Is Having a Therapist Better Than Having Tawakkul? - Light Upon Light - Episode 16

In today's fast-paced world, Muslims across the globe are grappling with rising levels of anxiety, stress, emotional trauma, and depression. With the stigma around mental health slowly breaking down in our communities, many are asking an important, and often confusing question:

Is seeking therapy a sign of weak imaan (faith)?
Is having a therapist better than having tawakkul (trust in Allah)?

In Episode 16 of Light Upon Light, the official podcast by IslamiCity, we dive deep into this vital conversation-where faith meets emotional wellbeing.

Understanding the Struggle: Faith vs Feelings

Muslims are often told to "just make dua" or "have more sabr" when they open up about their emotional pain. While dua and patience are powerful tools of our deen, dismissing therapy or professional help can do more harm than good. This episode addresses:

• Why Muslims feel guilty for going to therapy
• How Islamic teachings support seeking help
• The real meaning of tawakkul in the Quran and Hadith
• Whether therapy can coexist with trust in Allah

What Is Tawakkul, Really?

Tawakkul is not passive. It is not sitting back and waiting for problems to solve themselves. In fact, Islam teaches us to take the means available to us and then put our trust in Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"Tie your camel and then trust in Allah." - Tirmidhi

This simple hadith teaches a profound lesson: taking action is part of tawakkul. Just as we take medicine when we are physically ill, we are encouraged to seek therapy or emotional support when our hearts and minds are struggling.

Can You Have Both? Therapy and Tawakkul?

Yes. Absolutely.

This episode explains how therapy can be a form of Allah's mercy-a means He sends to guide you through healing. But it also emphasizes that therapists cannot replace divine reliance. True peace comes from Allah, and therapy is a tool to help you process what stands in the way of that peace.

"And whoever relies upon Allah - He is sufficient for him."
- Qur'an, Surah At-Talaq (65:3)

Emotional Honesty in the Lives of the Prophets

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) experienced deep emotional moments: crying over lost loved ones, grieving deeply, and seeking support from companions. Prophet Ya'qub (peace be upon him) said:

"I only complain of my suffering and grief to Allah..." - Qur'an, Surah Yusuf (12:86)

These examples show us that expressing pain and seeking support is not a weakness-it's a form of spiritual honesty. Islam does not glorify bottling up emotions. It teaches us to seek Allah through our struggles, not in spite of them.

Why This Matters Today

Mental health issues in the Muslim world are real. From childhood trauma to marital problems, from burnout to feelings of religious guilt-Muslims of all ages are quietly suffering.

This episode shines light on these unspoken struggles, offering faith-based clarity to questions like:

• Can Muslims go to non-Muslim therapists?
• Does seeking help show a lack of faith?
• How can we balance emotional self-care with spiritual growth?

Final Thoughts: The Healing Journey

Therapy and tawakkul are not opposites. In fact, they complement each other beautifully.

• A therapist can help you untangle your thoughts.
• Tawakkul helps you trust the journey, no matter how long it takes.

When we seek help with reliance on Allah, we walk a path of healing, faith, and growth-hand in hand with divine wisdom and practical action.

Listen to the Full Episode

Episode 16 - Is Having a Therapist Better Than Having Tawakkul?
Now streaming on Light Upon Light, the official podcast by IslamiCity.
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This is just Episode 16-many more to come, inshaAllah.