The Ruling on One Who Is Afflicted by Worries and Sorrows, and How to Combat Them

Question:
This is a young Muslim man who has used the initials (A. A.) from al-Kharj. He says: I am a young Muslim who is overcome by worries and sorrows, even though I am careful to perform the obligatory prayers at their times, and I occupy myself with the remembrance of Allah, His praise, and His glorification. Is a person rewarded for the sorrows and worries that overcome him? Please guide us, may Allah reward you.

Answer:
Yes, yes, what Allah willed, this is good. This is among the trials. If he occupies himself with the remembrance of Allah, His praise, His glorification, and seeking forgiveness, and he performs what Allah has made obligatory upon him, then he is in a great state of goodness. And these worries that befall him and these sorrows are an expiation for his sins. However, he should treat them with the remembrance of Allah, seeking forgiveness, and reflecting on the blessings Allah has bestowed upon him and the blessings He has given him, and that what has befallen him will be an expiation for his sins from these worries and sorrows. He should strive to combat them by the remembrance of Allah, His glorification, His praise, seeking forgiveness, and the like. Yes.