Labelling Negativity: An Islamic and Therapeutic Perspective

In our journey toward emotional and spiritual well-being, how we label our experiences plays a crucial role. As a Muslim counsellor, I often meet clients who struggle with feelings of sadness, anger, or anxiety—but more than the emotion itself, it’s the label they attach to it that creates deeper turmoil.

Let’s talk about labelling negativity through the lens of Islam and psychological wellness.

The Power of Labels

In counselling, we often talk about "cognitive distortions"—unhelpful ways of thinking that lead us to label ourselves or our emotions in extreme or unfair ways. For example:

· “I feel anxious, so I must have weak iman.”

· “I got angry—I'm a bad Muslim.”

· “I’m struggling with sadness. Maybe I’m ungrateful to Allah.”

These labels can become internal scripts that shape how we see ourselves. Over time, they breed shame, self-loathing, and hopelessness. But does Islam really teach us to see our negative emotions as sins?

Islam: A Faith That Recognizes Human Emotion

The Qur’an and Sunnah do not ignore human emotions; they validate them.

· Prophet Yaqub (AS) cried until he lost his sight out of grief for his son, yet Allah did not shame him.

· The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ experienced sadness after the loss of his wife Khadijah (RA) and uncle Abu Talib, so much so that the year is known as ‘Aam al-Huzn (The Year of Sorrow).

· Allah says: “Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us.” (Qur’an 9:40) — not as a dismissal, but as a reminder of His companionship through our grief.

These examples show that feeling sorrow, fear, or anger does not equate to spiritual failure. Islam acknowledges emotion—it is how we respond to it that matters.

Reframing Negativity

As a Muslim counsellor, I encourage clients to replace negative self-labelling with compassionate curiosity.

Instead of:

· “I feel sad—maybe Allah is angry with me.”

Try:

· “I feel sad—what is Allah trying to teach me or draw my attention to?”

Instead of:

· “I’m anxious—there must be something wrong with my faith.”

Try:

· “My anxiety is a sign I need support. Maybe this is an invitation to seek Allah’s help and practical assistance.”

This is not about excusing harmful actions, but understanding that feelings are not sinful. They are messengers, not moral failures.

The Role of Du’a and Tawakkul

Part of healing involves spiritual surrender—trusting Allah (tawakkul) while doing the work to heal. Making du’a when we feel overwhelmed isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s an act of deep strength. The Prophet ﷺ said:

"No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim—even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn—but that Allah expiates some of his sins for it." (Bukhari & Muslim)

This shows that even our pain has meaning. Islam dignifies the struggle.

A Final Word: Be Gentle With Yourself

The Prophet ﷺ said, “Make things easy for the people and do not make things difficult for them.” (Bukhari)

Let us extend this hadith inward, too. Make things easy for yourself. Let go of harsh labels. Embrace your full humanity. Your emotions don’t make you a bad Muslim. They make you human. And in your humanity, Allah’s mercy finds a home.

If you're struggling emotionally or spiritually, don’t suffer in silence. Reach out. Healing is halal, and you don’t have to walk the path alone.