Have you ever cried in sujood because of pain and want peace but don’t know what to ask?
Sometimes you try everything, therapy, medication, but still feel restless inside. This is the time to listen to your soul, which wants divine healing. Prayer for anxiety is the best practice to heal your heart and achieve mental peace.
Prayer is a tool of healing gifted by the One who created your heart and knows its pain.
We suffer from countless forms of anxiety, such as work pressure, future thoughts, behavioural illness, and more. The World Health Organization says more than 300 million people around the world struggle with anxiety, which is a reflection of the inner pain many of us feel.
For Muslims, healing is rooted in faith. The Quran, the words of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and acts of worship like Salah (prayer) give us deep spiritual comfort. Let’s learn the powerful Quranic words the prophets used in pain, and how Allah gave them relief.
Anxiety Has No Place For a Believer
Islam does not ignore the emotional struggles of the human soul. In fact, anxiety is something even the prophets experienced. Allah teaches spiritual words to peace our hearts. Surah Al-Baqarah [2:286] reminds us
لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا
Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.
Anxiety or depression is not a weakness of faith. It’s part of being human. The Prophet (PBUH) himself made prayers for anxiety when distressed. We must turn to Allah, speak to Him, and seek refuge in His protection. This act of surrender is the beginning of healing.
Tawakkul: Trust Allah During Anxiety
Tawakkul means complete trust in Allah’s plan. When anxiety clouds your vision, Tawakkul brings clarity. It’s not just about hoping everything will be fine. It’s a deep-rooted belief that whatever happens is in control ofAllah.
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
If you were to rely upon Allah with reliance due to Him, He would provide for you as He provides for the bird: it goes out hungry in the morning and comes back full in the evening.
(Narrated in Tirmidhi)
Trust reduces stress. Studies show that people who trust in a higher power experience lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone). When you truly trust Allah, you release the need to control everything which lifts a huge mental weight.
Personal Tip: When you feel overwhelmed, pause. Say, “I trust Allah’s plan for me.” Then take a small step forward with that faith in your heart.
Prayer for Anxiety and Patience as Response to Stress
Sabr (patience) is not about waiting quietly. It’s about bearing pain with strength. Islam teaches us that hardship is part of life.
فَإِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا
Indeed, with hardship comes ease.
(Quran 94:6)
The Prophet (PBUH) lost his children, was mocked, attacked, and even starved. Yet, he never lost patience. His patience was active and hopeful.
Modern psychology supports this. Emotional resilience is key to overcoming stress. When you expect challenges and prepare your soul to be calm, you cope better. Sabr in Islam is about guiding your emotions. You still cry, pray, and ask Allah for help. But you remain rooted in hope.
The Power of Prayer in Anxiety
How Salah (Prayer) Helps Reduce Anxiety in Islam
Salah is a spiritual therapy session with Allah. When the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) faced hardship, he would say:
“O Bilal, give us comfort with it (Salah).”
(Abu Dawood)
Each time we pray, we disconnect from the chaos of the world and reconnect with the peace of our Creator. The sujood (prostration) position in Salah is known to calm the nervous system. Studies in NIH show that bowing and prostration increase blood flow to the brain which reduces stress and restores emotional balance.
Many Muslims share personal experiences of how praying calms their racing thoughts. Even when my life feels out of control, I prolong my Sajdah in salah to calm my mind.
Personal Advice: Make your prayer space peaceful. Light a soft lamp, use a clean prayer mat, and begin your prayer slowly. Focus on your breathing and the words you recite. This mindful connection with Allah makes a difference.
10 Powerful Islamic Prayers to Heal Anxiety
We must share our grief with Allah asking the same words used by prophets AS.
1. Ayat-ul-Kursi (Protect from Fear)
Reciting Ayat-ul-Kursi after every prayer and before sleeping is a powerful way to guard the heart and mind. The Prophet (PBUH) said whoever recites it, Allah appoints a guardian over him, and Satan cannot come near.
(Sahih Bukhari)
Many Muslims feel a sense of peace and safety after reciting this verse. It’s especially helpful before sleeping when anxiety tends to rise.
