Anxiety, worry, sadness, and inner restlessness are among the most common emotional struggles faced by human beings. Islam acknowledges these feelings as part of the human condition and provides profound spiritual remedies through faith (īmān), remembrance of Allah (dhikr), patience (ṣabr), reliance upon Allah (tawakkul), and sincere supplication (du‘ā’).
Du‘ā’ is not merely words spoken in hardship; it is an act of worship that connects the heart of the believer directly to Allah ﷻ. When anxiety overwhelms the soul, turning to Allah through authentic du‘ās taught in the Qur’an and Sunnah brings tranquility, strength, and clarity.
This article presents powerful du‘ās for anxiety and peace of mind, supported by Qur’anic verses, authentic hadiths, and scholarly guidance, in a manner similar to detailed Islamic educational resources. Each du‘ā’ is provided in Arabic, transliteration, and meaning, along with explanations on how and when to recite them.
Understanding Anxiety from an Islamic Perspective
Islam does not deny emotional pain. Even the Prophets of Allah experienced grief, fear, and distress. What distinguishes the believer is how these emotions are managed.
Allah ﷻ says:
“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to the patient.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:155)
Anxiety can be:
- A test that raises one’s rank
- A means of expiation for sins
- A reminder to return to Allah
The heart finds true peace not through material solutions alone, but through closeness to Allah.
Allah ﷻ says:
“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Surah Ar-Ra‘d 13:28)
The Power of Du‘ā’ in Removing Anxiety
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Du‘ā’ is worship.”
When a believer raises their hands in du‘ā’, they acknowledge their weakness and Allah’s absolute power. Anxiety often stems from trying to control what is beyond our ability. Du‘ā’ restores balance by placing trust back where it belongs — with Allah ﷻ.
1. Du‘ā’ Taught by the Prophet ﷺ for Distress and Anxiety
Arabic Du‘ā’
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْجُبْنِ وَالْبُخْلِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ غَلَبَةِ الدَّيْنِ وَقَهْرِ الرِّجَالِ
Transliteration
Allahumma innī a‘ūdhu bika minal-hammi wal-ḥazan, wa a‘ūdhu bika minal-‘ajzi wal-kasal, wa a‘ūdhu bika minal-jubni wal-bukhl, wa a‘ūdhu bika min ghalabatid-dayni wa qahrir-rijāl.
Meaning
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and grief, from inability and laziness, from cowardice and miserliness, and from being overpowered by debt and oppressed by people.”
Explanation
This comprehensive du‘ā’ addresses emotional, physical, financial, and social causes of anxiety. The Prophet ﷺ himself used this supplication, teaching us that seeking Allah’s protection is the first step toward peace.
2. Du‘ā’ for Relief from Severe Distress
Arabic Du‘ā’
اللَّهُمَّ رَحْمَتَكَ أَرْجُو، فَلَا تَكِلْنِي إِلَى نَفْسِي طَرْفَةَ عَيْنٍ، وَأَصْلِحْ لِي شَأْنِي كُلَّهُ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ
Transliteration
Allahumma raḥmataka arjū, fa-lā takilnī ilā nafsī ṭarfata ‘ayn, wa aṣliḥ lī sha’nī kullah, lā ilāha illā anta.
Meaning
“O Allah, I hope for Your mercy. Do not leave me to myself even for the blink of an eye. Rectify all of my affairs. None has the right to be worshipped except You.”
Explanation
This du‘ā’ acknowledges human weakness and complete dependence upon Allah. Anxiety often intensifies when a person feels alone; this supplication restores reliance upon divine mercy.
3. Du‘ā’ of Prophet Yunus (عليه السلام) for Extreme Hardship
Arabic Du‘ā’
لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ
Transliteration
Lā ilāha illā anta, subḥānaka innī kuntu minaẓ-ẓālimīn.
Meaning
“There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.”
Explanation
Recited by Prophet Yunus (عليه السلام) in the darkness of the whale’s belly, this du‘ā’ is among the most powerful supplications for distress. It combines tawḥīd, glorification, and repentance — three keys to inner peace.
4. Du‘ā’ for a Troubled Heart
Arabic Du‘ā’
اللَّهُمَّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي، وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي
Transliteration
Allahummashraḥ lī ṣadrī wa yassir lī amrī.
Meaning
“O Allah, expand my chest and make my affair easy for me.”
Explanation
This du‘ā’, inspired by the supplication of Prophet Musa (عليه السلام), is ideal for those experiencing mental pressure, fear, or emotional tightness.
5. Du‘ā’ for Peaceful Sleep and Calm Thoughts
Arabic Du‘ā’
بِاسْمِكَ اللَّهُمَّ أَمُوتُ وَأَحْيَا
Transliteration
Bismikallāhumma amūtu wa aḥyā.
Meaning
“In Your name, O Allah, I die and I live.”
Explanation
Reciting this du‘ā’ before sleep helps calm racing thoughts and entrusts one’s soul to Allah, bringing peace at night.
The Role of Dhikr in Reducing Anxiety
Regular remembrance of Allah acts as a shield against anxiety. Among the most effective adhkār are:
- SubḥānAllāh
- Al-ḥamdu lillāh
- Allāhu akbar
- Lā ilāha illā Allāh
Consistency is more important than quantity. Even a few minutes daily can transform the heart.
Practical Guidelines for Making Du‘ā’ During Anxiety
- Make du‘ā’ with sincerity and humility
- Choose blessed times (last third of the night, after salah)
- Face the qiblah when possible
- Begin with praise of Allah and salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ
- Be patient and trust Allah’s wisdom
Tawakkul: The Foundation of Inner Peace
True peace comes when the heart fully relies upon Allah while taking permissible means. Anxiety weakens when one accepts that Allah’s plan is always better than human expectations.
Allah ﷻ says:
“And whoever relies upon Allah — then He is sufficient for him.” (Surah At-Talaq 65:3)
Anxiety is not a sign of weak faith; rather, it is a call to draw closer to Allah. Through authentic du‘ās, remembrance, patience, and reliance upon Allah, the believer finds strength where the world offers none.
Make these du‘ās a daily habit. Recite them with understanding, conviction, and hope. Trust that Allah hears every whisper of the heart and responds in the best way and at the best time.
May Allah grant us tranquility of the heart, peace of mind, and unwavering faith. Āmīn.
