PART III: Trusting in Allah (Tawakkul) and Dealing with Anxiety:
You know those times when things aren’t going as planned, and it feels like the whole world’s against you? Or when you’re super worried about exams, pleasing your boss, or taking care of your family? That’s when anxiety creeps in, right? Well, tawakkul is like a superhero move against this never-ending worry!
What’s Tawakkul, Anyway?
Tawakkul means putting your absolute trust in Allah (swt), relying on Him for everything. It’s like when Musa (as) was told to drop his stick, not knowing what would happen, but trusting in Allah’s plan. He dropped it, and it turned into a snake! That’s trust in action!
There’s even a Hadith where the Prophet Muhammad (saw) talked about birds: “If you were to rely upon Allah with the required reliance, then He would provide for you just as He provides for birds.” It’s like the birds go out in the morning hungry and return full. That’s total trust, right?
Applying Tawakkul Every Day
We’re so used to wanting quick results! But when we trust Allah’s words like, “If you depend on Allah with due reliance, He would certainly give you provision,” (At-Tirmidhi), things start to make sense.
Remember when Musa (as) faced the sea, not knowing how to cross it? But with Allah’s command, he struck the sea, and bam! It split open! That’s trust mixed with action.
Believe in Allah’s Plan
Sometimes, despite trying super hard, things just don’t go our way. That’s life! But if we trust Allah’s plan, even when it feels like nothing’s working, it helps. You know, like, “If Allah plans something for you, it’s for your best.”
Combine Trust with Action
While we trust Allah, we gotta take action too! Birds leave their nests to find food. Similarly, we work hard, seeking jobs, studying, and doing our best. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Tie your camel and then trust in Allah.”
Believe in Allah’s Decisions
Sometimes, even after all our efforts and trust, things might not work out. It’s tough, but it’s life! But if we trust Allah’s decision, even when it’s not what we wanted, it helps. Trust that He’s got better plans!
Tawakkul isn’t just about sitting back and waiting for miracles. It’s about trust mixed with action. It’s about doing our best, trusting Allah’s plan, and believing that things will work out the way they’re supposed to, even if it’s not what we expected.
Remember, life’s like a rollercoaster. We give our best shot, trust in Allah, and hang on for the ride!
III. Identifying Anxiety Triggers for Teens
A. Academic Pressure:
Academic stress remains a prevalent trigger for anxiety among teenagers, with numerous studies emphasizing its impact. Research published in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics highlights the weight of high academic expectations from parents, schools, and peers, significantly contributing to anxiety disorders among teens (Source: JDBP, 2016).
Further investigations by educational psychologists, such as Dr. Richard Ryan and Dr. Andrew J. Elliot, emphasize the importance of autonomy and intrinsic motivation in academic settings. When teens feel pressured or lack control over their educational paths, anxiety can manifest (Self-Determination Theory: Basic Psychological Needs in Motivation, Development, and Wellness, 2019).
Link to Part IV: Conquering Anxiety for Young Muslims (Part IV) ► ISIP
