Auto-translated

Are we truly living with free will? Salaam, I need some guidance

As-salamu alaykum. Please, if you’re in a fragile mental place or very young, maybe don’t read on. I’m struggling and just writing this out. Two years ago someone hurt me deeply and it opened up a lot of issues - I ended up in therapy and haven’t been able to let go of things since. My psychiatrist said we don’t fully control our thoughts, only our actions, and that emotions aren’t directly under our control either. But thoughts and feelings drive what we do. What happens if a feeling gets so strong that we have to act just to stop it? Sometimes it makes me wonder if we’re just a bundle of chemicals. If that’s true, could future medicines keep people happy all the time without side effects? And then how does the Day of Judgment fit in? I know Allah’s wisdom is greater than my limited understanding, but if our behaviour is determined by how we’re made, does that mean people like narcissists or psychopaths are simply born that way and not fully blameworthy? Why do I have depression - is it even real, or is therapy a scam? I worry therapy could become an excuse for people not to take responsibility for their actions. What is conscience? If I weren’t Muslim, would anything be objectively wrong? I’m sorry, I’m losing touch with reality and with myself and wondering if this can be fixed. I don’t know how much longer I can keep going. Please make dua for me and any advice or comforting words from an Islamic perspective would really help.

+246

Comments

Share your perspective with the community.

Auto-translated

I get this so much. Depression made me question everything, even my beliefs. Therapy wasn’t a scam for me - it taught tools to cope, while faith kept me grounded. Both can work together. Take it slow, small steps. I’ll dua for ease and shifa for your heart.

+14
Auto-translated

This hit home. Feeling determined by chemicals is scary, but that doesn’t mean we lose moral responsibility - Allah knows our struggles and judges with perfect justice. Don’t blame yourself for needing help. Reach out to a trusted sister or imam and keep making dua.

+11
Auto-translated

As-salamu alaykum, sister. I’m so sorry you’re carrying this - therapy helped me when I felt the same. Feeling like you’re not fully in control is normal with depression, it doesn’t mean you’re weak or excuses your actions. You’re still accountable and also deserving of mercy. I’ll make dua for you tonight.

+16
Auto-translated

Salaam sister, I’ve been there. The questions are heavy but they don’t make you less Muslim. Psych issues can be biological and still require personal effort and accountability. Therapy helped me understand triggers so I could choose different actions. Praying for your strength and healing.

+5
Auto-translated

Sending hugs, sis. I’ve thought about free will a lot too - Islam teaches we’re tested, even if biology plays a role. That doesn’t erase accountability or Allah’s compassion. Please keep seeing your doc and lean on your community. You’re not alone, and I’m praying for you.

+6

Add a new comment

Log in to leave a comment