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ToggleIntroduction: Understanding What Satan Loves the Most in Islam
Islam treats ailments of the body as well as those of the heart. Thus, every problem finds its solution, and every disease finds its cure. Depression is an illness that affects more and more Muslims, to the point of causing, in some cases, problems within a home, a couple, or in social relationships. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, depression in Islam is a subject that has been studied.
Scholars (ulama, ulama), specialists in the subject, have provided advice and remedies to combat this disease. Thus, we can wonder about the causes that can lead to depression in believers. Is there a specific surah for when you are sad? What do scientists say about it? Read on to find out!
What are the characteristics of depression?
Depression is a psychological illness that is increasingly present in our society. It manifests itself in the person who suffers from it by, among other things:
- a feeling of great sadness.
- of self-devaluation.
- a loss of motivation.
- a withdrawal into oneself.
Depression can result from failure in work, studies, etc. In short, the ambitions that we aim for in this world. In some cases, depression is caused by a person who may be too attached to this life. The person becomes so attached that they have hopes and wishes which, when these do not come true, cause them worry and sadness. The believer knows that whatever happens in his life, it happens by the permission and wisdom of Allah the Most High. In a hadith reported by Imam Muslim, we can read about this world:
According to Abu Houreyra (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “The life here below is the prison of the believer and the paradise of the disbeliever.”
So, good news to the person who has suffered! Furthermore, the sad believer can hope for divine reward and atonement for sins, by the words of the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم:
According to Abou Houreira (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Everything that affects the believer like fatigue, like illness, like worries, like sadness, like embarrassment, like anguish, even a thorn that pricks him is an atonement from Allah for his sins.”
Healing through the Holy Quran
Thus, the believer finds refuge from his affliction in the word of Allah the Most Merciful. And this represents a very effective remedy. Indeed, the scholar, the scholar Ibn Al Qayyim رَحِمَهُ اللهُ said:
“The Quran is a healing of what is in the chests (the hearts), it brings out what the devil throws there as doubts, as desires, and as bad intentions.”
The depressed believer is certainly loved by Ibliss (Satan, Shaytan) because he weakens his heart and his body. Indeed, the servant of Allah may feel a loss of motivation in his worship and of good suspicion towards his Creator. And all this can lead to an open door to passion. This is why it is essential to protect ourselves using lawful means, as outlined in the Quran and the Sunnah, against this evil.
Talbina: a prophetic remedy
Allah سبحانه وتعالى says:
In Islam, the religion does not strictly forbid crying out of sadness. Believers are just humans with feelings and weaknesses. Moreover, companions reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was crying. He mourned the loss of his loved ones among his children and his companions. However, the sadness that we have mentioned weakens the body of the believer. So what is reprehensible is the perpetual state of depression. And to combat this, there is nothing better than to hold on and intensify the invocation and evocation of Allah.
The invocation: a cause to dispel sadness
FAQs: What Satan Loves & Healing Sadness in Islam
Q1: What does Satan enjoy most in Islam?
A: Satan enjoys most in Islam things that push the believers away from Allah, like despair, depression, heedlessness of prayer, anger, and disobedience. Shaytan prefers the believer to be hopeless and spiritually weak, particularly during times of calamity and grief.
Q2: Is depression a weakness in Islam?
A: Depression is not regarded as a weakness in Islam. It is an emotional state of human psychology. Islam directs believers to seek help from Allah by way of prayer, supplications (dua), and believing in Allah. Even the Prophet ﷺ experienced grief, showing us that it is all part of being human.
For More: Powerful Duas for Depression
Q3: How does Islam recommend overcoming depression and sadness?
A: Islam suggests the treatment of depression by reciting the Quran, dhikr (remembrance of Allah), supplications of the Prophet, and seeking refuge in Allah’s mercy. Some of the useful spiritual interventions are Surahs such as Surah Al-Duhaa, Al-Sharh, and optimistic verses.
Q4: Are there some surahs in the Quran to deal with sadness?
A: Yes. Surahs like Surah Al-Duhaa (93) and Surah Al-Sharh (94) are typically recited during times of sorrow. Both surahs remind Muslims that with every difficulty is relief and that Allah never leaves His servant.
Q5: What dua is the most effective for sadness and anxiety in Islam?
A: A very effective dua is:
“Allahumma inni a’udhu bika minal-hammi wal-hazani…”
Translation: “O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and grief…”
This hadith-inspired prayer is highly recommended for emotional catharsis.
For More: Surahs to Overcome Sadness
Q6: Is sadness a blessing in Islam?
A: Yes, sadness is an expiation for sin. In hadith, even a thorn that hurts a believer cleanses from sin. Sadness and suffering draw a person nearer to Allah and pile up spiritual reward if met with patience.
Q7: What are the causes of depression based on Islamic teaching?
A: Excessive attachment to worldly affairs, loss in worldly life, separation from Allah, and forgetfulness of obligatory daily prayers are some of the reasons. Shaytan exploits these seconds to drive believers into despair.
Q8: What is Talbina, and how does it help overcome sadness?
A: Talbina is a prophylactic medicine prepared with barley flour. It was consumed by the Prophet ﷺ and his followers to comfort the sick or grieving. Hadith authenticates its physical as well as emotional healing.
Q9: Is it haram to cry or grieve in Islam?
A: No, it is not haram. Even Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would weep when he lost loved ones. Islam is aware of human feelings. But excessive despair and losing hope in Allah’s mercy are not deserved.
Q10: What are a few pointers for shielding oneself from Satan’s influence in depression?
A: Protect yourself by making habitual salah, reciting morning and evening adhkar, doing Quranic contemplation, and taking shelter in Allah by making true duas. Dwelling in the proximity of good company also does the trick.
Depression: A good thing for the believer
It is important to treat sadness as early as possible so as not to let it worsen (depression) and take over the soul. Truly, sadness and worry represent an atonement for sins for the one who suffers from them and are good for him. The great scholar, Sheikh Ibn Baz, may Allah have mercy on him, detailed in a fatwa (legal opinion) that the believer who finds himself in a state of sadness/depression is in great good standing. And he advised us to occupy ourselves with the reminder of Allah the Highest, the request for forgiveness (expressing sincere repentance), to perform what Allah has made obligatory for us, such as salat (prayer), zakat (alms), hajj (pilgrimage), fasting the month of Ramadan, etc. If he takes care of this, then he will be of immense good!
“Disclaimer: The Quranic verses and Hadiths quoted in this blog are presented as-is, for educational purposes. Moreover, if you find any mistakes, kindly contact us so we can correct them. We highly respect Islamic teachings and strive for 100% accuracy.”