Theory: Resilience through Quranic Wisdom (RQW)

 Author: Naba Noor

This Theoretical framework is designed for managing stress, depression and anxiety through the lens of Quranic teachings, incorporate the stories and lessons from the lives of various prophets. This model will emphasize resilience, patience, and reliance on divine support, drawing on the experiences of these exemplary figures.

Components of the RQW Model:

1.      Cognitive Restructuring

Reframing adversity as a test of faith, drawing on prophetic examples like inspired by the patience of Ayyub and Nuh, this cognitive restructuring technique helps shift perspectives from viewing challenges as threats to seeing them as opportunities for growth and spiritual development. By adopting this mindset, individuals can better cope with stress and maintain a positive outlook during difficult times.

2.      Emotional Regulation

Acknowledging and processing emotions through the lens of prophetic experiences, Like Yaqub, individuals are encouraged to express grief and seek solace in faith, promoting emotional healing. By incorporating practices like dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and dua (supplication), individuals can find inner peace and regulate their emotions more effectively.

3.      Community and Support

Building connections and seeking support from others, as exemplified by the communities of prophets like Engaging in communal prayers and discussions about prophetic stories to foster a sense of belonging. This component is crucial for reducing feelings of isolation and promoting overall well-being.

4.      Hope and Divine Mercy

 Cultivating hope through the understanding of divine mercy, as illustrated by Ibrahim as encouraging individuals to maintain hope in Allah’s mercy and forgiveness, reducing feelings of despair. This component is particularly important for those who may have exceeded their limits or made mistakes in the past, as it offers a path to redemption and a fresh start.

5.      Mindfulness through Remembrance

Enhancing spiritual mindfulness through prayer and remembrance as Incorporating practices such as dhikr and prayer to center oneself, inspired by the practices of Prophet Muhammad. This component helps individuals stay grounded in their faith and maintain a balanced perspective amidst life’s challenges.

Assumptions and Hypotheses

 Assumptions

1.      Learning from the experiences of prophets fosters emotional strength and coping mechanisms.

2.      Participation in communal religious activities strengthens emotional support networks.

3.      Belief in Allah’s mercy and the lessons from prophetic stories contribute to psychological well-being.

 Hypotheses

1.      Individuals who reflect on the patience of Prophet Ayyub will report lower levels of stress and anxiety compared to those who do not.

2.      Engaging in community support activities that discuss prophetic stories will significantly improve emotional well-being.

3.       Higher levels of hope and understanding of divine mercy, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim, Musa and prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), will correlate with lower levels of depression and anxiety among individuals facing adversity.

Integration of Quranic Verses and Prophetic Examples

1.Pray and Patience

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱسْتَعِينُوا۟ بِٱلصَّبْرِ وَٱلصَّلَوٰةِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِين َ١٥٣

O believers! Seek comfort in patience and prayer. Allah is truly with those who are patient (Surah al-bakara :153).

Example

Prophet Nuh (peace be upon him) demonstrated remarkable patience (sabr) over 950 years while preaching to a disbelieving people who mocked and rejected him. Despite the challenges, he remained steadfast and continued his mission, ultimately praying to Allah for help. His unwavering commitment led to the construction of the Ark, resulting in the salvation of the believers and the punishment of the disbelievers, highlighting the importance of patience and trust in Allah during adversity.

2. Endurance in Trials

وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُم بِشَىْءٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْخَوْفِ وَٱلْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْأَمْوَٰلِ وَٱلْأَنفُسِ وَٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ ١٥٥

We will certainly test you with a touch of fear and famine and loss of property, life, and crops. Give good news to those who patiently endure (Surah al-bakara :155).

  Example

Prophet Ayyub exemplifies patience in the face of immense suffering, losing his health, wealth, and family yet remaining steadfast in faith, highlighting the importance of patience and trust in Allah during adversity.

3. Acknowledgment of Grief

ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَآ أَصَـٰبَتْهُم مُّصِيبَةٌۭ قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّآ إِلَيْهِ رَٰجِعُونَ ١٥٦

Who say, when struck by a disaster, “Surely to Allah we belong and to Him we will ˹all˺ return.”

(Surah al-bakara :156).

   Example

Prophet Yaqub  expressed profound grief over the loss of his son Yusuf (Joseph) but maintained faith in Allah’s plan, demonstrating emotional processing.

