Duas for Anxiety, Depression and Insomnia

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

Respected Sister,

We note that your father is suffering from what appears to be a mental condition. We hope and pray to Allah that he grants your father a complete and quick recovery. May Allah also bless you and your family with the strength and courage to assist and support your father on his way to recovery.

Firstly, in drawing the mercy of Allah it is important that you engage in collective Zikr, Tilaawatul Quraan, Salawaat and Ibaadah with your family including your father if possible. This should be followed by du’a beseeching Allah to assist and cure your father. It should especially be done at those times when du’a is known to be accepted such as at Tahajjud time, before Maghrib on a Friday etc.

Furthermore, all these acts of worship bring much peace and comfort to those who recite and listen.

Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’aan:

“The ones who believe and their hearts are peaceful with the remembrance of Allah. Listen, the hearts find peace only in the remembrance (obedience) of Allah.” (Qur’aan 13:28)

Below are some invocations and prescriptions narrated from Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) to be carried out or recited during times of difficulty or for any calamity:

Abdullah Ibn Abbaas (Radhiyallahu Anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) used to recite the following prayer at times of difficulties:

There is no Lord but Allah, the Mighty and Tolerant. There is no Lord but Allah, the Sustainer of the skies and the earth, the Lord of the Mighty Throne

Asmaa bint ‘ Umays (Radhiyallahu Anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) asked her, “Should I not teach you a prayer which you may recite upon difficulty? Recite:

Allah, Allah is my Lord; I do not ascribe any partner to Him.

Anas ibn Maalik (Radhiyallahu Anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) would recite upon difficulty:

O the Ever-Living, O Ever-Sustaining, I seek Your Assistance through Your Mercy

Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqaas (Radhiyallahu Anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said regarding the Du’a of Nabi Yunus (Alayhis Salaam), “No Muslim prays to Allah with this du’a except that Allah will accept his prayer”:

There is no Lord besides you, Glory be to You, I have indeed been from the oppressors.

Abdullah ibn Abbaas (Radhiyallahu Anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “Whoever recites Istighfaar (sincere repentance,seeking forgiveness) in abundance, Allah will make for him an opening from every worry and an exit from every constricting issue, and will grant him sustenance from places he did not expect.”

Ubayy ibn Ka’b (Radhiyallahu Anhu) narrates that a person said to Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), “What do you think if I send durodd/ salutations upon you at every juncture?” Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) responded, “In that case Allah will suffice for you whatever worries you regarding your worldly matters and your Hereafter.”

Hudhayfah (Radhiyallahu Anhu) narrates that whenever anything distressed Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) he resorted to Salaah.

The following du’a should be recited when having difficulty sleeping:

O Allah, the stars have set and eyes have slept, and You are the Ever Living, Ever Sustaining. Neither sleep nor slumber overtakes you. O the Ever Living, O the Ever Sustaining, grant calmness to my night and put my eyes to sleep.

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best