2. Surah Al-Inshirah (Strengthen your Heart)
This surah was revealed to comfort and uplift the Prophet (ﷺ) during a time when he was facing emotional hardship and public rejection from the Quraysh. When anxiety makes you feel stuck, this verse reminds you that relief is always near.
Tip: Read this Surah daily, especially in moments of panic or sadness. Let the words remind you that ease is already written in your struggle.
3. Dua of Prophet Yunus, inside the belly of the whale
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ
There is no god but You; Glory be to You! Indeed, I was among the wrongdoers.
A whale swallowed Yunus AS after leaving his people too early. He called upon Allah from deep darkness. Allah forgave him, saved him, and returned him safely to shore.
I recite this when I’m overwhelmed by my own mistakes. When I feel I’ve “messed up” and need Allah’s help, this prayer calms my heart.
Recite this dua
- When you feel trapped, stuck, or desperate
- When you feel you’ve made a mistake.
4. Prophet Ayyub, Severe sickness & loss
رَبِّ إِنِّي مَسَّنِيَ الضُّرُّ وَأَنتَ أَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِمِينَ
My Lord, adversity has touched me, and You are the Most Merciful
(Surah Al-Anbiya 21:83)
Ayyub (AS) lost his health, wealth, and children but stayed patient. Allah rewarded him with healing, restored his family, and honored his patience.
Recite this dua in times of illness, loss, or family hardship.
I recite this when facing health problems or emotional loss, reminding myself to stay patient.
5. Prophet Musa, Before facing Pharaoh
رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي، وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي
My Lord, expand my chest and ease my task.
(Surah Ta-Ha 20:25–26)
Musa (AS) was sent to confront the mighty Pharaoh; he asked Allah to calm his heart and make his mission easy. Allah empowered him with Harun AS (his brother ) and blessed him with victory.
Recite it before a difficult conversation, presentation or any situation where you feel nervous.
I recite this dua before big tasks or challenges, like job interviews, public speaking, or confronting someone.
6. Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), Prayer for peace
رَبِّ اجْعَلْنِي مُقِيمَ الصَّلَاةِ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِي ۚ رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَاءِ
“My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and from my descendants. Our Lord, and accept my supplication.
(Surah Ibrahim 14:40)
Ibrahim (AS) obeyed the command of Allah and left his family in the desert. Allah blessed his family with the Zamzam well and honored them through generations. I recite this when praying for my children or family’s spiritual strength.
7. Dua for Heavy Hearts or Fear
حَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ، عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ، وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ
Allah is sufficient for me; there is no deity except Him. I have placed my trust in Him, and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne.
Surah At-Tawbah (9:129)
I recite this when I feel anxious. When things aren’t going as planned. When I’m overwhelmed by uncertainty. Sometimes life hits hard with difficult people or situations that make you feel helpless. In those moments, this dua feels like an anchor.
8. Prophet Adam (AS), Dua for Forgiveness
رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَا أَنفُسَنَا وَإِن لَّمْ تَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ
“Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.”
(Surah Al-A‘raf 7:23)
Whenever you feel guilt, shame, or regret over mistakes or sins. It’s a powerful reminder to turn to Allah immediately after any slip.
Adam (AS) and Hawwa (AS) felt deep regret after eating from the forbidden plant. They turned to Allah sincerely with this dua. Allah accepted their repentance. It shows us that no matter how big the mistake, sincere repentance leads to mercy.
I often recite this dua when I feel I’ve made a mistake, whether big or small. It calms my heart because I remember that Allah’s mercy is always bigger than my flaws.
9. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Dua for Anxiety & Relief
اللّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الهَمِّ وَالحَزَنِ، وَالعَجزِ وَالكَسَلِ، وَالبُخلِ وَالجُبنِ، وَضَلَعِ الدَّينِ وَغَلبَةِ الرِّجَالِ
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, weakness and laziness, miserliness and cowardice, the burden of debts, and being overpowered by men.”
(Hadith: Sahih al-Bukhari 6369, Sahih Muslim 2706)
Recite this dua when you feel anxiety, sadness, fear, debt, or any worldly hardship. It’s a comprehensive dua covering emotional, physical, and social struggles.
