Why do we have to live in constant fear and anxiety? And the Prophet responded.

Anxiety, depression, bullying, harassment, fear of failure, lack of self-confidence, apprehension of being rejected, peer pressure, and the uncertainty of meeting the challenges are some of the issues each generation faces in any phase of its life. "And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient". This verse emphasizes that these trials are a test from Allah to strengthen faith and elevate the ranks of those who endure with patience (sabr). (The Quran 2:155)

Simultaneously, the Quran also acknowledged the pain such challenges cause to people. "And we certainly know that your heart is truly distressed by what they say" (The Quran: 15:97). 

By addressing the Prophet, the Quran assures humankind: "but extol thou thy Sustainer's limitless glory and praise Him, and be of those who prostrate themselves [before Him] in adoration, and worship thy Sustainer till death comes to thee. (The Quran 15:98-99)

 and do not lose hope of God's life-giving mercy:  verily, none but people who deny the truth can ever lose hope of God's life-giving mercy. (23:87)

Yet, [withal,] thy Sustainer is the Truly-Forgiving One, limitless in His grace. Were He to take them [at once] to task for whatever [wrong] they commit, He would indeed bring about their speedy punishment [then and there]:  but nay, they have a time-limit beyond which they shall find no redemption. (18:58)

The life of the Prophet is a living testimony of the divine message that tests are Inevitable/ He convinced his people that God has empowered each one of them to overcome their trials, provided they follow the path he has shown.

He faced constant uncertainty—persecution in Mecca, battles in Medina, and betrayal by some of his allies. Yet he repeatedly turned to Allah through dua (supplication), dhikr (remembrance), and prayer.

The Prophet reminded people: "If you put your trust completely in Allah, He will provide for you as He provides for the birds: they go out hungry in the morning and return full in the evening." (Tirmidhi).

Instead of letting anxiety control you, ground yourself in prayer, trust that provision and outcomes are in Allah's hands, and focus on the actions you can take. He experienced profound grief, such as the "Year of Sorrow" when he lost his beloved wife Khadija and uncle Abu Talib. He cried openly, acknowledged his pain, but did not lose hope in Allah. He said: "The heart grieves and the eyes weep, but we say nothing except what pleases our Lord." (Bukhari).

The Prophet did not demand suppressing emotions. Acknowledging Sadness, seeking comfort from trusted people, and finding solace in remembering Allah are healthy responses.

At the start of his mission, when revelation first came, he was terrified he might not be capable. Khadija reassured him: "By Allah, you uphold family ties, help the poor, serve your guests, and support the oppressed. Allah will never disgrace you." He emphasized effort over outcome: "The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, while there is good in both." (Muslim).

He taught his people that self-worth is not about being perfect but striving sincerely. Competence grows through effort, trust in Allah, and support from the community.

The Prophet e buried multiple children in his lifetime, endured hunger, and lost close companions in battle. Despite this, he reminded others: "Whatever Allah takes is His, and whatever He gives is His, and everything with Him has an appointed time." (Bukhari).

However, he advised: Loss is painful, but it is also a reminder of life's temporary nature. He encouraged patience (sabr) with the assurance that Allah rewards those who persevere. Grief is natural, but anchoring oneself in the belief of reunion in the Hereafter provides comfort.

Early on, Quraysh offered him wealth, status, even kingship if he would abandon his message. He refused, saying: "If they placed the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left, I would not abandon this mission." He stressed being true to one's principles: "There is no obedience to creation if it involves disobedience to the Creator." (Ahmad). Integrity matters more than social approval. He taught reliance on Allah's pleasure rather than chasing people's acceptance.

Could, then, one whose bosom God has opened wide with willingness towards self-surrender unto Him, so that a light illumines him [that flows] from his Sustainer, [be likened to the blind and deaf of heart]? Woe, then, unto those whose hearts are hard against all remembrance of God! They are lost in error! Az-Zumar (The Groups) 39:22

God bestows from on high the best of all teachings in the shape of a divine writ entirely consistent within itself, repeating each statement [of the truth] in manifold forms  [a divine writ] whereat shiver the skins of all who of their Sustainer stand in awe: [but] in the end their skins and their hearts do soften at the remembrance of [the grace of] God. Such is God's guidance: He guides therewith him that wills [to be guided]  whereas he whom God lets go astray can never find any guide. (Az-Zumar (The Groups) 39:23)  

those who believe, and whose hearts find their rest in the remembrance of God - for, verily, in the remembrance of God [men's] hearts do find their rest-: (asad) Ar-Ra'd (The Thunder) 13:28

Examples of Islamophobia in the Life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ faced harassment, insults, and hostility throughout his mission in Makkah and even later in Medina. Many of these experiences resemble what we would today call Islamophobia—prejudice, hatred, or violence directed at someone simply for being Muslim. Despite this constant opposition, his response was always rooted in patience, resilience, and mercy.

