Prayers to read when feel anxiety and stress
Here are some supplications to read when under stress and experiencing anxiety. They are a means of dispelling fear, of seeking forgiveness of God, seeking His aid, protection and guidance. They are the words of the Messenger of God and thus anyone who sincerely reads them during times of great need God will always answer the plea of the seeker.
1. Ibn ‘Abbas reported, “The Prophet at times of sorrow and grief used to supplicate, ‘La ilaha illa Allah Al-’Azim, Al-’Alim, la ilaha illa Allah, Rabbul ‘arshil ‘Azim, la ilaha illa Allahu, Rabbus-Samawati wa rabbul ardi wa rabbul ‘arshil karim’ (There is no god but Allah, the Mighty, the Forbearing, there is no god but Allah, the Lord of the mighty throne, there is no god but Allah, the Lord of the heavens and the earth, and the Lord of the throne of honor).” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
2. Anas said that when the Prophet was faced with a serious difficulty, he would always supplicate, “Ya Hayyu, ya Qayyumu, bi-rahmatika astaghithu” (O the Living, O the Eternal, I seek help in Your grace). (Narrated by At-Tirmidhi).
3. Abu Hurairah reported that whenever the Prophet was faced with a serious difficulty, he would raise his head to the sky and supplicate, “Subhan-Allah al- ’Azim” (glory be to Allah, the Mighty).” And when he implored seriously and strongly, he would say, “Ya Hayyu, Ya Qayyum” (O the Living, the Eternal One).” (Narrated by At-Tirmidhi).
4. Abu Bakr t reported that the Prophet said, “The supplications of distress are, ‘Allahumma rahmataka arju, fala takilni ila nafsi tarfata ‘ain, wa aslah li sha’ni kullahu, la ilaha illa anta’ (O Allah, I hope for Your mercy, so give me not over to myself even for as little as wink of an eye and set right all my affairs. There is no god but You).” (Narrated by Abu Dawood).
5. Asma , daughter of ‘Amais, reported that the Prophet asked her, “Shall I tell you words that you may say in times of pain or distress. These are, ‘Allah, Allah, Rabbi la ushriku bihi shai’an’ (Allah, Allah, my Lord, I associate none with Him).”Another narration says that these words should be said seven times. (Narrated by Abu Dawood).
6. Sa’d ibn Waqas reported that the Prophet said, “The supplication made by the Companion of the Fish (Prophet Yunus) in the belly of the fish was, ‘La ilaha illa anta, subhanaka, inni kuntu mina dhdhalimin’ (there is no god but You, You are far exalted and above all weaknesses and I was indeed the wrongdoer)’. If any Muslim supplicates in these words, his supplication will be accepted.”
In another report we read, “I know words that will cause Allah to remove one’s distress. These are the words (of supplication) of my brother Yunus, peace be upon him.” (Narrated by At-Tirmidhi).
