,
after it hath been set in order, but call on Him with fear. And longing
(in your hearts): for the mercy of Allah is (always) near to those who
do good”  (Quran 7:55-56).

2. Tie your Camel: Do your Part

One day Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, noticed
a Bedouin leaving his camel without tying it. He asked the Bedouin,
“Why don’t you tie down your camel?” The Bedouin answered, “I put my
trust in Allah.” The Prophet then said, “Tie your camel first, then
put your trust in Allah” (Tirmidhi).

Muslims must never become fatalistic. Although we know only Allah is
in control and that He has decreed all things, we are each responsible
for making the right choices and doing the right thing in all situations
of our lives. We must take action (link to planning articles on SV).
We must work to alleviate the hardships we, our families and our communities
face.

Ask yourself the following questions if you are worried about the state
of the world: are you part of the peace movement? Is your Masjid part
of the peace movement? Are you part of an interfaith group with an agenda
of peace and justice? Are you working with a group fighting discrimination?
If your answer is no, it is time that you sat down to plan your share
of time and money in finding solutions to the problems you face. “Verily
Allah does not change men’s condition unless they change their
inner selves” (Quran 13: 11).

Turn each worry into a Dua and each Dua into an action plan. That will
show your commitment to your request and will focus your energy in the
right direction.

3. Remember that human responsibility is limited

While we need to carry out our duty to the best of our abilities, always
remember that you don’t control the outcome of events. Even the Prophets
did not control the outcome of their efforts. Some were successful,
others were not. Once you have done your duty, leave the results to
Allah. Regardless of the results of your efforts, you will be rewarded
for the part you have played.

However, never underestimate your abilities. Understand the concept
of Barakah (blessings from Allah) and remember that Allah can and Insha
Allah will expand them if you are sincerely exerting your energies for
the right path.

4. Leave the world behind you five times a day

Use the five daily prayers as a means to become more Hereafter-oriented
and less attached to this temporary world. Start distancing yourself
as soon as you hear Adhan, the call to prayer. When you perform Wudu,
keep repeating Shahada, the declaration of faith, as water drops slip
down your face, hands, arms, and hair. When you stand ready to pray,
mentally prepare yourself to leave this world and all of its worries
and stresses behind you.

Of course, Shaytan will try to distract you during prayer. But whenever
this happens, go back and remember Allah. The more you return, the more
Allah will reward you for it. Also, make sure your Sajdas (prostrations)
are talking Sajdas, in which you are really connecting to God and seeking
His Mercy, praising Him, and asking His forgiveness. (link to Sajda
article…ramadan page)

5. Seek help through Sabr

Seek help through Sabr and Salat (Quran 2:45). This instruction from
Allah provides us with two critical tools that can ease our worries
and pain. Patience and prayer are two oft-neglected stressbusters. Sabr
is often translated as patience but it is not just that. It includes
self-control, perseverance, endurance, and a focussed struggle to achieve
one’s goal. Unlike patience, which implies resignation,
the concept of Sabr includes a duty to remain steadfast to achieve your
goals despite all odds.

Being patient gives us control in situations where we feel we have
little or no control. ‘We cannot control what happens to us but
we can control our reaction to our circumstances’ is the mantra
of many modern-day self-help books. Patience helps us keep our mind
and attitude towards our difficulties in check.

6. Excuse Me! You are Not Running the World, He is.

It is important to remind ourselves that we don’t control all
the variables in the world. God does. He is the Wise, the All-Knowing.
Sometimes our limited human faculties are not able to comprehend His
wisdom behind what happens to us and to others, but knowing that He
is in control and that as human beings we submit to His Will, enriches
our humanity and enhances our obedience (Uboodiah in Arabic) towards
him. Read the story of the encounter of Moses with the mysteries behind
God’s decision (Quran: 18:60-82). Familiarize yourself with God’s
99 Names, which are also known as His Attributes. It is a powerful
way of knowing Him.

“God-there is no deity save Him, the Ever-Living, the Self-Subsistent
Fount of All being. Neither slumber overtakes Him, nor sleep. His is
all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth. Who is there that
could intercede with Him, unless it be by His leave? He knows all that
lies open before men and all that is hidden from them, whereas they
cannot attain to aught of His knowledge save that which He wills them
to attain. His eternal power overspreads the heavens and the earth,
and their upholding wearies Him not. And He alone is truly exalted,
tremendous.” (Quran 2:255).

The Prophet recommended reading this verse, known as Ayat al kursi,
after each prayer, Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him. Once
Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, approached the Prophet during a
difficult time and he found the Prophet in Sajda, where he kept repeating
“Ya Hayy Ya Qayyum”, words which are part of this verse.

