Allah, the Exalted, said: “And give good tidings to the Sabereen, those who, when disaster strikes them, say, ‘Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.’ Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the [rightly]guided.” (Quran 2:155-157)
Dear Visitors,
Please find below a post that was written with much thought and consideration. The last month was a month of challenges and contemplation for many people, from bereavements to losses to illnesses. It was like all in one, the challenges and the testing of one’s faith and belief in Al Qadr. High stress and anxiety can cause low appetite and lack of interest in eating or food, and this is a cause of concern for people suffering from eating disorders or in recovery. Please contact your doctor if you experience a loss of appetite for prolonged time and seek medical attention if you notice any other symptoms, such as stomach pain, loss of focus and insomnia.
We’ve heard this phrase many times, ‘my food has no taste, it’s like swallowing a saw dust’. In times of great stress and anxiety, one often experiences disturbances in their appetite. I remember trying to eat my dinner in one of those turbulent times, my favorite dinner had no flavor. It was like swallowing a saw dust. Things were not clearly going my way and the excess worrying was having an impact on my body. Feeling vulnerable, alone and scared, I didn’t know what to do. I felt a squeeze in my heart. I didn’t find the food appealing or appetizing. The quality and quantity both became compromised and my descent began. What got me through those difficult times were my communication with my spiritual mother, engaging in daily chores with a heavy heart, praying, dhikr, reading Qur’an and using diet as a cure. For people suffering from Eating Disorders or in recovery, these unexpected life events can lead to worsened mental health, physical health issues, and increased difficulty with daily tasks.
We will all be tested:
“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”. Al Baqrah Verse: 155
Farhana PK
Imagine you wake up one morning, and you’ve lost everything, your income, your house and your livelihood. How does one cope? This is when your faith is tested. My mind froze and then went into over drive, the fear cold and horrible seized my heart, I couldn’t breathe. The excess worrying and millions of thoughts in mind left me numb and motionless and bed bound. It worsened my sugar and coffee intake, resulting in sleepless nights and low mood.
Samina: Hyderabad
My test came with a close bereavement in the family. As the family mourned and tried to support each other, I turned to food & exercise. I would eat and eat food which had no taste, and then I would exercise to shut down my mind and emotions. My regret I lost out on so many moments, like praying for the deceased, supporting their spouse & helping out the family. My ED only returns when there are unexpected events and mitigating circumstances, I just freeze and turn to only thing that gives me solace, my ED. The problem is aftermath and how this resolves nothing, but only exacerbates your problems.
Bilal Kazikstan
The simple phone call by my boss that I would be made redundant turned my life upside down. The fear of how I’d support myself and family left me with a fast heart beat and palpitations. I was diagnosed with high stress. I stopped eating. Even having a cup of tea became too much. The problem was, I couldn’t show my vulnerability to anyone. I had to appear strong for my family. People always comment on my weight and I can’t tell people I’ve battled anorexia on and off for seven years now.
How to get through hard difficult times without relapsing:
Keep up with Salah and Quran
Many people find that there mind is so overwhelmed with fear and worries, that they cannot focus on their Salah. The mind is working overtime and each act of prayer is dominated by thoughts in mind. Salah is a key to Paradise and our connection to Allah, five times a day Muzzein calls us to Allah, it’s important that we remind ourselves of our priorities in life, and our initial priority is Allah. This is your sacred time to connect with Him, He sees you and hears you. Keep up with your Salah, make it a priority. Make special preparations for this meeting with Allah by retreating to a quiet place, InshAllah you’ll find your mind shift, your focus will become clear and ultimately the soul and mind will begin to heal with the blessings of the Salah.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Qur’an. In times of great sorrow and affliction, people find their connection with Qur’an becomes compromised. This is your remedy for all your ailments and sorrows. Reflect on the meaning and you’ll see how you’ll be engulfed in the state of gratitude by how grand Allah’s mercy and compassion is.
Listen to Qur’an and immerse in its blessings.
Increase in Dhikr-
Replace the worries in your mind with the words of Dhikr. You’ll see the impact it has on your neuropath ways. You’ll feel strengthened and in peace.
الِاسْتِغْفَارُ
Seeking Forgiveness: Regularly seek Allah’s forgiveness (Istighfaar).
“يا حىُّ يا قَيُّومُ، برحمتِك أستغيثُ”
“O Ever-Living, Self-Subsisting, I urgently seek Your Mercy.”
This supplication has a profound effect in easing grief. Allah’s attribute of being Ever-Living encompasses all forms of perfection, while “The Self-Subsisting” reflects His flawless actions. Together, Al-Hayy (The Ever-Living) and Al-Qayyum (The Self-Subsisting) are part of Allah’s Greatest Name, by which He responds to those who call upon Him and grants those who ask. Perfect Life is the opposite of illness and imperfection—just as the residents of Paradise never die, nor do they experience sadness, sorrow, or any form of affliction. TibbeNabwi
Listen to Dhikr online
Talk to a councilor or a scholar your spiritual guide
How to Eat in Times of Stress and Anxiety:
Anxiety triggers emotional and psychological changes in your body, these changes often affect the stomach and digestive tract and can make you lose your appetite. This is dangerous for people suffering from eating disorders or in recovery as it can result in relapse and further mental health problems.
In this situation do the following:
Keep up with regular eating, opt for soothing sunnah foods if you can, as they are light on stomach and full of blessings and healings.
After eating, take a short nap.
After dinner, walk forty steps.
Drink Nabeez- this has a great benefit in strengthening the body
Honey with Water
Have this favorite drink of Prophet Muhammad saw, it’s cool, brings peace to heart, aids in digestion and provides energy.
A practice of our beloved Prophet Muhammad saw. He consumed it on empty stomach, according to Ibn al-Qayyim this habit maintains good health. The Holy Quran also highlights honey as a healing substance for people.