Muhammad (ﷺ) lost both his beloved wife Khadijah (RA) and his supportive uncle Abu Talib in the year of sorrow. He faced rejection, grief, and loneliness but kept turning to Allah with patience. This dua has helped me personally during times when I feel mentally heavy or financially stressed.
10. Dua for Strength and Victory
رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَإِسْرَافَنَا فِي أَمْرِنَا وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وَانصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ
Our Lord, forgive us our sins and our excesses in our affairs, make our steps firm, and help us against the disbelieving people.
(Surah Al-Imran 3:147)
This is the best time to seek Allah’s mercy in the time of India Pakistan war 2025. Muslims all over the world are facing challenges and need resilience and divine help. The believers prayed this during battles and hardships. Allah granted them success and strength.
Ruqyah Verses for Emotional Healing
Ruqyah isn’t just for physical or spiritual ailments. It’s also for emotional healing. Reciting verses like Surah Al-Fatiha, Ayat-ul-Kursi, the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah, and the last three Surahs (Ikhlas, Falaq, Nas) with the intention of inner peace can remove spiritual blockages.
How to do it:
- Sit in a quiet place.
- Recite the verses mentioned above over your hands.
- Blow gently into your palms.
- Rub your hands over your chest and head.
Tip: Do this regularly at night. Many have reported better sleep and lighter emotional burdens after consistent ruqyah practice.
Quranic Healing: Verses That Calm and Heal
Islam doesn’t just acknowledge emotional pain—it offers divine words to soothe it. The Qur’an is described by Allah as a “healing and mercy for the believers” (Surah Al-Isra 17:82). When your heart is heavy, turning to the Qur’an brings light into the darkness.
Quranic Verses for strength against anxiety
فَإِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا، إِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا
So, surely with hardship comes ease; surely, with hardship comes ease. Surah Al-Inshirah (94:5–6)
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from worry and sadness. Sahih Bukhari 2893
حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ
Sufficient for us is Allah, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs. Surah Al-Imran (3:173)
الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ
Those who believe and whose hearts find peace in the remembrance of Allah. Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prayer for Anxiety
Which Surahs to Recite for Anxiety and Depression
Let me share what really helps when you feel low:
- Surah Al-Duha was sent when the Prophet ﷺ felt abandoned. It gently reminds you: you are never alone.
- Surah Al-Inshirah is short but powerful: “With hardship comes ease.” Say it when life feels too heavy.
- Surah Al-Falaq & An-Naas shield you from fear, and dark thoughts. Like spiritual armor.
- Surah Yaseen is the heart of the Qur’an. It brings light to a restless, anxious heart.
Read them slowly. Best after Fajr or before sleep to heal your heart.
What is the prayer for anxiety in Islam?
The most effective prayer for anxiety in Islam is Salah (prayer) itself. Performing regular Salah helps bring inner peace, as it connects you directly with Allah. Surah Al-Fatiha is a powerful part of each prayer, asking Allah for guidance and relief. You can also recite Ayat-ul-Kursi (2:255), which is known for providing protection and easing anxiety.
How to calm your anxiety in Islam?
To calm anxiety in Islam, try these practices:
- Turn to Prayer (Salah): Performing your prayers with full attention brings peace and relieves the burden on your heart.
- Recite Dhikr: Repeating phrases like “SubhanAllah”, “Alhamdulillah”, and “Allahu Akbar” helps soothe the mind and reminds you of Allah’s presence.
- Seek Refuge in Allah’s Words: Recite Surah Al-Duha or Surah Al-Inshirah to uplift your spirits.
- Trust in Allah (Tawakkul): Let go of the need to control everything and place your trust in Allah. This will relieve anxiety.
Final Words
I want to remind you, you are not alone. Anxiety can feel overwhelming, but Allah’s mercy, the power of prayer, and the Qur’an are always there to guide and heal you. Keep trusting in Him, and remember, healing takes time—but it is promised.
Every step you take—whether in prayer or seeking support—is a step toward peace. May Allah bring you comfort, ease your worries, and protect your heart. You are stronger than you know. Keep going, and trust in His plan. Ameen.
