Bismillah ir Rahman ir Raheem

Do Your Best, Allah Will Do the Rest
By Shiam El-Bassiouni
Staff Writer - IslamOnline.net

"I'm so anxious about my exams; I'm afraid I won't get married; I'm
feeling bad that I can't find a suitable person to marry; I spend
the night thinking about the future." These are some of the voices
of various youth who are continually anxious and stressed.

People who feel anxious often manifest several symptoms, such as
headache, sleeping problems, concentration problems, muscle tension,
nervousness, heart palpitations, tremor, sweating problems, and
distress.

Because of the fast rhythm of life in today's world, which is full
of challenges, problems, and stress, anxiety has started to be a
common and widespread feeling, especially among the youth.

Sources of Anxiety

Actually, anxiety occurs as a result of social, academic, and life
stresses. Some youth face social stress and anxiety because of
issues like marriage. They feel they may not be able to find a
suitable person to marry. Others get worried about whether they will
be able to fulfill the financial responsibilities of marriage and
other general duties. Even married couples might also face several
obstacles in their life, which makes them feel anxious.

Another source of anxiety among the youth is the stress that often
comes about because of the fear of failure in choosing the right
career or because of high expectations and ambitions.

Even school and university students get anxious particularly during
the period of exams. Submitting projects, research papers, and
completed assignments and meeting deadlines are also sources of
anxiety among students. In many cases, students fear to be blamed if
they fail to meet the high expectations of their families.

Traveling abroad and dealing with new people of different
nationalities, cultures, traditions, and beliefs might also act as a
source of anxiety.

All the previous causes are only some of the main reasons behind
anxiety among the youth. However, they can all be summarized
as "fear of the future."

Previous Experience

Anxiety can be dangerous if it starts to be part of a person's
lifestyle. This can be the case if you are continually anxious -
with or without reason - and if simple things arouse your anxiety.
In order to overcome this problem, you first have to think of the
negative physical, psychological, and social consequences that might
happen as a result of your continual anxiety.

Although anxiety is a problem for many people, it can still be
solved. Engy Mohasseb, a 25- year-old Egyptian teacher,
said, "Reciting the Qur'an is the best way to get rid of any feeling
of anxiety." She added,

Taking a break and relaxing by traveling to any quiet place or going
out with friends can also get me away from any stress or worry.

Asking people who have previous experience with the same problem can
be beneficial and can assist me in overcoming any anxious feeling.

Supporting Mohasseb's ideas, Mohamed Nabil, a 29-year-old engineer,
believes that speaking with pious friends about your problems can
help in solving any problem and can treat any anxious feeling.

Farouk Yunus, a 29-year-old who works in the telecommunications
business in the UK, mentioned that time management is very
significant in decreasing stress. In addition, being more focused on
your life and knowing how to manage it are important solutions that
can help rid oneself of anxiety.

Dependence on Almighty Allah

Anyone can experience these anxious feelings, but the important
thing is to comprehend the reason behind the anxiety, which mainly
arouses from a feeling of fear toward the future. Knowing the future
is the choice of Almighty Allah for us, and we have to trust Allah's
choice. We have to be sure that Almighty Allah decides the
livelihood and blessings for every one of us.

Our role is to exert our utmost effort in our studies, work, and
issues at hand and to leave the future to Almighty Allah. Regularly
praising and remembering Almighty Allah and reciting His Book are
the main key to tranquility of the heart and confidence, which in
turn treat any feeling of anxiety. It is not a matter of a specific
medication; you are the one who can treat yourself through your
sound faith and trust in the will and choice of Almighty Allah.

And always remember to do your best and Allah will do the rest.
Sources

"Generalized Anxiety Disorder". Medicinenet.com. Jan.1st2007.
AccessedNov.12th 2007
________________________________________
Shiam EL-Bassiouni is a staff writer and assistant editor at youth
for the future. A graduate of the American University in Cairo, she
holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication, and
can be contacted at [email protected]