Why am I sad again?
The solution to feeling overwhelmed in life.
We all aspire to be energetic, productive, and beneficial to others. However, we sometimes feel restless and sad due to life events or unmet goals. We may find temporary relief, but these feelings often return, leaving us confined by our thoughts and lacking the energy to act.
I went through a period of prolonged stress, feeling too drained to take action or believing it wouldn't help. Clients often tell me they felt good last week but are now overwhelmed again. They ask, "How do I escape these thoughts and feelings?" If you've experienced this, consider where your focus is. Your energy follows focus.
Where is my focus?
When you are overwhelmed, ask yourself this; Where is my focus now? Am I focusing on the problem? Or am I focusing on the solution?
You might be worrying about a past, present, or future situation. You haven't got that job yet, you're still searching for the perfect partner, or you're anxious about an upcoming exam. You may have lost someone close to you or fear failure in your forthcoming endeavors.
In all of these, the focus is entirely on the problem itself !
You can still apply for that job, seek help, seek a partner, study for the exam, accept loss, and plan for your future.
When you do this, the focus has been shifted to action!
What should we do as a Muslim?
We all agree that these are difficult times. We get confused about what to do. As a believer, let's ask what our beloved prophet Muhammed (ﷺ) would do in these situations, and what would please Allah SWT.
Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Even if the Resurrection were established upon one of you while he has in his hand a sapling, let him plant it.”
Source: Musnad Aḥmad 12902
When the world is collapsing, plant a sapling. Imagine yourself doing that—brave, focused, outstanding. Our faith teaches us to focus on our actions within our capacity rather than our problems. Subhanallah.
How can you achieve this?
This one hadith gives us the following practical tips, to stay strong, and stable in our situations, that would collapse us otherwise. Let's check a few of them, and think about how would you apply them to your situation.
1. Transient nature of this world
This world is temporary. Despite their belief, everyone is aware that they will leave this world soon. No one knows when is their last moment! Subhanallah. Do you feel how transient, and short is this life?
...as compared with the life of the hereafter, the life of this world is nothing but a brief passing enjoyment
(Surah Ar-ra’d, verse 26)
But at the same time, each moment in this life is an opportunity. Whatever falls on us, try to own that moment with what Allah has given to us. Even if it is a sapling when the world is collapsing.
...Seek the reward of the Hereafter by means of what Allah has granted you, without forgetting your share of this world.
(Surah Al-Qasas, verse 77)
2. Focus on action (s) at that moment
When these feelings or thoughts become overwhelming, write them down. Also, write down one thing that you can do now. This does not have to be the main task. When facing challenges, focus on small, manageable actions, such as starting a minor task without worrying too much about the subsequent steps.
Therefore, restart your applications, call that one person, talk to the one who can help you, make a dua, open your book to study, and say all of us return to Allah in a loss.....
Plant your Sapling!
3. Renew intentions
Why would anyone plant a sapling, when the world is collapsing? Because he/she is aware of their responsibility to take the action. Our actions are rewarded by intentions. Therefore, upgrade your actions to please Allah SWT alone.
Apply for that job by seeking the abundant provision from Allah SWT, reach out to someone to resolve a conflict to please Allah SWT, and study for exams to become a better abd of Allah SWT.
Plant your sapling for Allah SWT alone.
4. High hope with Allah SWT.
“Whoever is focused only on this world, Allah will confound his affairs and make him fear poverty constantly, and he will not get anything of this world except that which has been decreed for him. Whoever is focused on the Hereafter, Allah will settle his affairs for him and make him feel content with his losses, and his provision and worldly gains will undoubtedly come to him.”
- Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Sunan Ibn Majah)
Planting your sapling for Allah keeps you focused on the hereafter and proactive in this life. You stay content with what you have or lose, trusting that Allah will provide for you in the best way. Allah is all-knowing.
And it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know.” (AI-Baqarah, 2:216)
Dear brothers and sisters, figure out the sapling in your hand, and focus on planting it for the sake of Allah alone. Allah will take care of you every moment of your life.
I kindly request your duás for me, my family, and the work I intend to do at TaQwa Minds.
Sincere Duáas
Haneef
Great news. Alhamdulillah!
On 24th January 2025, I became a certified productivity trainer from The Productive Muslim Company. This journey was challenging as I struggled to find a job and faced personal hardships, including the loss of our expected child. Despite these trials, I remained dedicated to planting my saplings and relied fully on Allah SWT in my outcome. This certification was more than a course; it was a transformative experience, and I lived through it. It trained me to focus on my efforts for Allah SWT alone.
Another exciting news for you! I’ve opened one slot in my one-on-one 7-week coaching program for the months of Sha'ban and Ramadan. If you’re seeking support to transform your life into one that is faith-driven, filled with barakah, and more balanced, book a free strategy call with me now!
The coaching program is completely risk-free, with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you find it unhelpful, you will receive a full refund, no questions asked.