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.
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