Here are some dua’a to make when under stress and experiencing anxiety. They are a means of dispelling fear, of seeking forgiveness of Allah, seeking His aid, protection and guidance. They are the words of the Messenger of Allah (sall’allahu alayhi wasallam) and hence anyone that sincerely makes these dua during times of great need Allah will always answer the dua of the sinere seeker. May they be of benefit to us all for there is not a time in the life of a believer when he or she does not need the protection, guidance and mercy of Allah.
And those that turn to Allah sincerely imploring His aid should know that in reality it is Allah turning to His servant, for, “When Allah wants to be good to someone, He tries him with some hardship.” (Abu Hurairah)
General advice from Prophet Muhammad (sall’allahu alayhi wasallam) when you are in distress or suffering from anxiety:
In hadith #599 narrated by Abdullah ibn Abbas in Sunan Abu Dawood, The Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) said:
“If anyone continually asks pardon, Allah will appoint for him a way out of every distress, and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide for him from where he did not reckon.”
When in distress or difficulty or sorrow:
Fiqh-us-Sunnah, volume 4, no 128
1. Ibn ‘Abbas (RadhiAllahu Anhuma) reported, “The Prophet, SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, at times of sorrow and grief used to supplicate,
‘La ilaha illa Allah Al-’Azim, Al-’Alim, la ilaha illa Allah, Rabbul ‘arshil ‘Azim, la ilaha illa Allahu, Rabbus-Samawati wa rabbul ardi wa rabbul ‘arshi karim’.
(There is no god but Allah, the Mighty, the Forbearing, there is no god but Allah, the Lord of the mighty throne, there is no god but Allah, the Lord of the heavens and the earth, and the Lord of the throne of honor)’.”
[Bukhari and Muslim].
2. Anas (RadhiAllahu Anhu) said that when the Prophet, SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, was faced with a serious difficulty, he would always supplicate,
“Ya Hayyu, ya Qayyumu, bi-rahmatika astaghithu.”
(O the Living, O the Eternal, I seek help in Your grace).”
[Tirmidhi]
3. Abu Hurairah (RadhiAllahu Anhu) reported that whenever the Prophet, SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, was faced with a serious difficulty, he would raise his head to the sky and supplicate,
“Subhan-Allah al-’Azim (glory be to Allah, the Mighty).”
And when he implored seriously and strongly, he would say,
“Ya Hayyu, Ya Qayyum (O the Living, the Eternal One).”
[Tirmidhi]
4. Abu Bakr (RadhiAllahu Anhu) reported from the Prophet, SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam,
“The supplications of distress are,
‘Allahumma rahmataka arju, fala takilni ila nafsi tarfata ‘ain, wa aslah li sha’ni kullahu, la ilaha illa anta.’
(O Allah, I hope for Your mercy, so give me not over to my self even for as little as wink of an eye, and set right all my affairs, there is no god but You).”
[Abu Daw’ud]
5. Asma (RadhiAllahu Anha), daughter of ‘Amais, reported that the Prophet, SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, asked her, “Shall I tell you words that you may say in times of pain or distress. These are, ‘Allah, Allah, Rabbi la ushriku bihi shai’an
(Allah, Allah, my Lord, I associate none with Him).”
Another narration says that these words should be said seven times.
[Abu Daw’ud]
6. Sa’d ibn Waqas (RadhiAllahu Anhu) reported that the Prophet, SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, said, “The supplication made by the Companion of the Fish (Prophet Yunus) in the belly of the fish was,
‘La ilaha illa anta, subhanaka, inni kuntu minadh-dhalimin’.
(there is no god but You, You are far exalted and above all weaknesses, and I was indeed the wrongdoer)’.
If any Muslim supplicates in these words, his supplication will be accepted.”
In another report we read, “I know words that will cause Allah to remove one’s distress. These are the words (of supplication) of my brother Yunus, peace be upon him.”
[Tirmidhi]
7. Ibn Mas’ud (RadhiAllahu Anhu) reported that the Prophet, SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, said, “If any servant of Allah afflicted with distress or grief makes this supplication, his supplication will be accepted:
‘O Allah, I am Your servant, son of Your servant, son of your maidservant. My forehead is in Your hand. Your command conceming me prevails, and Your decision concerning me is just. I call upon You by every one of the beautiful names by which You have described Yourself, or which You have revealed in Your book, or have taught anyone of Your creatures, or which You have chosen to keep in the knowledge of the unseen with You, to make the Qur’an the delight of my heart, the light of my breast, and remover of my griefs, sorrows, and afflictions‘.”
A supplication in these words will be answered. Allah will remove one’s affliction and replace it with joy and happiness.”
[Ahmad and Ibn Hibban]
8. Anas (RadhiAllahu Anhu) reported that the Holy Prophet, SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, used to supplicate,
“O Allah, there is no ease except what You make easy, and you alone can turn a difficulty into ease.”
[Fiqh-us-Sunnah, Volume 4, #131]
9. Allah’s Apostle (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) used to say at the time of difficulty,
“None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, the Majestic, the Most Forbearing. None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, the Lord of the Tremendous Throne. None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, the Lord of the Heavens and the Lord of the Honourable Throne.”
[Narrated by Ibn Abbas in Sahih Bukhari, volume 9, #526]
Remember that sickness expiates evil deeds and wipes out sins
Abu Hurairah (RadhiAllahu Anhu) narrates that the Prophet, (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam), said:
“When Allah wants to be good to someone, He tries him with some hardship.”
Abu Hurairah (RadhiAllahu Anhu) also reports that Allah’s Messenger, (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam), said:
“For every misfortune, illness, anxiety, grief, or hurt that afflicts a Muslim, even the hurt caused by the pricking of a thorn – Allah removes some of his sins.”
Ibn Mas’ud (RadhiAllahu Anhu) said: “I visited the Messenger of Allah, (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam), while he had a fever. I exclaimed:
‘O Messenger of Allah! You have a high fever!‘
He (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) said:
‘My fever is as much as two among you [might have].’
I asked:
‘Is it because you have a double reward?’
He (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) replied:
‘Yes, that is right. No Muslim is afflicted with any hurt, even if it is no more than the pricking of a thorn, but Allah wipes off his sins because of it and his sins fall away from him as leaves fall from a tree‘.”
Abu Hurairah (RadhiAllahu Anhu) said: “The Noble Prophet, (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam), remarked:
‘The example of a believer is like a fresh tender plant; from whichever direction the wind blows, it bends the plant. But when the wind dies down, it straightens up again. (Similarly a believer is tested by afflictions to strengthen his faith and heart, and he remains patient and firm). And an evil person is like a pine tree which remains hard and stiff until Allah breaks it whenever He wills.”
[Fiqh-us-Sunnah, volume 4, #1]