Feeling down in the dumps, depressed, having the blues? These are just some of the terms used to describe a feeling of hopelessness and despair that can hit even the most optimistic of us at some point in our lives. While clinical depression requires proper professional treatment, the occasional feeling of sadness due to factors ranging from marital issues, economic difficulty to harassment and discrimination can be helped through some simple spiritual practices. Here is a couple that can help: 1. Look at those below you Abu Huraira (Radhi Allah ‘Anhu) reported that Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: “When one of you looks at one who stands at a higher level than you in regard to wealth and physical structure (face or figure) he should also see one who stands at a lower level than you in regard to these things (in which he stands) at a higher level (as compared to him).” [Sahih Muslim: Book 42 Kitab Al-Zuhd wa Al-Raqaiq, Number 7068] If you are reading this article online, consider this: you are one of the lucky set of human beings on the planet who can afford a computer and internet connection or at least have access to one. The United Nations Development Program’s Human Development Report notes that there are still around 1 billion people living worldwide at the margins of survival on less than $1 a day, with 2.6 billion living on less than $2 a day. Also consider that in the Qur’ān (14:7), Allāh says that if you are thankful to Him for what you have, He blesses you with more. 2. Serve your fellow human beings One of the best ways by which to thank Allāh is to serve humanity, especially those who have less than you. Serving others is uplifting and rewarding. It helps us gain a better perspective on life’s challenges, making us realize how very often, our problems seem so small compared to the awesome difficulties others face. That’s why when the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and the Muslims were a small, poor and persecuted community, they used to give to the poor even more. They understood that when you are generous when you have less, you achieve the perspective of a winner. You focus on the bigger picture.
Posted on: Thu, 06 Nov 2014 20:34:06 +0000
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