💌 While it's not possible to avoid stress at
school or in the workplace always, there are some things that we can do to
lessen the negative effects of stress on us:
1) Always do everything for the sake of Allah Subhaanahu
wa Ta'aala. Anything you do sincerely for Allah's sake is never wasted and it
doesn't come with regret but lessons learned, patience and contentment.
2) Stay away from people who are bad for you and whose
companionship can do more harm to your faith/Imaan than good. Minimize
unnecessary interactions with those who enjoy backbiting, spreading rumors or
speaking untruthfully.
3) When you are given the choice to choose between
justice and mercy, try to select being merciful, tolerant and forgiving
whenever possible. Not only does practicing sympathy and forgiveness develop your good character, but trying to be more understanding towards others can
protect you from a lot of unwanted drama or trouble.
4) Be strong enough to say sorry to those whom you've
mistreated. Be tough enough to accept someone's apology and enhance your inner
strength by showing more willingness to understand, give space and forgive.
5) Know when to mind your own business, when to distance
yourself from certain individuals and when not to participate in situations
that don't concern you. If a particular task isn't part of your duty or
expected responsibilities, never feel guilty of walking away from what isn't
rewarding or worthy of your energy, response or attention.
6) When stressed out, make it a habit to get used to
seclusion or isolation at times. Take brief naps if necessary. Spending quality
time with Allah the Most Loving by praying Sunnah prayers like Salat Ad-Duha in
the forenoon, saying Dhikr and Du'as, or gaining extra rewards through Qur'an
recitation, is a lot better than wasting time with people who simply collect
others' sins each time they preoccupy themselves with gossip and backbiting.
7) Obtain comfort and inner peace by reading Islamic
books and beneficial articles online.
8) Control the kind of content you expose yourself to on
social media. Realize the difference between status updates that give you a bad
mood and those informative posts which uplift you, energize you and inspire you
to become a better Muslim.
9) Remind yourself constantly that this world is
temporary. Any struggle, trial and hardship you go through not only expiates
your sins, but trials are meant to strengthen your faith/Imaan and upgrade your
level or ranking in Jannah Paradise as long as you strive to survive this
temporal dunya with Taqwa, gratitude and patience.
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's
noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Nothing
afflicts a Muslim of hardship, nor illness, nor anxiety, nor sorrow, nor harm,
nor distress, nor even the pricking of a thorn, but that Allah will expiate his
sins by it."
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 5318, Sahih Muslim 2573
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (Authenticity agreed upon)
according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim
📖 Hudhayfah RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: If the
Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam was distressed about anything, he
SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam would pray.
Source: Sunan Abī Dāwūd 1319
Grade: Hasan (Fair) according to Al-Albani