السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
It’s Wednesday 9th December 2020.
My chosen topic today is ‘Depression & Stress’.
As we have been sent into this world for a test, each and every human being will go through some kind of difficulty at some point in life. Some may go through more, and some less. Some may show their difficulties openly whilst others will keep it to themselves.
Our Magnificent Creator knows what we are going to go through, so He, out of His Infinite Wisdom and Mercy, has taught us how to get through such difficult times.
First and foremost, understand that this worldly life is a test for us. No test is ever easy. The higher the goal, the more difficult the test. Ask an accountant or a GP and they will tell you about the countless sleepless nights and very tiring days on the journey to their qualifications. Keep in mind that these are limited in scope. Your masters and PhD will not help in the grave.
Therefore, as soon as you experience any kind of difficulty in this world, exercise patience and turn towards our Creator. Implore Him regularly, on a daily basis, to remove the difficulty.
Today, depression and stress seem to have gripped a large section of the population. Life was tough as it was, then came Covid 19. So turn towards The Almighty first.
Secondly, contact your GP and explain your symptoms. There are a lot of medications out there which will become the means of cure, اِنْ شَاءَ الَّلهُ. Do not be shy.
Unfortunately, discussing mental health issues has become a taboo subject in our community because of which, the majority suffer in silence.
Thirdly, try and live a life of happiness and joy. One will ask, ‘how can you be happy if you are depressed?’. This is where you have to overcome your nafs (internal desires) and do things against your feelings.
A depressed person wants to sleep all day and do nothing. No! Get up and continue with your daily routine. Remain strong and firm, and do not be overcome by your mental state. Work on it.
Finally, the immediate and extended family can play a major role in helping the person suffering from depression. Make their life busy, and keep them occupied and involved in activities. Do not be selfish. Give time to help the person in need. Remember, one day you also may need support.
When I hear of grown up sons and daughters, who are not yet married and living with parents, who wake up and go to work in the morning and come back late evening 5 days a week, not having a care in the world for a family member who may be suffering from depression, I just can’t believe what the world is coming to. Work together as a family unit in helping the one in need.
During such difficult times, responsibilities on Imāms and Khatībs also increase. They need to regularly provide guidance and counselling to their congregations.
Almighty Allāh remove all our difficulties and bless us all with happiness and good health, Āmeen.
جَزَاكَ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا
Request for Du’ās
وَالسَّلَامُ Hanif Dudhwala
Supplementary Resources
Don’t be Depressed: You do not Know Your Future – Mufti ‘Abdur Raḥmān ibn Yūsuf
Dealing with Depression and the Realities of Patience – Mufti ‘Abdur Raḥmān ibn Yūsuf
Quick Pill For Depression – Shaykh Abdul Majeed
Loneliness and Inner Peace – Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari
Remedy Your Anxiety – eKhutbah – Mufti Menk