Financial anxiety is currently faced by many people in Indonesia. This is especially true for those with low to middle incomes. The economy is unstable, and life’s challenges are increasing. It is no wonder that people are anxious, especially about their finances. They worry about the rising prices of basic commodities and the increasingly expensive and unreasonable cost of education.
This anxiety disturbs the peace of mind of most people. However, as Muslims, we have religious guidelines that teach us to trust in God. Trust in God can be a source of strength after we have tried our best (ikhtiar). Trust in God can prevent our hearts from being trapped in assumptions. More than that, trust in God makes us believe that God’s decree is the best, because He is the one who controls the course of our lives. Friends, let’s take a look at how to deal with financial anxiety according to Islam below.
How to Deal with Financial Anxiety in Islam
Islamic teachings not only guide us to seek halal sustenance, but also teach us the inner attitude so that as Muslims we are able to face financial pressures with patience, tawakal, and optimism. Here are some ways to deal with financial anxiety according to Islam that we can apply in our daily lives.
- Prayer, Remembrance, and Supplication
The five daily prayers we perform are not just a routine. Rather, prayer is also our personal communication with Allah SWT. With prayer comes tranquility, tears of sincerity, and a pause from the noise of the world. Zikr after prayer also reminds us that we are not alone, that there is Allah who is greater than our fears.
“So I said to them, ‘Ask forgiveness of your Lord, for He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver. He will send [rain] upon you in abundance. And increase your wealth and children, and provide for you gardens and provide for you rivers.'”
(QS. Nuh: 10-12)
According to the above verse, istighfar is the way to receive sustenance. With zikir and prayer, the heart will also be more open and faith will be strengthened to face financial anxiety. The above verse also explains that it is Allah who sends down rain and fertilizes the earth, which will fulfill our daily needs. This confirms that only Allah is able to provide for our needs, if we continue to remember Him and pray to Him.
Read also: Brain Rot and Islamic Lifestyle: Maintaining Mental and Spiritual Health
- Trust in Allah to Provide for Us
Islam states that the sustenance of all creatures is guaranteed by Allah. He will not allow His creatures to live without food or basic necessities. However, this does not mean that we should just wait; rather, it should motivate us to seek sustenance with full confidence. We work not because we are afraid of being deprived, but because we want to be trustworthy servants and worship Allah by seeking sustenance.
“And provide for him from directions he never imagined. And whoever puts their trust in Allah, Allah will suffice him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Indeed, Allah has set a measure for all things.”
(QS At-Talaq: 3)
The most important part is that we have faith that Allah will never forget His creatures. We do our best, maintain good character and effort, then leave the results to Allah. Sustenance will not be misplaced, as long as we walk in goodness, Allah will surely provide.
- Tawakal After Effort
Tawakal is one of the values of Islam that many people misunderstand as complete surrender without effort. In Islamic teachings, tawakal is not sitting still and waiting, but moving with the best effort, then surrendering the results to Allah, the All-Determining.
Islam encourages its followers to work hard and strive in a halal manner. Effort is not merely worldly, but also part of worship. When someone studies diligently, works honestly, and builds good social relationships, these are all forms of sincerity.
Tawakal also makes a person calmer and stops them from thinking about things that cause excessive anxiety. Sometimes we get caught up in anxiety with many questions such as “what will tomorrow be like?” “Is what I have now enough?”. Tawakal is not running away from responsibility, but rather the highest form of faith by not forcing the results to be what we want, but believing and accepting whatever the outcome is as the best part.
“And to Allah belongs the secret of the heavens and the earth, and to Him all matters are returned. So worship Him and put your trust in Him. And your Lord is never unaware of what you do.”
(Q.S Hud: 123)
The above verse explains that worshipping Allah is a form of acknowledgment of His power and tawakal to Allah, a manifestation of complete trust in the results of every effort.
- Giving alms
Do you feel anxious every time you count the money left in your wallet? Financial anxiety is very natural and human. Moreover, the cost of living is increasing. However, Islam presents a path that may sound “contrary to logic,” namely giving alms. Instead of causing scarcity, almsgiving is actually a door to blessings.
“The Prophet Muhammad said: Wealth will not decrease because of almsgiving.”
(HR Muslim)
By giving alms to those in need, our hearts learn to believe that sustenance truly comes from Allah, not just numbers in a bank account. When our hands are generous in sharing, Allah promises inner peace, multiplied sustenance, and even protection from hardship. Giving alms is not only about helping others, but also a way to help ourselves be free from the fear of scarcity.
Read also: Maintaining Mental Health with Islamic Tips, Inspired by the Quran and Hadith
Islam understands human feelings. Even the Prophet cried, worried, and missed people. However, Islam forbids allowing anxiety to overshadow hope. We may be anxious, but not to the point of harboring ill feelings towards Allah.
Friends, amid the current economic uncertainty, Islam is a source of peace in life. Financial anxiety is human nature, but Islam teaches that sustenance is not merely the result of hard work, but the result of effort and trust in God. Amid economic hardship, continue to move forward with faith as your guide and trust in God as your comfort. Provision may not always be abundant, but even a little blessing can feel sufficient. Invite blessings into your provision by giving charity to those in need through Dompet Dhuafa. Let’s give charity easily here!