Depression

202421

I have committed sins, with intention to repent, but now I feel remorse and confusion about whether my Tawba is accepted. I am experiencing great depression. Can you clarify if my true Tawba is accepted?

Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi, Sayyed Mohammad al-Musawi is originally from Iraq and heads up the World Ahlul Bayt Islamic League in London. Other than being involved in various humanitarian projects, he frequently responds to... Answered 5 months ago

Allah (SWT) Says in Quran: Say: O My slaves who have transgressed against themselves ( by committing evil deeds) never despai if the Mercy of Allah, verily, Allah Forgives all sins, Truly He is Oft Foegiving, Most Merciful. Sura 39, verse 53.

If you really repent and decide not to sin again, Allah is The Opt Forgiving, The Most Merciful.

It is for you to save yourself if you are serious about yourself.
'Return to Allah and leave Shaitan immediately.

Wassalam.

176903

Wife . Depression . Children . God (Allah) . Shukr (Gratitude)

Should I prioritize my wife's well-being over my desire for a third child, considering my wife's past post-delivery depression and her fear due to her age over forty?

You should never force your wife for pregnancy against her wish.

‘Wassalam.

170546

Depression . Anxiety

How can individuals with depression and anxiety distinguish between an authentic divine response and their own mental defenses or illusions?

Zoheir Ali Esmail, Shaykh Zoheir Ali Esmail has a Bsc in Accounting and Finance from the LSE in London, and an MA in Islamic Studies from Middlesex University. He studied Arabic at Damascus University and holds a PhD... Answered 2 years ago

Bismillah

Thank you for your question. Humans cannot know God's mind and so we should not assume that anything that happens in our life is a negative response from God. Instead it is better to focus on the fact that God always intends the best for His servants and that the nature of life in the material realm is such that it is full of difficulties. We need to try to develop coping mechanisms for these difficulties if possible and not augment the difficulties with thinking that they are a sign of God's anger or displeasure.

May you always be successful

149202

Islam . Depression . Suicide . Illness . Forgiveness . God (Allah)

What does Islam say about depression that leads to suicide? Does Islam acknowledge the existence of depression, and if someone commits suicide due to this mental illness, can they be forgiven by Allah?

There are different types of depression. Some of the depression cases can be avoided or treated by remembering Allah and sincerely seeking His Help. Some depression cases are out of control and can not be treated but by medical experts. Such uncontrolled depression is an illness like other uncontrolled illnesses. If the person loses control and goes out of his senses, then he will be considered behaving out of his senses. Allah only Knows the real feelings and status of the senses of people. Allah Judges people and we are not entitled to judge others. We just pray for the well-being of depressed people and for the forgiveness of late believers.

Wassalam.

149221

Depression . Du'a (Supplication)

I frequently experience depression and a lack of motivation. Is there any method or Dua that can help me regain motivation and discipline, putting my life back on track as before?

1. Repeating Istighfaar, Salwaat and LA HAWLA WALA QOWWATA ILLA BILLAH as many times as you can, will be very beneficial.

2. Reciting or listening to Quranic verses.

3. Helping the helpless especially needy orphans and giving them honor and respect and putting your hand on the head of the orphan.

4. Visiting the graveyard and praying near the grave of your parents.

5. Performing Night Prayer every night and reciting Ziyarat Ashura every day.

Wassalam.

146656

Nose . Rhinoplasty . Depression . Society

Is it permissible to get a nose job (rhinoplasty) if it is causing severe depression and hindering one's ability to function in society?

Zaid Alsalami, Shaykh Dr Zaid Alsalami is an Iraqi born scholar, raised in Australia. He obtained a BA from Al-Mustafa University, Qom, and an MA from the Islamic College in London. He also obtained a PhD from... Answered 2 years ago

Bismihi ta'ala

Yes, there is no shar'i problem with having nose surgery for cosmetic reasons.

And Allah knows best.

146864

Depression . Surah . Du'a (Supplication)

I can’t focus on my prayers due to my depression and it is also impacting my relationship with my family. Is there any Dua or Surah I can read to help me with my condition?

There are many supplications and Quranic verses to be recited in this regard like repeating Istighfaar, repeating Salawaat,v reciting Sura Yaseen and reciting Sura Falaq and Sura Annaas.

Wassalam.

144663

Wife . Anxiety . Depression . Divorce . Love . Du'a (Supplication)

My wife is suffering from anxiety and depression, and because of this she wants divorce. I love her and do not wish that happens. Is there any Dua which I can recite on her behalf so that she may get out of this state?

1, Try to avoid any act or talk which instigates her anxiety or annoys her. You are her husband and supposed to be the closest human being to her so you should try your best to make her feel happy as much as you can.

2. If she has close persons like her mother, sisters, friend etc who might be able to talk to her to leave the idea of divorce, it should good to request them to do that.

3. If she feels that she needs counseling, try to help arranging good and constructive counseling to make her leave the idea of divorce by explains to her the negative side of divorce.

4. Recite Quranic supplications like RABBANA HABLANA MIN AZWAAJINA WA THURRUYATINA QURRATA A'YUN.

5. Repeat seeking help from Allah by praying :YA GHAFOURU YA WADOUD as many times as you want.

Wassalam.

