Is the burden of life’s stresses weighing you down? Does the chaos all around threaten to engulf you? In these times, when life's relentless demands take their toll on you, remember you are not alone. There is a bright glowing light at the end of the tunnel, and it will certainly see you through.

أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ (13:28)

“Verily in the remembrance of Allah do the hearts find peace.”

How Does The Quran Help With Stress?

Our Benevolent Allah, the Al-Wahaab, has given us a beautiful lifeline to cling to, our Holy Quran. This Quran is a treasure trove of wisdom in the form of many surahs that help in times of worry and stress. These precious gems are like comforting whispers calming our souls, healing our hearts. Reciting these brings rewards and hasanat for Muslims, and the messages they convey provide solace in rough times.

With such a profound blessing, the Holy Quran, by our side, can there be any challenge we can not overcome? Can there be any stress we can't break free of?

So keep your chin up and your spirits high, for although times may seem harsh, the bright beacon of hope, our Quran, will provide comfort and lead us to better, sunnier days.

In this article, we have compiled a selection of surahs that are extremely helpful for improving mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. Each of these surahs is a gem within itself and holds the power to uplift the spirit and keep hope alive.

Surah Ad-Duha (Surah Number 93)

Surah Ad-Duha,” the Morning Light,” was revealed at a time of immense stress and anxiety for our beloved Prophet (pbuh). There was a pause in revelations from Allah, leaving him (pbuh) in a state of yearning and doubt. Making matters worse was the incessant taunting by the Quraish. A feeling of despair had begun to settle with him during this desolate time.

At the time of this trial, this beautiful and poignant surah was revealed like a comforting message from the heavens. It proved to be a source of great relief for him and gave him the courage to carry on with renewed zeal and determination.

وَلَسَوۡفَ يُعۡطِيكَ رَبُّكَ فَتَرۡضَىٰٓ ****(93:5)

“And your Lord is going to give you, and you will be satisfied.”

And what more could we want than a promise from the Lord Himself that we will be satisfied? A conviction that He has not abandoned us and will see us through, that He will find us and guide us just like He found His Habeeb(pbuh). Will there be room for any worry after reading this surah? This single ayath offers a world of consolation for anyone struggling in life.

So just like Rasool Allah (pbuh), let us find strength from this surah and carry on; with our hearts strong and our heads high, confident in the belief that Allah, the Most Merciful, watches over us.

Surah Al-Kahf (Surah Number 18)

Al-Kahf, meaning “The Cave,” was revealed at a time when the Muslims of Mecca were facing extreme persecution at the hands of the Quraish. In those times of despair, this surah was a source of comfort and solace for the Muslims. It encouraged them to stay steadfast in their religion and continue forward with courage and perseverance.

The surah contains profound lessons taught through four beautiful stories and parables that offer guidance in stressful times. We, as Muslims, need to reflect on the stories of the Companions of the Cave, whose faith was put to the test. They remained steadfast and trusted Allah’s plan. Ultimately, they received miraculous help from Allah, proving that if we, too, stay patient and rely entirely on Allah, rescue will not be too far away.

The story of Musa(AS) and Khizer(AS) drives home the fact that our understanding of Allah’s plans is grossly insufficient. We cannot even begin to grasp His Divine wisdom. Once we accept this, we are comforted that our affairs and lives are controlled by an All-Knowing Allah.

Similarly, the parable of the two gardens teaches us humility, while the one about Dhul-Qarnayn's journey demonstrates that those in influential positions should use their power to establish righteousness.

وَلَنْ تَجِدَ مِنْ دُوْنِهٖ مُلْتَحَدًا (18:27)

“And none will you find as a refuge other than Him.”

So if you are faced with adversity, remember that challenges are a natural part of our journey on earth. Have patience. Trust Allah’s plan. His Divine wisdom and timing surpass our very limited knowledge.

Then isn't it comforting to empty our hearts before Him and sit back and let Him take care of all our problems? For in this absolute surrender, there will be nothing but absolute peace.

Surah Ar-Rahman (Surah Number 55)

Surah Ar-Rahman, “The Beneficient,” is a soulful surah that quite literally acts as a balm to broken hearts. Its calming rhythm gently reminds us of this universe's beauty and bounties that we tend to forget easily.

So whenever life tries to bring you down, take a break to listen to its beautiful harmonious verses.

فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ (55:13)

“Then which of the Lord’s favours will you deny?”

This repetitive question acts as a loving reminder to count our blessings even in times of turmoil and anxiety. It inspires us to focus on the magnificent universe around us- the sun, the moon, and the stars. It is as if the surah is asking us to step back and take a moment to reflect and then be thankful for Allah’s incredible mercy.

Surah Ar-Rahman bestows inner peace upon us Muslims by reminding us that there is a caring, loving Being Who has our back. And this feeling of being taken care of works wonders in easing our worries.

Surah Yusuf (Surah Number 12)

Surah Yusuf narrates the story of Prophet Yusuf (AS), full of ups and downs and trials and triumphs. The surah has a way of reaching deep inside our hearts in times of stress and worry.

Reflecting on the surah makes us realize that we are not alone in this struggle, and even Allah’s chosen ones were put to the test. It is like finding solace in the stories of other people who found ease after hardship.

There is comfort to be had from Prophet Yusuf’s incredible story - how he displayed immense patience and courage through the worst of times. His struggles teach us that no matter how tough the circumstances are, Allah’s plan is always in motion. He will see us through.

And this thought alone is incredibly reassuring!

Prophet Yusuf’s life was riddled with trials. From being torn away from his father to being sold into slavery and then being wrongfully thrown into prison, his challenges seemed endless. But his strength of character and trust in Allah is what eventually saw him through.

The prophet forgave his older brothers, who had done him a severe wrong. And there is a lesson to be learned from this too. There is great comfort in letting go and moving on. Release all your grudges, and in the process, it is your heart that will be set free.

اِنَّهٗ لَا يَايۡــَٔسُ مِنۡ رَّوۡحِ اللّٰهِ اِلَّا الۡقَوۡمُ الۡكٰفِرُوۡنَ‏ (83:87)

“Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people.”

Surah Yusuf brings with it a sense of hope. It is a reminder that with patience and trust in Allah and with forgiveness in our hearts, we can breeze through life’s challenges.

Final Word

The surahs of the Holy Quran are not merely verses. They are like a guide map to a peaceful life and to an even more peaceful Hereafter. They are like a helping hand through times of stress and uncertainty. These precious pearls of wisdom remind us that we are not alone and that there were many more who faced even worse times of trials and challenges before us.

So whenever stress tries to creep into your heart, let the Quran in instead!

May the beauty of the Divine words wash over our hearts and seep into our souls. May these surahs be a balm for our anxious minds. May they bring us comfort and peace and help us find our bearing once again.

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