Our era could rightly be called “The Age of Stress,” as stress-related ailments have become a defining characteristic of modern life. Amid this widespread psychological distress, we turn to our sacred religion, Islam, for guidance and discover a treasury of verses and Prophetic traditions offering profound remedies for the heart. This meditation reflects upon some of the most impactful of these teachings.

In Surah al-Tawbah (9:40), the Lord declares: “Do not grieve; indeed, Allah is with us.” 

Any form of sorrow or fear dissolves when one is reminded of the Lord’s constant withness (maʿiyya). Within the Karkariya Sufi order, disciples are guided by Sheikh Sidi Mohamed Faouzi Al-Karkari to cultivate a perpetual awareness of the divine presence. This awareness is nurtured through the witnessing of divine light throughout the day, whether during acts of worship or the seemingly mundane moments of life.

As a disciple, I have found that the light—whether appearing as a star, a moon, or a sun—swiftly dissolves any creeping dread and anxiety in my heart. The awareness of Allah’s nearness becomes a soothing balm, bringing profound solace to my soul. It is in this intimate connection that the essence of deliverance is revealed: the certainty that the Creator, whose mercy encompasses all, is ever-present.

In another verse, Allah proclaims: “Unquestionably, for the walīs of Allah, there will be no fear concerning them, nor shall they grieve.” (10:62)

The walī, the friend of Allah, lives free from fear and sorrow. How could they not be, when the light of their Beloved remains their constant companion? Such a state is so precious that some Sufi masters have said they would doubt the soundness of their faith if even for a blink of an eye the light of the Prophet were to fade from their vision.

Nevertheless, human nature is prone to moments of anxiety, much of which arises from uncertainty about the future. For those who do not yet have visionary access to divine light, the key to overcoming this unease lies in reframing one’s perspective.

Sidi Mohamed Faouzi Al-Karkari offers an invaluable approach to this universal struggle: “Make the future your friend, not your foe.” He explains that if one approaches the future with fear, it will manifest as something to be feared. This wisdom aligns beautifully with the teachings of Islam, as expressed in the ḥadīth qudsī reported in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī and Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: “I am as My servant expects Me to be, so let him think of Me as he wishes.”

This hadith emphasizes the immense benefits of placing one’s trust in the All-Merciful, Allah. To see the future as a gift rather than a threat, one must shift their focus to Allah’s attributes, particularly His role as al-Mudabbir (the Arranger). The Qur’an reminds us: “…He arranges [every] matter; He details the signs that you may, of the meeting with your Lord, be certain.” (13:2)
Recognizing Allah’s meticulous arrangement of all things inspires hope and dissolves dread. When trust in the divine plan takes root in the heart, anxiety give way to a profound sense of security and gratitude.

Indeed, Allah’s compassion surpasses human understanding. The Lord is closer to us than we are to ourselves, and His mercy envelops even our most fragile moments. By simply reminding ourselves of this truth, fear and grief can be replaced with tranquility, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Ultimately, deliverance from dread lies in surrendering to the eternal withness of the Most Merciful. In this awareness, we find not only solace but a wellspring of enduring peace that carries us through the trials of life, illuminating the path to His divine presence.