Treating Anxiety, Distress, and Bad Temper in Women

Question:
The sister questioner who sent me a set of questions says: “Shaykh, I always feel worried and distressed, even though I am careful to fulfill my religious obligations and duties. I know that I am falling short in my rights toward Allah, no matter how much I do. But, Shaykh, I sometimes do not conduct myself properly with others when speaking to them. This is certainly a feeling I have, and when I see that they are fed up with me, I remember that I was rude to them and wronged them. At that point, I become deeply sad and say, ‘Why is my character so bad?’ and I ask Allah to improve my character. The question is: Is this distress and worry due to a weakness in my faith? And if I were to fall ill because of this worry and distress, would that fall under the saying of Allah the Exalted: .”

Answer:
It appears that this questioner is suffering from a psychological illness, which is why she becomes upset, anxious, and perhaps speaks to those present in an undesirable manner. She must increase her remembrance of Allah the Exalted and seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan. She should improve her character with people, seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan, and increase her recitation of the morning and evening adhkar (remembrances). May Allah the Exalted heal her and grant her well-being. Yes.