Salawāt and anxiety
by: Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi
Oxford
18/5/2026
Question:
Assalāmu ‘alaykum dear Shaykh,
It is often mentioned by scholars and spiritual teachers that abundant salawāt upon the Prophet ﷺ brings tranquillity to the heart and helps remove anxiety, sadness, and emotional distress. Some people even say that those who constantly send blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ tend to be happier, lighter in spirit, and more emotionally at peace.
Can salawāt genuinely help with anxiety and mental distress? How should a Muslim understand this in light of modern psychological and medical knowledge? Should spiritual practices alone be relied upon, or should one also seek professional treatment where necessary?
Answer:
Wa ‘alaykum al-salām wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuh,
This is an important and deeply relevant question, particularly in a time when anxiety, emotional strain, and psychological distress have become increasingly widespread. The Islamic approach to such matters is distinguished by balance, wisdom, and realism. Islam neither reduces anxiety purely to a medical phenomenon detached from spirituality, nor does it neglect the practical means and treatments that Allah has placed within creation.
Rather, Islam teaches us to combine the means of the body with the means of the soul, whilst placing our ultimate trust and reliance upon Allah.
First and foremost, if a person suffers from severe anxiety, panic attacks, depression, trauma, or any recognised psychological condition, they should seek appropriate assistance from qualified medical professionals, therapists, and specialists. There should be no shame whatsoever in doing so. Islam encourages the believer to seek treatment and utilise lawful means of cure. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Seek treatment, for Allah has not created a disease except that He has created for it a cure.” (Reported by Abū Dāwūd and al-Tirmidhī)
Mental and emotional illnesses are real conditions. Sometimes they involve biological, neurological, hormonal, or trauma-related causes that require professional intervention, counselling, therapy, or medication. Seeking such help does not contradict tawakkul (reliance upon Allah); rather, taking the proper means is itself part of tawakkul.
However, whilst medical and psychological treatment is important, Islam also teaches that the condition of the heart and soul has a profound effect upon a person’s emotional well-being. A heart disconnected from Allah is more vulnerable to despair, fear, emptiness, and agitation, whereas a heart attached to Allah acquires tranquillity, resilience, hope, and inner stability even amidst hardship. Allah says: “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Sūrat al-Ra‘d 13:28)
This verse establishes a profound spiritual reality: true inner peace is ultimately rooted in remembrance of Allah. The soul was created to know its Lord, worship Him, and remain connected to Him. When this connection weakens, the heart often becomes spiritually unsettled, regardless of outward circumstances.
For this reason, one of the greatest means of strengthening the mind and calming anxiety is to deepen one’s relationship with Allah through sincere worship and spiritual discipline. This includes maintaining the five daily prayers with presence and humility, reciting the Qur’an regularly with reflection and understanding, engaging in abundant dhikr, seeking forgiveness from Allah, making du‘ā’, and striving to live a life of taqwā and obedience. Allah says regarding the Qur’an: “And We send down from the Qur’an that which is a healing and mercy for the believers.” (Sūrat al-Isrā’ 17:82)
The Qur’an heals the heart by restoring perspective, strengthening faith, illuminating purpose, and nurturing certainty in Allah. However, its healing effect is not merely through ritual recitation devoid of understanding. Rather, its Barakah emerges when one reflects upon its meanings, internalises its guidance, and allows it to transform the heart and conduct.
