Reviewed by: Ustadha Al-shaimaa Nabil Abd-alfattah Abd-Allah

In an overstimulating world, we often find the most chaos coming from inside. No matter what joy we bring to our days, there’s this discomfort that is still stuck in there. And there’s no wonder why finding inner peace has become one of the most sought-after goals all over the world.
People go through different journeys to find their inner peace. And to reach this state of the mental-emotional state of inner peace, we need to know the reason behind feeling the opposite.

Why our inner peace doesn’t last for long?

So what happens in life is that we promise ourselves that we will be happy when we get this job, this house, this partner, this car, this device, this authority, this popularity, this wealth. And often, when we get what we want, no matter how big or small, we’re only happy for a while and then back to our same old discomfort state.

We tend to keep chasing materialistic goals one after another, thinking that this is what we want, but then the moment of truth comes. We realize that it doesn’t get this kind of happiness that we miss, this inner calamity that we crave, then we start looking for fancier things to get or do to fill this never-ending void, but in vain, the more we chase, the deeper the gap becomes and the more empty we feel.

Why do we feel this burden in our chest?

It’s our crying soul that’s calling for help, our inner self that hasn’t been quenched in years.

Allah (SWT) said:

الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَلَمْ يَلْبِسُوا إِيمَانَهُم بِظُلْمٍ أُولَٰئِكَ لَهُمُ الْأَمْنُ وَهُم مُّهْتَدُونَ

الأنعام-82

They who believe and do not mix their belief with injustice – those will have security, and they are [rightly] guided.

Al An’am 6:82

So Allah says that when we stop doing wrong to ourselves, we’ll only attain the gift of security, inner peace, and tranquillity.

But how do we even hurt ourselves?

It happens by abusing our soul and by keeping it astray from the right path. So, unfortunately, every time we sin, we suffocate our soul, and we suck away its oxygen, causing it to be weak against life’s trials and tests.

Now that we know the symptoms and the root cause. Is there a cure?

Ways to find inner peace

When a car breaks down, we take it to its manufacturer because they’re the experts. The same goes for us. When our soul is burdened, exhausted, and drained, we should refer to the only expert who knows our ins and outs and understands our wiring because He is our sole creator.

الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ

الرعد-28

 

Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah, hearts are assured.

AR Raa’d 13:28

Following this prescription will not stop your problems from existing. They will help strengthen your soul and create a shield around your heart to withstand the storms you go through.

Istighfar (Repenting cleans your Heart)

Istighfar, or seeking forgiveness from Allah, is a powerful act that purifies the heart and mind, paving the way to inner peace. When a person sincerely repents, they acknowledge their mistakes, releasing the burden of guilt and regret. This act of repentance clears spiritual and emotional barriers, allowing the heart to feel lighter and more connected to Allah. By consistently engaging in Istighfar, believers cleanse their hearts of past sins, creating a sense of renewal and tranquillity. It reminds them of Allah’s boundless mercy, strengthening their hope and drawing them closer to the inner peace that comes from spiritual clarity and divine forgiveness.

Saying and contemplating the morning and evening azkar(supplications)