4. Divine Support in Distress

وَلَقَدْ نَعْلَمُ أَنَّكَ يَضِيقُ صَدْرُكَ بِمَا يَقُولُونَ ٩٧

We certainly know that your heart is truly distressed by what they say.

فَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ وَكُن مِّنَ ٱلسَّـٰجِدِينَ ٩٨

So glorify the praises of your Lord and be one of those who ˹always˺ pra.

وَٱصْبِرْ عَلَىٰ مَا يَقُولُونَ وَٱهْجُرْهُمْ هَجْرًۭا جَمِيلًۭا ١٠

Be patient ˹O Prophet˺ with what they say, and depart from them courteously

(Surah al- hijr : 97; 98,  al-muzamil: 10)

Example

Prophet Muhammad faced immense opposition and personal loss but found solace in prayer and remembrance, illustrating patience and reliance on divine support.

5. Hope and Forgiveness

قُلْ يَٰعِبَادِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا۟ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا۟ مِن رَّحْمَةِ ٱللَّهِ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ ٱلذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلْغَفُورُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ (٥٣)

Say, ˹O Prophet, that Allah says,˺ “O My servants who have exceeded the limits against their souls! Do not lose hope in Allah’s mercy, for Allah certainly forgives all sins. He is indeed the All-Forgiving, Most Merciful” ( surah al- Zumar : 53).

 Example

Prophet Yunus (peace be upon him) faced significant trials when he was sent to guide the people of Nineveh, who rejected his message. Frustrated, he left them without Allah’s permission and was swallowed by a giant fish. While in the fish’s belly, he realized his mistake and sincerely repented, proclaiming,

لا اله الا انت سبحانك اني كنت من الظالمين

“There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers” (Quran 21:87).

 His acknowledgment of wrongdoing exemplifies the verse’s message of hope in Allah’s mercy. Ultimately, Allah forgave him, illustrating that even those who exceed limits can find redemption through sincere repentance.

6. Trust and faith:

وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ ۚ وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُۥٓ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بَـٰلِغُ أَمْرِهِۦ ۚ قَدْ جَعَلَ ٱللَّهُ لِكُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ قَدْرًۭا ٣

And provide for them from sources they could never imagine. And whoever puts their trust in Allah, then He ˹alone˺ is sufficient for them. Certainly Allah achieves His Will. Allah has already set a destiny for everything ( surah al talaq : 3).

Example

Prophet Musa faced immense challenges, including confronting Pharaoh and fleeing to the desert, where he felt lost. Allah reassured him of His support, reflecting the verses’ message that He has not abandoned His prophets. Ultimately, Musa remained steadfast in his mission, leading the Israelites to liberation, demonstrating that trust in Allah’s mercy and guidance can lead to significant outcomes even in difficult times.

Prophet Ibrahim exemplified hope and trust in Allah’s promises, even when faced with severe trials, such as being commanded to sacrifice his son.

Implications

The RQW Model provides a structured approach to managing stress and anxiety by integrating spiritual teachings with psychological principles. Its implementation can take place in various settings, including:

Counseling and Psychotherapy: Mental health professionals can incorporate the RQW Model into therapeutic practices to support Muslim clients.

Educational Institutions: Schools and universities can offer workshops and support groups based on the model to help students develop resilience.

Community Centers and Mosques: Religious leaders can organize programs that focus on building resilience through Quranic wisdom and prophetic examples.

Online Resources: The model can be adapted for digital platforms, providing resources and support for individuals seeking guidance.

Conclusion

The Resilience through Quranic Wisdom (RQW) Model serves as a comprehensive framework for managing stress, anxiety, and depression through the teachings of the Quran and the lives of the prophets. Allah will test a man with the things that are dearest to him. His wealth, health and children. We must remember that Allah has given us all of that and to him it belongs. He can take it away whenever he wants. Do not despair and lose hope in Allah. Indeed everything he takes away from us will bring us closer to Jannah if we accept his decree, are patient & thankful. Our sincerity and worship of Allah should not be dependent upon His blessings on us.

وَٱشۡكُرُواْ لِلَّهِ إِن ڪُنتُمۡ إِيَّاهُ تَعۡبُدُونَ

… and be grateful to Allah, if it is Him you worship.” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:172)

By emphasizing resilience, patience, gratefulness, community support, and mindfulness, this model offers a holistic path towards emotional well-being, empowering individuals to navigate life’s challenges with faith and strength. This theoretical framework is structured to present the RQW Model in a clear and academic manner, suitable for discussions in psychological and spiritual contexts.