Why Do I Feel Anxious Even When Everything Seems to Be Going Well?

My dear sister or brother, your question delves into one of the deepest human experiences that many of us face, even at the peak of our successes and apparent tranquility in life. This feeling of worry or anxiety, despite everything outwardly going well, can be a sign of deeper spiritual and emotional needs that the Holy Quran addresses beautifully. Let us explore this topic together through the lens of divine verses to uncover the roots of this feeling and find pathways to true inner peace. One of the most significant reasons why a person might experience anxiety despite prosperity and comfort can stem from a lack or weakness in 'Tawakkul' (reliance on God). The Quran repeatedly invites us to place our complete and true reliance on Allah. When we place our primary support in worldly means and successes, we are constantly worried about losing them; we fear that these blessings might vanish, circumstances might change, or situations beyond our control might arise. This worry is natural because humans are inherently weak, and true power belongs solely to Allah Almighty. When our faith and reliance on God are strong, and we understand that everything is within His power and that He knows what is best for us more than anyone else, this feeling of dependency and fear of loss diminishes. Allah says in the Quran: “Say, 'Never will we be afflicted except with what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.' And upon Allah let the believers rely.” (At-Tawbah: 51). This verse reassures us that nothing happens without divine permission, and if we have true reliance, our hearts will find peace. Secondly, 'neglecting the fleeting nature of this world and excessive attachment to it' can be a contributing factor. The Holy Quran repeatedly emphasizes that the life of this world is nothing but play and amusement, a fleeting enjoyment, and that the true abode is the Hereafter. When a person focuses all their energy on accumulating and preserving worldly possessions, and neglects the primary purpose of creation and their eternal destiny, even at the height of worldly success, an inner void and anxiety can consume them. This anxiety arises because, deep down, one knows that these worldly pleasures are not lasting and will eventually be left behind. In Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, Allah says: “Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. It is like the vegetation after rain, whose growth is pleasing to the tillers; then it withers, and you see it yellow; then it becomes scattered dust. And in the Hereafter there is a severe torment, and [also] forgiveness from Allah and [His] pleasure. And the life of this world is nothing but a deceptive enjoyment.” This verse helps us gain a correct perspective on worldly life and prevents excessive attachment from robbing us of our inner peace. Thirdly, 'insufficient gratitude and appreciation for blessings' is another reason. Sometimes, amidst abundant blessings, instead of focusing on gratitude and appreciating what one has, a person unconsciously becomes anxious about losing them or constantly seeks what they do not possess. This ingratitude, even if internal and unconscious, can disrupt peace. Allah says in Surah Ibrahim, verse 7: “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.” Gratitude not only leads to an increase in blessings but also fills the heart with contentment and satisfaction, reducing unnecessary fears and worries. Fourthly, and perhaps most importantly, the remedy for this type of anxiety is 'Dhikr' (remembrance of Allah). The Quran explicitly states that true peace for hearts is found only in the remembrance of Allah. “Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” (Ar-Ra'd: 28). When a person does not neglect the remembrance of Allah, even at the peak of worldly successes, they establish an unbreakable connection with the source of eternal peace. This remembrance can include prayer, recitation of the Quran, supplication (dua), glorification (tasbih), and any act that brings the heart to remember Allah. Remembering Allah shifts one’s focus from solely worldly matters and directs their gaze towards eternity and Allah's infinite power, consequently diminishing the fear of loss and future anxieties. Finally, this feeling of anxiety can be a 'divine test.' Ease and prosperity, just like hardships, are trials from Allah to gauge the extent of one's gratitude, patience with blessings, and attachment to this world. In Surah Al-Hadid, verse 23, Allah says: “So that you do not grieve over what has escaped you nor exult [in pride] over what He has given you. And Allah does not like every self-deluded and boastful one.” This verse teaches us to maintain our emotional balance, both during difficulties and losses, and during ease and receiving blessings. We should not grieve excessively over what we have lost nor become overly proud and joyful about what we possess. This balance and moderation in emotions are signs of complete faith and reliance, which themselves prevent unnecessary anxieties. Therefore, the anxiety you are experiencing is an opportunity for deeper reflection on your relationship with Allah, a re-evaluation of your attachment to this world, and a strengthening of the spiritual dimensions of your life. By increasing your reliance on Allah, persistently engaging in His remembrance, fostering a spirit of gratitude, and gaining a correct understanding of the nature of this world and the Hereafter, you can transform these anxieties into lasting peace and profound reassurance. This peace is a gift from Allah that fills the hearts of believers with tranquility in all circumstances, whether in hardship or ease.