7. Birds Don’t Carry their Food

Allah is al Razzaq (the Provider). “How many are the creatures that
carry not their own sustenance? It is Allah Who feeds them and you,
for He hears and knows all things (Quran 29:60).” By reminding yourself
that He is the Provider, you will remember that getting a job or providing
for your family in these economically and politically challenging times,
when Muslims are often the last to be hired and the first to be fired,
is in God’s Hands, not yours. As Allah says in the Quran: “And
He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine. And if anyone
puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is (Allah) for him. For Allah will
surely accomplish His purpose. Verily, for all things has Allah appointed
a due proportion (Quran 65:3).

8. God controls Life and Death

   If you fear for your physical safety and security, remember that
   only Allah gives life and takes it back and, that He has appointed
   the time for it. No one can harm you except if Allah wills. As He
   says in the Quran: “Wherever you are, death will find you out, even
   if you are in towers built up strong and high!” (Quran 4:78).

9. Remember that life is short

It’s easy to get caught up in our own stress and anxiety. However,
if we remember that our life is short and temporary, and that the everlasting
life is in the Hereafter, this will put our worries in perspective.

This belief in the transitory nature of the life of this world reminds
us that whatever difficulties, trials, anxieties, and grief we suffer
in this world are, Insha Allah, something we will only experience for
a short period of time. And more importantly, if we handle these tests
with patience, Allah will reward us for it.

1. Do Zikr, Allah, Allah!

“… without doubt in the remembrance (Zikr) of Allah do hearts
find tranquility” (Quran 13:28).

If you commute, use your time in Zikr. Pick any Tasbeeh and do that
instead of listening to the radio or reading the newspaper. Maybe you
can divide it up between Zikr and planning. Personally, I recite the
Tasbeeh of “Subhana Allahe wa be hamdihi, subhan Allahil Azeem” 100
times as I drive. The Prophet taught us these two short phrases which
are easy to say but will weigh heavy on our scale of good deeds in the
Hereafter.

When your heart feels heavy with stress or grief, remember Allah and
surround yourself with His Zikr. Zikr refers to all forms of the remembrance
of Allah, including Salat, Tasbeeh, Tahmeed, Tahleel, making supplication
(Dua), and reading Quran.

“And your Lord says: ‘Call on Me; I will answer your (prayer)…”
(Quran 40:60)

By remembering Allah in the way He has taught us to, we are more likely
to gain acceptance of our prayers and His Mercy in times of difficulty.
We are communicating with the only One Who not only Hears and Knows
all, but Who can change our situation and give us the patience to deal
with our difficulties.

“Remember Me, and I shall remember you; be grateful to Me, and deny
Me not” (Quran 2:152).

2. Relying on Allah: Tawakkul
   

When you awaken in the morning, thank Allah for giving you life after
that short death called sleep. When you step out of your home, say ‘in
Your Name Allah, I put my trust in Allah, and there is no power or force
except with Allah’ (Bismillahi Tawakal to al Allah wa la hawla wa la
quwwata illa billah). At night, remember Allah, with His praises on
your lips.

Once you have established a plan you intend to follow through on to
deal with a specific issue or problem in your life, put your trust in
the most Wise and the All-Knowing. “When you have taken a decision,
put your trust in Allah” (Quran 3: 159).

Rely on Allah by constantly remembering Him throughout your day. When
you lay down to sleep, remember that sleep is death. That is why one
of the recommended supplications before going to sleep is “with Your
(Allah’s) Name I die and become alive”.

3. Connect with other human beings

You are not alone. Muslims are not alone. We are not suffering in silence.
There are millions of good people who are not Muslim with beautiful
hearts and minds. These are people who have supported us, individually
and collectively, post-9/11, by checking up on us and making sure we
are safe. These are individuals and organizations who have spoken up
in defense of Muslims as we endured harassment and discrimination.

We must think of them, talk to them, connect with them, and pray for
them. Through our connections, we will break the chain of isolation
that leads to depression and anxiety.

4. Compare your dining table with that of those who don’t have as
   much as you do

The Prophet said: Whenever you see someone better than you in wealth,
face or figure, you should look at someone who is inferior to you in
these respects (so that you may thank Allah for His blessings) (Bukhari,
Muslim).

Next time you sit down to eat, eye the table carefully. Check out the
selection of food, the quality, the taste, the quantity, and then think
of the millions of others who don’t have even half as much. The Prophet’s
Hadith reminds us of this so that we can appreciate and thank God for
all that we have.

Also remember that the Prophet only encouraged us to compare ourselves
to others in two respects: in our Islamic knowledge and level of belief
in God (Deen). In these two areas, we should compare ourselves with
those who have more than what we do.

5. Say it Loud: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar: Takbirat & Adhan

Find a corner of a lake, go out in the wilderness, or even stand on
your lawn at your home and call the Adhan with your heart. While driving,
instead of listening to the same news over and over again, say Allahu
Akbar as loudly as you can or as softly as you want, based on your mood.
Year ago, I remember calling Adhan on a Lake Michigan shore in Chicago
after sunset as the water gushed against my knees. I was calling it
for myself. There was no one else accept the waves after waves of water
with their symphony. It was relaxing and meaningful. Allahu Akbar, Allahu
Akbar.

