3 Steps to battle depression (shaqiy):Dr Yasir Qadhi

The word for extreme sadness in Arabic is shaqiy (شقي). It is also used to describe a very unfortunate (or ‘sad’) state. The Quran mentions three matters to counteract this state of shaqāwa:

Three steps to battle depression are:

1)Always Make du’a to Allah that he gives you hope and lifts your sadness.

Zakariyya (as), praying for a son, said, ‘And I am never disappointed (shaqiy) in my dua’s to you O Allah!’ [Maryam: 4].

قَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّي وَهَنَ الْعَظْمُ مِنِّي وَاشْتَعَلَ الرَّأْسُ شَيْبًا وَلَمْ أَكُن بِدُعَائِكَ رَبِّ شَقِيًّا – 19:4

2) Service others especially your parents, and in particular your mother.

Isa (as) says in the Quran: ‘And I am kind to my mother; and He did not make me arrogant or deprived (shaqiy)’ [Maryam: 32]

وَبَرًّا بِوَالِدَتِي وَلَمْ يَجْعَلْنِي جَبَّارًا شَقِيًّا – 19:32

3) Worship Allah especially read the Quran and do dhikr.

The Prophet (salla Allah alayhi wa sallam) was told, ‘We didn’t reveal this Quran to you to cause you distress (tashqā)’ [Taha:2].

مَا أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْقُرْآنَ لِتَشْقَىٰ – 20:2

So when you feel sad, of the things that you should do are: turn to Allah and read the Quran; make du’a to Allah to relieve you of the cause of your sadness; and find meaning and comfort in helping others, especially loved ones and parents.

Also read : Dua for Sadness, Depression,anxiety and all sort of Worries

Note: This is not to insinuate that only religious matters helps battle depression. Sometimes, therapy and even medication is needed. The post is just reminding us that of the steps we should also take are these three.

Reference : Dr Yasir Qadhi on facebook.

Author & Disclaimer

Authored by: Fahmina Jawed
I am an alimah who graduated from two Darse Nizami institutes, studying under various scholars. I currently teach Quran, Hadith, and Arabic to women and children.

Disclaimer: This post offers general guidance. For specific religious queries or personal circumstances, please consult a qualified Islamic scholar or mufti in your community.