When You Feel Like You're Drowning - Jummah Reminder, Salaam

Brothers and sisters, Salaam. Let's be honest. Sometimes Jummah comes and you feel totally empty. That “blessed day” can almost feel like teasing. You watch others seeming fine while your mind won’t stop, your heart is either racing or numb, and there’s this heavy weight like you’re failing at everything - life, deen, just being human. That little “loser” voice? I hear it too. When you’re in that dark place, long surahs or perfect Arabic might be out of reach. So here are two simple duas for rock-bottom moments. Say them in your own language, whisper them in the car, or cry into your pillow - whatever helps. 1) For the crushing weight, the panic that makes it hard to breathe: The Prophet ﷺ taught us this one for when grief (huzn) and worry (hamm) feel physical. اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-hammi wal-hazan. "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and grief." Just say it. Cry out inside: “Ya Allah, protect me from this.” Be specific if you want: “Protect me from the anxiety about my future. Protect me from the grief of what I lost.” He knows. 2) For the worthlessness, the “I’m broken, I’m failing” feeling: When you feel like you’re not even a good Muslim and nothing can fix you: يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّومُ بِرَحْمَتِكَ أَسْتَغِيثُ Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum, bi-rahmatika astagheeth. "O Ever-Living, O Sustainer, by Your mercy I ask for help." You’re calling to the Source of life, saying you can’t carry on alone. Then add your own words: “Do not leave me to myself even for a moment. Heal what’s broken in me. I can’t fix myself.” Don’t wait for the “perfect” time or place. The best time is when you’re shattered. The best place is wherever you are falling apart. Jummah is a time when Allah responds. Maybe He answers in that split second of sujood when you whisper, “Please.” That’s a dua - it counts. You are not your thoughts or your worst day. You are a servant saying "My Lord, I am drowning," and He is Al-Mujeeb, The One Who Responds. Hold on. Just until Maghrib. Ask, then try to let go. Jummah Mubarak. You are not alone.