Verily With Every Difficulty Comes Relief
Depression, anxiety, and stress are prevalent in society. The cause of divorces, fights, and problems amongst the believers. What are the answers? Where are the solutions? As believer's we know that we will all be tested. For some of us, depression, and coping with it and all of the manifestations is our test. We must return to the Qur'an and sunnah as practiced by our pious predecessors. We must strive to follow the solutions outlined by our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
But what about mental illness, what do you do when you've supplicated to Allah, and you're still depressed? First, we must keep in mind the verse from the Qur'an in Surah Ankabut 29 verse 2 and 3, "Do people think once they say, "We believe," that they will be left without being put to the test? We certainly tested those before them. And ˹in this way˺ Allah will clearly distinguish between those who are truthful and those who are liars."
This life is a test, and some people will be tested with mental illness. May Allah have mercy on us all and not put a burden on us greater than we can bear.
Allah also promised us a reward for remaining patient and not despairing. That reward is Paradise and, in the end, it will be worth any struggles that we undergo in this life. This does not mean we just grin and bear it. Allah does answer the dua of the believer if they are patient. So, we must be patient, and also we must do whatever we can to rectify our problems. If that means reading up on coping strategies, talking to a Muslim counsellor or psychologist, then that may be what we need to do. We must trust in Allah and not despair of Allah's Mercy. Allah has created a cure for every disease except death and old age.
We at Al Yusra are here to help you find the relief you need. We are researching the latest trends and remedies around mental illness and including it in our website. If you know of a resource that can help others, please send it to me and if it is appropriate I will add it here for others to utilize.
The founder of Al Yusra is Halimah Jordan, a Muslim revert who is striving to follow the Qur'an and sunnah. She is originally from Temple Hills, Maryland, but currently resides in Georgia. She is a certified elementary school teacher who works in a public school in Georgia.
She is also the author of four books including: Let Them and Let Allah published in April 2025, The Possession of Izzan, written by Dr. Bilal Philips and Halimah Jordan and published by Dakwah Corner Bookstore in January 2008; Getting Out of Dodge -Modern Day Hijrah Stories E-Book published in 2000; and The Eemaan Reading Series Level 5 Book 2 - Home Adventures - If Animals Could Talk and The Case of the Missing Peanuts, published in 2001 by Dar Al Fatah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Email: halimah@alyusra.com
Have we not opened your breast for you?
And removed from you your burden.
Which weighed down your back?
And have We not raised high your fame?
Verily, along with every hardship is relief (yusra).
Verily, along with every hardship is relief (yusra).
So When you have finished devote yourself for Allah's worship.
And to your Lord (Alone) turn (all your) intentions and hopes.
Al Yusra
9582 Tara Boulevard
Jonesboro, GA 30236
Email: halimah@alyusra.com
At Al Yusra, our mission is to provide comprehensive mental health resources that integrate Islamic teachings with modern therapeutic approaches. We aim to support Muslims struggling with mental health challenges by offering guidance that respects both their faith and their psychological needs.
We envision a Muslim community where mental health is openly discussed, properly understood, and effectively addressed through a combination of spiritual practices and evidence-based approaches. We strive to reduce stigma around mental health issues and promote holistic healing that encompasses mind, body, and soul.