These incidents remind us that Islamophobia is not new—it has been around since the beginning of Islam. Yet, the Prophet’s response teaches us resilience, dignity, and compassion in the face of hate.

Verbal Abuse and Mockery

The leaders of Quraysh tried to discredit the Prophet ﷺ by insulting him. They called him a madman, a sorcerer, or just another poet, hoping to discourage people from listening to his message (Qur’an 15:6, 68:51). They even laughed at him when he prayed at the Ka‘bah, mocking his devotion to God. This type of ridicule was meant to shame him into silence, but it only strengthened his commitment.

Physical Harassment

Hostility often turned violent. Once, while the Prophet ﷺ was in prostration at the Ka‘bah, Abu Jahl and others dumped the bloody intestines of a camel on his back. He remained in sujood until his young daughter Fatima (RA) came to clean him. On another occasion, he was choked with his own garment until Abu Bakr (RA) rushed to defend him. These moments show the cruelty he endured for simply practicing his faith.

Social and Economic Isolation

The Quraysh also tried to break him through collective punishment. They placed a harsh boycott on the Prophet ﷺ, his family, and his followers. For nearly three years, they were forced to live in a valley (Shi‘b Abi Talib), cut off from trade and food supplies. Hunger and deprivation were constant companions, but their faith remained unwavering.

Rejection and Violence at Ta’if

After losing his uncle Abu Talib, his most powerful protector, the Prophet ﷺ went to Ta’if, hoping its leaders would support him. Instead, they insulted him and set mobs against him. He was chased out, pelted with stones, and left bleeding. Instead of cursing them, he turned to God in a heartfelt supplication, asking for strength and guidance. This moment revealed his extraordinary patience and compassion, even when treated unjustly.

Attempts on His Life

The Quraysh also plotted to kill him. One night, armed young men surrounded his home, planning to strike together. But Allah protected him, and he escaped safely to Medina during the Hijrah. Later in his life, others even tried to poison him, including an incident in Khaybar when a woman offered him food laced with poison.

Everyday Hostility

The Prophet ﷺ endured daily harassment. Some neighbors would throw garbage or thorns in his path. Others spread lies about him to visitors so that people would avoid hearing his message. This constant pressure could have broken his spirit—but instead, it highlighted his unshakable patience.

Despite insults, violence, and betrayal, the Prophet ﷺ never responded with revenge. When the people of Ta’if drove him out, he prayed for their forgiveness. He once said: “O Allah, forgive my people, for they do not know.” Years later, when he returned to Makkah in victory (the conquest of Makkah), he did not seek revenge against his enemies. Instead, he forgave almost all of them, showing mercy when he had every reason to retaliate.

The Prophet dealt with young people. Most of his early respondents were youth. In Medina, where he migrated from Makkah, he spent more time with young people who followed his advice and teachings seriously and sincerely. You hardly find an individual who is depressed or fearful of the unknown. Because the Prophet taught them that they can overcome their trials. He told them to return to Allah with the belief"

He taught the Duʿā (Supplication):

"O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and grief, from weakness and laziness, from cowardice and miserliness, and from the burden of debt and being overpowered by people."

Abū Saʿīd al-Khudrī (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu) narrated:

 One day, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ entered the masjid and saw a man from the Anṣār named Abū Umāmah (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu) sitting there at a time outside of prayer. The Prophet ﷺ asked:

"Why are you sitting here when it is not time for ṣalāh?"

He replied:

"O Messenger of Allah, I am overwhelmed by worries and debts."

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Shall I not teach you words which, if you say them in the morning and evening, Allah will remove your worries and settle your debts?"

Abū Umāmah replied:

"Yes, O Messenger of Allah."

The Prophet ﷺ then taught him this duʿā.

Abū Umāmah later said:

"I acted upon it, and Allah removed my worries and settled my debts." (Abū Dāwūd)

We worry about the future — things that may or may not come to pass. We have Sadness over the past, such as losing a loved one. They can paralyze a person, which is why the Prophet ﷺ taught us to seek protection from them. Ibn al-Qayyim said, "Sadness weakens the heart and reduces determination. Nothing is more beloved to Shayṭān than the Sadness of a believer."

 This duʿā serves as a shield against emotional struggles (such as anxiety and grief), personal struggles (weakness and laziness), moral struggles (cowardice and miserliness), and external struggles (debt and oppression by others). It is a reminder that true strength and relief come from Allah alone, and that making this duʿā daily (morning and evening) helps one find inner peace, courage, and balance.