Salam.lifeSalam.life
BestNewFollowingCharity
BestNewFollowingCharity
© 2026 Salam.life
3 months ago

Struggling with Ibadah because of mental illness - need reassurance

Assalamu Alaikum, I hope someone here can help me understand or give me some hope. My deen has always mattered a lot to me. I used to pray all five daily prayers, wake for Tahajjud sometimes, do Istikhara when I needed it, read Qur’an regularly and keep up with istighfar. I’m not perfect, but these were my routines for years. The issue is I’ve had mental health problems since about age 10. Childhood stuff carried on into adulthood and then some adult trauma made things worse. Right now I’m in a really bad place with depression and anxiety - I’m crying a lot, shaking, feeling dissociated and overwhelmed most days. I end up vomiting or retching from the anxiety and I know there’s no physical cause. It’s all mental. When it gets like this, I can’t hold on to my faith the way I used to. Not because I don’t want Allah, but because the depression and panic take over my mind and body. I can only pray when I’m emotionally stable. When I’m in that pain I can’t make myself pray no matter how hard I try. I know others find solace in prayer during hard times, but for me it becomes almost impossible. While this is happening I panic about the akhira. I’m terrified I’m sinning and that I’ll be punished for missing prayers. I don’t want to displease Allah, I really don’t. I’m just so overwhelmed and mentally unwell. My question: Does Islam recognise mental illness like depression, trauma and severe anxiety as a real medical struggle or disability? If someone is so unwell that they can’t pray, is that considered a valid excuse the way physical sickness is? Will Allah forgive me? I need reassurance that this isn’t just laziness or disrespect, and that Allah is merciful and knows when a person is genuinely struggling. I don’t mean to be this way. Sometimes I lose my way and can’t find my way back to Allah. This time it’s been three months and I’m ashamed to admit it. I’m forcing myself daily but failing. I’m not trying to make excuses for skipping prayers; I’m genuinely scared of the consequences and want to understand my situation better. Any personal experiences, advice or Islamic guidance would mean a lot. JazakAllah khair.

+290

Comments

Share your perspective with the community.

9comments
3 months ago

This hits home. I missed prayers during a bad depression episode and feared judgement constantly. A therapist and small steps helped-first just sitting quietly and then short du'as. It doesn’t make you less faithful. Allah sees your struggle.

+10
3 months ago

I’m a bit older and struggled with anxiety after loss. A doctor said your brain can get hijacked by panic - it’s medical. That doesn’t equal disbelief. Allah judges intention and capacity. Take it day by day, and please get support.

+13
3 months ago

Sending du'as. I cry through du'a and sometimes can’t pray, but scholars say inability due to illness is excused. Please try counselling and meds if needed. You’re not lazy, you’re human. Allah’s mercy is huge.

+12
3 months ago

Praying when you can and asking forgiveness when you can’t is fine. Scholars say if illness prevents worship, you’re excused. Try short duas, breathing exercises, and professional help. You deserve kindness, especially from yourself.

+12
3 months ago

You’re brave for posting. Mental health is real and Islam recognizes hardship. When I couldn’t pray, zikr and listening to Qur’an helped me feel close to Allah. Small consistent acts matter more than perfect rituals right now.

+19
3 months ago

I relate so much. Trauma made me dissociate in prayer; I felt guilty for years. A local scholar explained compassion in fiqh for incapacity. That helped me stop beating myself up. Keep reaching out, sis.

+13
3 months ago

This made me tear up. You aren’t a burden or lazy. I had OCD about prayer and it ruined my focus; therapy and faith-based counselling helped me reframe things. Allah's mercy is greater than our faults.

+13
3 months ago

As someone with panic disorder, I used to fear punishment nonstop. A helpful imam reminded me Allah is aware of our capacity. Keep seeking treatment and be gentle-hearing your heart want to come back to Allah means you’re not abandoned.

+15
3 months ago

Wa alaikum assalam, love. I’ve been there - panic used to stop me from praying too. A good imam told me Allah knows what’s in our hearts. Mental illness is real and Allah is merciful. Get medical help if you can, and be gentle with yourself. You're trying, and that counts.

+11
By platform rules, comments are available only to users with the same gender as the post author.

Log in to leave a comment

Best posts

22h ago

Seeking ideas to support my husband during Ramadan (as a non-Muslim spouse)

+198
23h ago

My First Ramadan as Someone New to Islam

+204
🌙

Welcome to the Salam.life!

🌐

AI translation of posts and comments into 30+ languages

👥

Separate feeds for Brothers and Sisters plus haram filter

💚

Charity projects from trusted Islamic foundations

23h ago

A question about Islam from someone exploring faith

+199
9h ago

Ramadan and my mental energy

+57
1d ago

Seeking ideas to support my husband during Ramadan (as a non-Muslim spouse)

+244
1d ago

New Muslim Here: Feeling Lonely During Ramadan

+219
23h ago

My First Ramadan Experience

+174
22h ago

Hamas condemns Israeli strike on Lebanon refugee camp

Hamas condemns Israeli strike on Lebanon refugee camp
+144
1d ago

Iftar for the families of the defenders of the Fatherland in Dagestan

Iftar for the families of the defenders of the Fatherland in Dagestan
+366
1d ago

Is it okay to change at the mosque?

+189
1d ago

UAE and Bahrain send 100 tonnes of aid to Gaza for Ramadan relief

UAE and Bahrain send 100 tonnes of aid to Gaza for Ramadan relief
+141
2d ago

My First Ramadan Experience

+356
1d ago

New Muslim Here: Feeling Lonely During Ramadan

+197
1d ago

UAE Minister Stresses Need for Dignified Solution in Gaza Despite Progress

UAE Minister Stresses Need for Dignified Solution in Gaza Despite Progress
+282
1d ago

UN Report Details Shocking Abuse in Global Scam Trafficking

UN Report Details Shocking Abuse in Global Scam Trafficking
+218
1d ago

Was the one you prayed to marry the one you ended up with?

+290
1d ago

When Ramadan Gets Too Heavy: My Struggle with Anxiety and Depression

+284
1d ago

My First Ramadan Experience

+168
2d ago

UAE Humanitarian Aid for Gaza During Ramadan

UAE Humanitarian Aid for Gaza During Ramadan
+299
20h ago

Tensions Rise: US Considers Strikes as Iran Denies Zero-Enrichment Demand

Tensions Rise: US Considers Strikes as Iran Denies Zero-Enrichment Demand
+82
🌙

Welcome to the Salam.life!

🌐

AI translation of posts and comments into 30+ languages

👥

Separate feeds for Brothers and Sisters plus haram filter

💚

Charity projects from trusted Islamic foundations