Feeling lonely can be a challenging experience, and Islam guides how to cope with such emotions:
#1
Allāhumma innī aʿūdhu bika min-l-hammi wa-l-ḥazan, wa aʿūdhu bika min-l-ʿajzi wa-l-kasal, wa aʿūdhu bika min-l-jubni wa-l-bukhl, wa aʿūdhu bika min ghalabati-d-dayni wa qahri-r-rijāl.
O Allah, I seek Your protection from anxiety and grief. I seek Your protection from inability and laziness. I seek Your protection from cowardice and miserliness, and I seek Your protection from being overcome by debt and being overpowered by men.
Abū Saʿīd al-Khudrī (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu) narrated that one day, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ entered the masjid. He saw a man from the Anṣār called Abū Umāmah (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu). He ﷺ asked, “What is the matter? Why are you sitting in the mosque when it is not the time for prayer?” He replied, “Never-ending worries and debts, O Messenger of Allah.” The Messenger of Allah ﷺ then asked, “Shall I not teach you words by which, when you say them, Allah will remove your worries, and settle your debts?” He replied, “Yes, of course, O Messenger of Allah.” He ﷺ said, “Say in the morning and evening [the above].” Abū Umāmah (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “Then I did that, and Allah removed my worries and settled my debts.” (Abū Dāwūd 1555)
#2
Ḥasbiya-Allāhu lā ilāha illā Huwa, ʿalayhi tawakkaltu, wa Huwa Rabbu-l-ʿArshi-l-ʿaẓīm.
Allah is sufficient for me. There is no god worthy of worship except Him. I have placed my trust in Him only and He is the Lord of the Magnificent Throne.
Abū al-Dardā’ (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu) reported from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ that he said: “Whoever recites [the above] seven times in the morning and in the evening, Allah will suffice him in everything that concerns him in matters of this world and the next.” (Ibn al-Sunnī 71)
#3
Allahumma Rahmataka Arjuu. Falaa takilnee ilaa nafsee Tarfata ‘Ayn. Wa AsliH lee Sha’nee kullahu, laa ilaah illa ant.
O Allah, it is Your mercy that I hope for, so do not leave me in charge of my affairs even for a blink of an eye, and rectify for me all of my affairs. None has the right to be worshiped except You.
- Turn to Allah in Prayer: Establish a connection with Allah through prayer. Pour out your feelings, fears, and loneliness in sincere supplication. Allah is always near and attentive to the prayers of those who seek Him.
- Engage in Dhikr (Remembrance): Remember Allah through frequent remembrance (dhikr). Recite phrases such as “SubhanAllah” (Glory be to Allah), “Alhamdulillah” (All praise is due to Allah), and “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest) to bring peace to your heart.
- Recite Quranic Verses: Find solace in the recitation of Quranic verses. Verses that emphasize Allah’s mercy, love, and companionship can provide comfort during times of loneliness.
- Seek Social Connection: Islam encourages strong social bonds. Reach out to friends, family, or members of the community for companionship and support. Building meaningful relationships is part of the Islamic way of life.
- Volunteer and Help Others: Engage in acts of kindness and volunteer work. Helping others not only benefits the community but also brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment, reducing feelings of loneliness.
- Reflect on Prophet Muhammad’s Example: Consider the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who faced challenges and loneliness during various periods of his life. Reflect on how he sought solace in prayer, trust in Allah, and connection with his companions.
- Connect with Islamic Activities: Attend local Islamic events, classes, or gatherings to meet like-minded individuals. Involvement in positive activities within the Muslim community can alleviate loneliness.
- Practice Self-Reflection: Use moments of loneliness for self-reflection and personal growth. Identify areas of improvement, set spiritual goals, and work towards becoming a better person.
- Consult with Scholars or Mentors: Seek guidance from knowledgeable scholars or mentors who can provide spiritual advice and support during difficult times.
- Trust Allah’s Plan: Understand that loneliness is a temporary state, and Allah’s plan is vast and all-encompassing. Trust in His wisdom and have faith that He is the Best of Planners.
Remember that seeking professional help, if needed, is also by Islam. Loneliness is a universal human experience, and Islam provides both spiritual and practical solutions to navigate through such challenging emotions.
