Learn about Anxiety
Anxiety is a natural human emotion that Allah (swt) has created within us to alert us to danger and keep us safe. It becomes a concern when it starts to interfere with our daily life, relationships, or ability to function.
Islam acknowledges emotional experiences like fear, worry, and distress.
Even prophets felt fear—Musa (as) said: “Indeed, I fear that they will deny me” (Qur’an 26:12).
Acknowledging anxiety is not a weakness of faith—it’s a sign to seek help and take care of ourselves.
"Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest."
Experiencing anxiety is not a sign of weak faith. Many prophets faced emotional distress.
What is Anxiety
Anxiety is the body’s response to stress, uncertainty, or perceived threats. It may involve worrying excessively about future events or outcomes, often without a clear reason. It’s normal to feel anxious before a big decision, exam, or public speaking, but it can become problematic if it’s constant, overwhelming, or impacts everyday life.
Anxiety Signs and Symptoms
Anxiety can affect every part of a person—body, mind, emotions, behaviours, and even spiritual connection. Understanding how it shows up can help us respond with compassion and support, both for ourselves and others.
Physical Signs
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Shallow or fast breathing
- Sweating or chills
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Muscle tension or body aches
- Headaches or stomach discomfort
- Fatigue or trouble sleeping
Emotional Signs
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Irritability or mood swings
- Feeling constantly “on edge”
- Sudden sadness or tearfulness
- Feeling a sense of dread or panic
Cognitive Signs
- Racing or intrusive thoughts
- Difficulty concentrating
- Overthinking or “what if” spirals
- Catastrophic thinking (expecting the worst)
- Trouble making decisions
Behavioural Signs
- Avoiding situations (e.g. meetings, social events)
- Procrastination or indecisiveness
- Reassurance-seeking or clinginess
- Restlessness or pacing
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
Spiritual Signs
- Feeling disconnected from Allah (swt)
- Guilt about not “trusting enough” in Allah
- Difficulty focusing in salah or making dua
- Questioning one’s faith or self-worth
- Believing that anxiety is a punishment
Types of Islamophobia
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Persistent, excessive worry about many things.
Social Anxiety
Intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social settings.
Panic Disorder
Sudden, repeated panic attacks involving physical symptoms.
Phobias
Extreme fear of specific objects or situations (e.g. public speaking, flying, spiders).
Separation Anxiety
Common in children; fear of being away from caregivers.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Unwanted repetitive thoughts and behaviours.
Health Anxiety
Constant worry about having or developing a serious illness.
Do I have anxiety?
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I feel anxious or nervous most days?
- Is worry interfering with my work, sleep, or relationships?
- Do I avoid situations out of fear or panic?
- Do I struggle to calm my mind or body, even when I make dua or engage in self-care?
Note: Feeling anxious doesn’t mean you’re weak in faith. Even the Prophet ﷺ experienced sadness and worry, and taught us to seek support through both du’a and action.
How to Support Students with Anxiety
- Listen without judgment – Let them speak and feel heard.
- Build trust and connection – Relationships ease anxiety.
- Encourage mindfulness and breathing – Try "dhikr-based grounding" (e.g. saying “SubhanAllah” with slow breaths).
- Provide routines and predictability – Structure can reduce fear
- Educate them about emotions – Use age-appropriate resources.
- Normalise help-seeking – Let them know it’s okay to get support.
- Remind them Allah is near – “Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us” (Qur’an 9:40)
Where to Get Support for Yourself with Anxiety
- Book a session with Afiya EAP for one-on-one culturally and spiritually responsive counselling.
- Speak to someone who understands your faith and values – our Muslim mental health professionals are trained in both Islamic and mainstream approaches.
- Try Islamic-informed wellbeing techniques – such as tafakkur (reflection), muraqabah (awareness of Allah), dhikr (remembrance), and (shukr (gratitude).
- Don’t wait—early support is best. Seeking help is part of ihsan (excellence in caring for oneself and others).