Eat Dates-
recommended by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) for their health benefits and spiritual significance. Eating dates soothes the mind, satisfies cravings, provides energy, fiber and overall nutrients for good health.
‘A’isha reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: “The ‘ajwa’ dates of ‘Aliya’ contain healing effects and these are antidote in the early morning.” Sahih Muslim
Eat Talbinah (a barley porridge with milk and honey) as it is recommended in Islamic tradition for its heart-soothing properties.
Heal your Sorrows with Black Seed Oil
Black Seed (Kalonji/Nigella): A natural remedy for many diseases. Abu Hurairah narrated that he heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: “In black seed there is healing for every disease, except death.” Sunan Ibn Majah
Black seed helps with multiple things especially with brain function, immune support and depression. The rich polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in the seeds, provide protection for the nervous system against any neuronal injury and/or disorders. Taking One TSP of Black Seed Oil everyday will provide overall nourishment to the body.
Before incorporating black seed oil into your daily routine, it’s crucial to consult with a doctor or a qualified healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your individual needs.
Snack on Grapes for extra Energy Boost
Grapes: nature’s candy, immediate sugar boost. Research shows that grapes may help support brain health by reducing oxidative stress in the brain. This promotes healthy blood flow in the brain to maintain high levels of a key brain chemical that promotes memory, and exerts anti-inflammatory effects.
The Quran mentions grapes eleven times. he Prophet also used to consume dried grapes, commonly known as raisins daily.
It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that: “Raisins would be soaked for the Messenger of Allah [SAW] and he would drink it that day, the following day, and the day after that.” Sunan an-Nasa’i
One needs to remember that anxiety does not bring back the happiness; rather, anxiety multiplies itself further, and in reality, it is an increase in the illness.
Imam Shafi said
Four things strengthen vision: watching the Ka’bah, applying Kohl before sleep, looking at greenery, and keeping one’s environment clean.
Four things enhance intellect (wisdom): avoiding unnecessary speech, using a Miswak (tooth- cleaning stick), spending time with the righteous, and associating with scholars.
When Allah puts us through a test, It’s Him who also guides us through our trials and tribulations. Through these life tests we find our connection with our creator and we gain wisdom and progression on the path of spirituality and nearness to Allah.
“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”.
Because it is Sabr (patience) that transforms a trial into a spiritual elevation.
Qur’an 29:2 – “Do the people think that they will be left to say, ‘We believe’ and they will not be tested?”Qur’an 3:200 – “O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may succeed.”Qur’an 94:5-6 – “For indeed, with hardship [will be]ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be]ease.”No story in the Qur’an explains the test of patience like that of Prophet Ayyub (AS).He lost his wealth, children, and health.Even his wife was tested by his condition.But he never blamed Allah. Instead, he said:“Indeed, adversity has touched me, and You are the Most Merciful of the merciful.” (Qur’an 21:83)His sabr brought him divine reward. Allah restored his health, family, and wealth double.Trials are not signs of Allah’s hatred, but opportunities to attain His love.Today, brothers and sisters face challenges:Exams with uncertaintyJoblessness despite educationLoss of loved onesDepression and mental struggleThese are not punishments, but training grounds for greatness.Just like gold is refined by fire, the believer is refined by trials.Stay firm. Stay patient. Victory is near.
“O Allah, grant us hearts that trust You in times of fear, tongues that thank You in times of hardship, and souls that remain patient in every test. Make our trials a ladder to Jannah, not a reason for despair. Strengthen our faith like Ayyub, elevate our patience like Yusuf, and bless us with the glad tidings You promised the sabirun. Ameen.”
Mufti Menek
From Sunan Abu Dawood: Narrated by Abu Saeed Al-Khudri Radi Allaho Anh: One day the Messenger of Allah (صَلَّى الله عليه وسلم) entered the mosque and saw a man from the Ansaar, named Abu Umamah, sitting there at a time other than for prayer. He asked, “O Abu Umamah, why are you sitting in the mosque at a time other than for prayer?” He replied, “O Messenger of Allah, I am overwhelmed by grief and debts.” The Prophet said, “Shall I teach you words that if you say them, Allah will remove your grief and settle your debts?” He responded, “Yes, O Messenger of Allah.” The Prophet said: “Say every morning and evening: ‘O Allah, I seek refuge in You from grief and sadness, from weakness and laziness, from cowardice and miserliness, and from being overwhelmed by debt and the oppression of men.'” Abu Umamah reported that when he recited these words, Allah removed his grief and settled his debts.
اللَّهُمَّ لاَ سَهْلَ إِلاَّ مَا جَعَلْتَهُ سَهْلاً، وَأَنْتَ تَجْعَلُ الْحَزْنَ إِذَا شِئْتَ سَهْلاً ~ الراوي : أنس بن مالك أخرجه ابن حبان 974
O Allah, there is no ease other than what You make easy. By your Will, You ease the sorrow
Narrated by Abu Umamah: “I did as the Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed, and Allah removed my grief and settled my debts.”
وَفِي سُنَنِ أبي داود عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «مَنْ لَزِمَ الِاسْتِغْفَارَ، جَعَلَ اللَّهُ لَهُ مِنْ كُلِّ هَمٍّ فَرَجًا، وَمِنْ كُلِّ ضِيقٍ مَخْرَجًا، وَرَزَقَهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ
From Sunan Abu Dawood: Narrated by Ibn Abbas Radi Allaho Anh : The Messenger of Allah (صَلَّى الله عليه وسلم) said: “Whoever consistently seeks forgiveness, Allah will provide him relief from every worry, a way out from every hardship, and will provide him sustenance from sources he never expected.”
Source: https://tibbenabawi.org/
