PTSD and Faith
I am 37 years old, male dealing with PTSD, my story and my trials are closely related to religion.
Response from your friends at Stones to Bridges:
Assalamualaikum brother
I can understand that PTSD is a difficult journey, but in Islam, every moment of patience is rewarded, and every struggle is known by Allah. That sounds like a deeply personal and complex journey. PTSD, especially when intertwined with faith and personal beliefs, can bring both struggles and sources of strength.
PTSD and other hardships are seen as tests from Allah (SWT), meant to purify, strengthen, and elevate a believer’s status. Islam acknowledges human struggles and guides how to cope with emotional and psychological pain through faith, patience (sabr), prayer (salah), and reliance on Allah (tawakkul).
Trials, including PTSD, are not punishments but a means of growth and purification. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also experienced deep emotional distress after the loss of his loved ones and the hardships he endured in spreading Islam.
Establishing strong communication with Allah through prayer and heartfelt supplication, seeking Forgiveness (Istighfar): Sins can weigh heavily on the heart, but Allah’s mercy is greater. Repenting and seeking forgiveness brings inner peace, repeating phrases like SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu Akbar bring tranquility.
Allah says: “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.”
(Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:28)
Islam encourages seeking both spiritual and practical solutions. Seeking therapy and counseling is not a lack of faith but a way to take care of oneself. Build a support system with those who uplift you spiritually and emotionally. No matter how heavy the burden, Allah promises relief: “For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.”
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself experienced deep emotional pain and trauma:The loss of his mother, father, wife (Khadijah), and uncle (Abu Talib).The Year of Sorrow ,when he lost multiple loved ones in a short period.The emotional and physical suffering in Ta’if, where he was rejected and stoned until he bled.The challenges of war and witnessing the suffering of his companions.Yet, remained patient and turned to Allah for strength. If even the Prophet (PBUH) felt emotional pain and turned to Allah for relief, it shows that feeling sadness, anxiety, or PTSD does not mean a lack of faith. Instead, it is an opportunity to deepen your connection with Allah.No matter how difficult PTSD may feel, Allah’s mercy is greater. Never lose hope in His love and support.
Make a habit of praying on time and adding extra voluntary prayers .After Salah, make heartfelt dua, expressing your pain and asking for healing. The Prophet (PBUH) said:”There is no supplication that a Muslim makes, except that Allah grants it, or He averts some harm from him, or He stores it for him in the Hereafter.”Recommended dua:
“Allahumma inni a’udhu bika minal-hammi wal-hazan, wal-‘ajzi wal-kasal, wal-jubni wal-bukhli, wa dhala’id-dayni wa ghalabatir-rijal.”
(O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and grief, from incapacity and laziness, from cowardice and miserliness, from the burden of debt and from being overpowered by others.)
Engage in deep breathing while saying La ilaha illa Allah—inhale deeply, hold for a few seconds, and slowly exhale.
Grounding Techniques (To Reduce Anxiety & Flashbacks)Grounding helps bring your mind back to the present moment. Try:
5-4-3-2-1 Method: Name:
5 things you can see
4 things you can touch
3 things you can hear
2 things you can smell
1 thing you can taste
Hold a cold object (like ice) or press your feet firmly on the ground to feel stability.
Write down your thoughts in a journal, or record voice notes expressing how you feel.Instead of suppressing emotions, label them: “I am feeling anxious because….”Reflect on Allah’s blessings by writing 3 things you are grateful for each day.Engage in regular exercise: walking, stretching, or simple workouts.
Maintain a good sleep schedule—lack of rest can worsen PTSD symptoms.
If certain situations, sounds, or places trigger PTSD, try gradual exposure:Start with small, manageable steps. If social settings trigger anxiety, begin by being around one or two trusted people before attending bigger .Engage in acts of kindness—helping others can bring healing.
Healing takes time, and it’s okay to have ups and downs. The key is to be patient (sabr), seek Allah’s help, and take small steps daily toward recovery.
PTSD is a challenge, but in Islam, it is also an opportunity for growth, purification, and a means of drawing closer to Allah. Your struggles are known to Allah, and He has not abandoned you. If you hold onto Him, He will guide you through the darkness into light….
In Shaa Allah
Warm regards,
Your Sister in Islam
Salaam dear brother,
I am sorry to hear that you’re struggling with PTSD. It is an extremely challenging condition to be in. You may find yourself engaged in a mundane task and all of a sudden something reminds you of that traumatic event and you find yourself transported back to that moment in time. This condition can make it difficult for you to live in the present, enjoying the company of your loved ones. I am not quite sure of the connection between your experience with religion which may have led to the development of PTSD, but I understand it can be exceedingly hard to open up and you may not be ready to share your full story. It was incredibly brave of you to reach out to Stones to Bridges, and I hope it will serve as a great first step in your path to healing. I hope and pray that you can find the strength to reach out to those whom you can trust to help you along your healing journey when you feel ready to do so.
All the best,
Your Sister in Faith
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