141794

Depression . OCD

My depression and OCD are affecting me negatively. My OCD is quite bad when it comes to religion. My depression bothers me to the point where I am too depressed to function though I try to pray on time and read the Quran. What can I do?

You need to consult your doctor and take your medicines as advised by him.

‘You need to repeatedly remember Allah and take His name and seek His help.

‘Reciting Quran and Du’a and Azaan أذان and Salawaat is very useful.

‘Wassalam.

111420

Spouse . Depression . Marriage

I have been constantly rejected and ignored by girls. I feel depressed thinking that no one wants to marry me. What should I do to find a spouse?

Bismihi ta'ala

My dear brother, why do you have to think of this as a bad or negative thing. Yes, it is frustrating, but don't they say there are plenty more fish in the sea.

You cannot force yourself onto someone. People have different circumstances, and various conditions and requirements. They could have expectations as wel.

It's just that you might not be meeting these requirements or expectation. That's normal. Don't take that in the way and don't feel offended. You have God, and I am sure you have family and those around you who love and respect you.

This happens to most of us. We do not need to look at it as "rejection". If you are following the correct method of our Islamic culture and how we go forward with marriage proposals, then you should have no worry at all. Just leave it for your parents, or elders to deal with.

However, if you are taking it all upon yourself to directly contact these women, then you must expect negative answers as well, especially if she is a religious woman who will never over-ride the authority of her parents.

You just need to adopt the correct Islamic method.

Do not give up. Marriage is very important, but more important is sustaining that marriage and being succesful in your married life. So, do not rush, do not compromise. And beseech Allah ta'ala. Do dua to Almighty God to open the path for you, and grant you a noble, righteous and committed wife.

Do tawassul to Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), and be patient.

With prayers for your success.

100434

Depression . Marriage . Polygamy . Shariah . Jealousy

I understand that Islam allows a man to marry multiple wives within the rules of Sharia. However, what is the wisdom in such marriages as it relates to the first wife who often undergoes jealousy and depression?

Bismillah

Thank you for your question. In our scriptural sources women are not encouraged to have these feelings as they are considered a blameworthy type of ghirah (when you want something only for yourself). They are feelings that are not validated. Similar to the feelings of jealousy and depression when someone doesn't want anyone to do better than them, it is not upon people to not do better than that person, but upon the person to control and work on themselves. As to the wisdom of allowing polygyny there is much wisdom, such that the feelings of the first wife in some cases is not enough of a reason to make it impermissible. Rather, the first wife has to control these tendencies and get used to the idea in the knowledge that this is something that God has allowed. At times, if polygyny is done with wisdom it can improve the situation of the first wife and the relationship between her and her husband.

These feelings are also enhanced by expectations and cultures, which are again not factors that influence permissibility as it is upon Muslims and Muslim society to create expectations and cultures in line with what is permissible and impermissible.

May you always be successful

99303

Husband . Depression . Marriage . Friendship

I have been married for 7 years and my husband does not let me talk to my friends of any gender. He restricts me over everything and also doesn't trust me, which makes me feel isolated and, at times, I go into depression because of it. What should I do?

Amina Inloes, Amina Inloes is originally from the US and has a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Exeter on Shi'a hadith. She is the program leader for the MA Islamic Studies program at the... Answer updated 4 years ago

I am sorry to hear about your situation. It is normal to re-evaluate how a marriage is going after 7 or 8 years and see if it is functioning well.

Life is (somewhat) about choices. If the marriage isn't working for you, Islamically speaking, the first step is to try to make it work (for instance, as mentioned, through communication or a marriage counselor, if he is willing). That said, it requires the interest and commitment of both people in a marriage for things to change.

If he isn't interested in changing, then you need to decide what you want for your own life and future, and whether to accept the situation as it is or to try to move on (obviously, taking into account all factors, such as how the relationship is otherwise, financial matters, whether you have children and what you feel would be best for them, etc). While divorce is discouraged in Islam, and, statistically speaking, women tend to suffer more than men (financially and emotionally) after divorce, it is also not good to harm yourself or stunt your growth and potential if there is no greater good behind it.

This is ultimately a decision that you would have to make for yourself since no one is in your shoes and can fully understand your situation, especially if depression is a factor.

I would suggest in any case - and I hope I am not overstepping my boundaries - that regardless of whether or not separation might be in the future, it is always healthy to have friends and associates who can be a safety net in a time of crisis. This is true both for yourself as an individual, but also for the family, as we never know what will happen - what if he were to suddenly be in a coma or something? If there is any way to make friendships, even online, it would be helpful not only psychologically but also on a practical level.

(Indeed, in the current world situation, many of us are discovering the value of having a safety net.)

I would also point out as tactfully as possible that, oftentimes, when someone is extremely suspicious and untrusting, it is because they have things to hide, or else they have behaved questionably in the past. Otherwise, normal people are not usually extremely suspicious or untrusting. I am just putting that out there, and that may not at all be the case in your situation. It is just an observation about human psychology.

Life sometimes doesn't have easy answers but prayer for guidance is also always a good start.