FINDING STRENTH IN BELIEF: THE ROLE OF MUSLIM FAITH IN COPING WITH STRESS

Background: Stress is a prevalent psychological concern that affects individuals across all cultures and life domains. Among Muslims, religious faith serves not only as a spiritual foundation but also as a practical mechanism for managing stress. Islamic practices such as prayer (Salah), Quranic recitation, and supplication (Dua) offer emotional comfort and a structured path for resilience. This study explores how Muslim individuals utilize their religious beliefs to navigate stress, focusing on the emotional and psychological effects of Islamic coping strategies. Objective: To explore the role of Muslim faith in coping with stress and examine how religious beliefs and practices influence stress management and emotional well-being. Methods: A qualitative study design was used involving in-depth semi-structured interviews with nine Muslim participants aged 18 years and above, selected through purposive non-probability sampling. Inclusion criteria involved self-identification as Muslim and a history of stress experiences. Eight interviews were analyzed thematically, as one was excluded due to poor audio quality. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-step framework for thematic analysis. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was secured from all participants. Results: Five major themes emerged: Coping Skills, Spirituality, Stress, Patience, and Strong Faith. All eight participants reported regular engagement with Salah (f=9), Quran recitation (f=9), and supplication (f=9) during stressful periods. Trust in Allah and the concept of divine wisdom were central to emotional relief. Participants expressed social withdrawal during stress but consistently reported strengthened spiritual connection. Faith-based practices fostered resilience, reduced anxiety, and reframed hardship as a spiritual test. Conclusion: Muslim faith provides a holistic framework for stress management, integrating spiritual, emotional, and cognitive dimensions. The findings support the incorporation of culturally sensitive religious practices into psychological care for Muslim populations.