The Prophet ﷺ instructed his followers to repeat this supplication for relief from worry and sadness every morning and evening, three times. Medical experts agree that emotions like worry, sadness, pessimism, and depression can lead to illnesses affecting the body and heart, and in some cases, result in fatal outcomes. Some conditions impair mental clarity, others weaken the body, and some weigh down the soul, distracting one from worship and making it more challenging to fulfill religious duties.

Pessimism, specifically, hinders diligent action, as a person remains in constant anticipation of negativity, expecting no good and only fearing misfortune. The Prophet ﷺ prohibited pessimism, as narrated by Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri: One day the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) entered the mosque. He saw there a man from the Ansar called AbuUmamah. He said: “What is the matter that I am seeing you sitting in the mosque when there is no time of prayer?” He said: “I am entangled in cares and debts, Messenger of Allah.” He replied: “Shall I not teach you words by which, when you say them, Allah will remove your care, and settle your debt?” He said: “Why not, Messenger of Allah?” He said: Say in the morning and evening: "O Allah, I seek refuge in Thee from care and grief, I seek refuge in Thee from incapacity and slackness, I seek refuge in Thee from cowardice and niggardliness, and I seek in Thee from being overcome by debt and being put in subjection by men." He said: “When I did that Allah removed my care and settled my debt” (Narrated by Abu Dawood).

Here are some diseases directly linked to sadness:

1. Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is one of the most serious diseases caused by intense sorrow or excessive worry. According to Dr. Heba El-Gabaly, a professor of medical analysis, emotional stress such as sadness, depression, anxiety, work stress, or anger can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If sadness is left unaddressed, it can severely impact mental and physical health, including the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar.

2. High Blood Pressure: Studies confirm that chronic psychological stress contributes to the development of high blood pressure. The emotions resulting from stress trigger the release of stress hormones, increasing heart rate, narrowing blood vessels, and ultimately raising blood pressure. ⁽¹⁾

3. Stomach Ulcers: Studies on a Danish group showed that psychological stress led to increased stomach ulcers. A significant percentage of these individuals had experienced psychological trauma, intense sadness, or anger before their diagnosis. ⁽²⁾

4. Thyroid Dysfunction: A strong link exists between stress and thyroid disorders. Sadness triggers the adrenal glands to release cortisol, which interferes with the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), exacerbating hypothyroidism or thyroid dysfunction, often requiring medical treatment or hormone therapy. ⁽³⁾

5. Lupus: Lupus is an autoimmune disease influenced by the body’s immune response. Stress, sorrow, anxiety, and depression can trigger or worsen the condition due to weakened immunity. ⁽⁴⁾

6. Rheumatism: Research by the National Library of Medicine indicates a connection between childhood stress and autoimmune diseases. Other studies found that 70% of individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis had experienced psychological trauma, anxiety, anger, or sorrow prior to diagnosis.

7. Broken Heart Syndrome: This serious heart condition involves chest pain, disrupted blood flow, and shortness of breath. If an individual does not overcome sorrow quickly, the condition can cause actual changes in heart muscles, leading to heart disease. Dr. April Stempien-Otero, a cardiologist at the University of Washington Medical Center, explained that most cases of broken heart syndrome are linked to emotional trauma, personal crises, or natural disasters, reflecting the emotional impact on the heart.

8. Weak Immunity: Dr. Hany El-Nazer, a member of the Egyptian Scientific Society and former head of the National Research Center, emphasized the close connection between sorrow, stress, and the immune system. Continuous sadness and severe anxiety weaken the immune system, increasing vulnerability to diseases, especially skin and viral infections. He added that individuals with strong willpower and good mental health have better immune resistance against infectious and autoimmune diseases. ⁽⁵⁾

9. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine, causing symptoms like bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea. Many IBS patients also experience psychological symptoms such as anxiety, stress, and mood disturbances. It is often unclear whether psychological symptoms trigger physical symptoms or vice versa, making both aspects intertwined. ⁽⁶⁾

10. Obesity: Experts agree that obesity and depression are closely linked, with one potentially leading to the other. Weight gain and lack of exercise worsen depression, and depression itself can result in overeating and inactivity, contributing to obesity. Medications for depression may also cause weight gain. The CDC found that 55% of adults on antidepressants who still experienced moderate to severe depressive symptoms were also obese. ⁽⁷⁾ In this case, depression is not merely sadness but a combination of sadness, despair, anxiety, and chronic stress, leading to overeating and lack of motivation to follow a healthy lifestyle.

There are still many unknown diseases linked to sorrow and anxiety. We can only acknowledge the truth in the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and submit to his guidance, which ensures human well-being in both this world and the Hereafter. Thus, we continuously seek refuge in Allah from worry and sorrow.

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(1) A study conducted by the National Library of Medicine on the relationship between psychological stress and blood pressure.

(2) A study conducted by the National Library of Medicine on stress and stomach ulcers.

(3) A study conducted by the National Library of Medicine on stress and autoimmune thyroid disease.

(4) American Lupus Foundation.

(5) From the website "Youm7," dated December 12, 2020.

(6) From the accredited website "Altibbi," dated October 15, 2023.

(7) Dr. Haikal Mahmoud, Director of the Center for Obesity and Diabetes Surgery.      

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