How Can I Get over My Depression despite Trying to Get Closer to Allah?
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
My doctor has prescribed antidepressants for me, despite my efforts to heal without them. I’ve seen a lot of videos that say depression is caused by not being close to Allah, but I try to be close to Allah by doing the obligatory, seeking knowledge, and sending Salawat, and I’m still depressed. I was wondering how I would know Allah is angry with me. And how can one get even closer to Allah?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
I pray you are in good faith and health. May Allah Most High take you out of this depressing feeling and give you good mental health, inner tranquility, and happiness through His remembrance and worship, amin.
Given the seriousness of your current situation, please keep in constant contact with a local mental health professional.
“Say, O Prophet, that Allah says, ‘O My servants who have exceeded the limits against their souls! Do not lose hope in Allah’s mercy, for Allah certainly forgives all sins. He is indeed the All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’” [Quran, 39:53]
Thawban (Allah be pleased with him) reported, the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “I would not love to have the world or anything within it in exchange for this verse: ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Verily, Allah forgives all sins, for He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.’” (Quran, 39:53) [Tabarani, al-Mujam al-Awsat]
Ponder upon the above verse; it is an enveloping attraction to Allah’s mercy and how dearly He is giving us hope.
Try to Achieve a Balance
Although you have not exceeded the limits of the shari’a, the above verse is just to remind you of Allah’s vastness of mercy, blessings, and sheer forgiveness. What you need to do is to try to create a balance in all that you do in life, family, work, worship, etc.
Focus on Allah’s Love and of His Messenger (Allah Bless Him and Give Him Peace)
I recommend you read the Quran daily, as much as you can, bookmark it, and continue each day, then blow it all over your body. Also, go through the life and Shamail of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). Read the “The Human Condition and the Sira.” Consider doing a course on SeekersGuidance, listening to podcasts and content that would keep you engaged. Have something in the background to your work to keep your mind away from low thoughts. Remember, you will be engaged in listening to religious content and learning simultaneously. Read the links below for further guidance and inspiration.
May Allah (Most High) give you ease and relief from all kinds of thoughts and uplift you closer to Him and His prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace).
Related:
- Depression and Sadness
- How Do I Grow Closer to Allah?
- Having Hope – Is Sickness a Sign of Allah’s Mercy or Allah’s Anger?
I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.
