Worry is part of life: about family, work, health, about things that are out of your hands. The Quran speaks openly about these feelings and offers something in return: calm, hope and trust. Here are seven verses many Muslims turn to in hard times. The translations are by Sahih International.
1. Hearts find rest
Ar-Ra’d 13:28
Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allāh. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allāh hearts are assured.
When your thoughts are racing, dhikr gives the heart a fixed point, often within a few minutes. More in Quran verses about dhikr.
2. With hardship comes ease
Ash-Sharh 94:5-6
For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease [i.e., relief]. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.
The sentence is repeated, as a reassurance. And it says “with” hardship, not “after” it: the ease is already on its way while things are still hard. More verses under hope.
3. No more than you can bear
Al-Baqarah 2:286
Allāh does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity.
Allah knows your strength better than you do. The same verse ends with a supplication you can make your own: “Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear.” More supplications from the Quran are under dua.
4. Help through patience and prayer
Al-Baqarah 2:153
O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allāh is with the patient.
Prayer is not only a duty but a place where you are allowed to bring your burden. More verses under patience.
5. He is sufficient
At-Talaq 65:3
And whoever relies upon Allāh - then He is sufficient for him.
Tawakkul does not mean doing nothing. It means doing what you can and leaving the outcome to Allah. That does not remove every worry, but it lifts the weight of having to control everything yourself. More under trust in Allah.
6. Nothing reaches us outside His decree
At-Tawbah 9:51
Say, “Never will we be struck except by what Allāh has decreed for us; He is our protector.” And upon Allāh let the believers rely.
Anxiety is usually about what might happen. This verse turns the view around: what comes does not come by chance, and the One who decrees it is also your protector.
7. You have not been abandoned
Ad-Duhaa 93:3-5
Your Lord has not taken leave of you, [O Muḥammad], nor has He detested [you]. And the Hereafter is better for you than the first [life]. And your Lord is going to give you, and you will be satisfied.
According to narrations in al-Bukhari and Muslim, this surah was revealed after revelation had paused for a while. If you feel far from Allah, remember that the feeling is not the same as the reality.
A supplication for worry
According to al-Bukhari, the Prophet ﷺ often sought refuge with Allah from worry and grief. Many people say the supplication that begins Allahumma inni a’udhu bika minal-hammi wal-hazan: “O Allah, I seek refuge in You from worry and grief.”
When the anxiety stays
Verses comfort, and prayer and dhikr can give a lot of strength. But they do not replace help when anxiety is heavy or lasts, when you can barely sleep, can’t manage everyday life or have dark thoughts. Then speak to your GP or to a therapist.
Seeking help is not a sign of weak faith. According to a narration in Abu Dawud and at-Tirmidhi, Allah has not sent down a disease without also sending down a cure for it.
In the UK, Samaritans are there for anyone, free and around the clock: call 116 123. In an emergency, call 999.
In the Nur app
The verse tab in Nur brings one verse at a time, recited and translated. You can filter by themes such as hope or trust and save the verses that help you. All verses are also under Quran verses by theme. Get Nur for free.