6. Pray in congregation (Jamat)

   Pray with other people instead of alone. If you can’t pray all five
   prayers in congregation, at least find one or two prayers you can
   pray with others. If you are away, establish Jamat in your own family.
   During the Prophet’s time, even though the Muslims endured great persecution,
   including physical beatings, they would sometimes meet on the side
   of a mountain or valley and tried to pray together. This is a great
   morale booster.

16. How is your Imam’s Dua?

Does the Imam at your local mosque make Dua silently or out loud? Ask
him to supplicate with the whole congregation. Suggest Duas for him
to make. Ask him to make Dua for other people.

1. Work for the Unity of Muslims

Bringing Muslims together will not only help the Muslims, but it will
also encourage you to focus your energies on something constructive
versus zeroing in on and consistently fretting about difficulties you
are going through.

Invite Muslims from other ethnic groups to your functions. Visit Masjids
other than yours in your city. When you meet a Muslim leader, after
thanking him for his efforts, ask him what he is doing for Muslim unity.
Ask Imams to make Dua for this. These are just small ways you can help
yourself and the Muslim community.

2. Sleep the way the Prophet slept

End your day on a positive note. Make Wudu, then think of your day.
Thank Allah for all the good things you accomplished, like Zikr and
Salat. Ask yourself what you did today to bring humanity together and
what you did to help Muslims become servants of humanity. For everything
positive, say Alhamdu lillah (Praise be to Allah). For everything negative
say Astaghfirullah wa atoobo ilayk (I seek Allah’s forgiveness and I
turn to You [Allah]). Recite the last two chapters of the Quran, thinking
and praying as you turn on your right side with your hand below your
right cheek, the way the Prophet used to sleep. Then close your day
with the name of Allah on your tongue. Insha Allah, you will have a
good, restful night.

3. Begin the Day on a Positive Note

Get up early. Get up thanking God that He has given you another day.
Alhamdu lillahil lazi ahyana bada ma amatana, wa ilaihin Nushoor (Praise
be to Allah Who gave us life after death and unto Him will be the return).
Invest in an audio tape driven alarm clock so you can get up to the
melody of the Quran. Or Let Dawud
Wharnsby’s joyful notes put you in a good mood. Sing along if you
like. Develop your to do list for the day if you didn’t do it the night
before. Begin with the name of Allah, with Whose name nothing in the
heavens or the earth can hurt you. He is the Highest and the Greatest.
(Bismillahillazi la yazurru maa ismihi shaiun fil arze wa la fis samae,
wahuwal Alee ul Azeem). The Prophet used to say this after every Fajr
and Maghrib prayers.

4. Avoid Media Overexposure: Switch from News to Books

Don’t spend too much time checking out the news on the radio, television
or internet. Spend more time reading good books and journals. When you
listen to the persistent barrage of bad news, especially relating to
Muslims nowadays, you feel not only depressed, but powerless. Cut down
media time to reduce your stress and anxiety. It’s important to know
what’s going on but not to an extent that it ruins your day or your
mood.

5. Pray for Others to Heal Yourself.

The Prophet was always concerned about other people, Muslims and non-Muslims,
and would regularly pray for them. Praying for others connects you with
them and helps you understand their suffering. This in itself has a
healing component to it. The Prophet has said that praying for someone
who is not present increases love.

6. Make the Quran your Partner

Reading and listening to the Quran will help refresh our hearts and
our minds. Recite it out loud or in a low voice. Listen to it in the
car. When you are praying Nafl or extra prayers, pick it up and use
it to recite portions of the Quran you are not as familiar with. Connecting
to the Quran means connecting to God. Let it be a means to heal your
heart of stress and worries. Invest in different recordings
of the Quran and their translations.

“O humanity! There has come to you a direction from your Lord and a
cure for all [the ills] in men’s hearts – and for those who believe,
a Guidance and a Mercy” (Quran 10:57).

7. Be thankful to Allah

“If you are grateful, I will give you more” (Quran 14:7).

Counting our blessings helps us not only be grateful for what we have,
but it also reminds us that we are so much better off than millions
of others, whether that is in terms of our health, family, financial
situation, or other aspects of our life. And being grateful for all
we have helps us maintain a positive attitude in the face of worries
and challenges we are facing almost daily.

8. Ideals: One step at a time

Ideals are wonderful things to pursue. But do that gradually. Think,
prioritize, plan, and move forward. One step at a time.

9. Efforts not Results Count in the Eyes of Allah

   Our success depends on our sincere efforts to the best of our abilities.
   It is the mercy of Allah that He does not demand results, Alhamdu
   lillah. He is happy if He finds us making our best sincere effort.
   Thank you Allah!