Panic Attack vs Anxiety Attack: Prophet Yunus's Mental Struggles

That sudden rush of panic, your heart pounding out of your chest, your mind racing with a thousand "what ifs"?

You are not just stressed; you might be experiencing a real anxiety attack.

It is part of growth and life for this to happen. Even I, while writing this, faced anxiety. This gripping fear can make you feel isolated, depressed, and utterly powerless, as if you're losing control of your own thoughts and body.

Let us learn from the story of Prophet Yunus Ibn Mata (referred to as Jonah) how to cure anxiety through the Quran and Prophetic medicine.

"They are those who have believed and their hearts find satisfaction with the remembrance of Allah. Behold, in the remembrance of Allah alone there is the satisfaction of hearts."

Kanzul Imaan

Surah AR-Ra'd 13:28

You have probably read or heard the story of Prophet Yunus (علیہ السلام) many times. I am very fond of this incident. But today, I am presenting it to you from a completely different perspective.

A Precaution before Reading

Prophet Yunus (علیہ السلام)'s Story of Anxiety

Dear readers, please keep in mind as you read:

This discussion focuses on the anxiety, depression, and stress experienced by an ordinary Human (male and female).

Prophet Yunus is used only as a Mirror to help us understand these feelings, not to imply any imperfection in the Prophet Yunus. Who was divinely protected and guided.

Stuck In The Storm

Stress that threatens to sink us all

What does the story of Prophet Yunus (علیہ السلام) teach us about our own Emotional Storm?

Chapter One:

Prophet Yunus (علیہ السلام) was born in the ancient Iraqi city of Mosul, located on the left bank of the Tigris River. He was attributed to Banu Israel [Descendant of Prophet Yaqoob (علیہ السلام)]. Across from Mosul stood the prosperous city of Nineveh, then at the peak of its glory and inhabited by the people of Thamud (قوم ثمود )

With a population of over one hundred thousand, the people of Nineveh were deeply immersed in idol worship, arrogance, and pride.

As the Quran states:

"And We sent him to a hundred thousand (people) or even more." (Quran, Surah As-Saffat: 147)

At the age of 40, Prophet Yunus was chosen by Allah to guide the people of Nineveh. According to Islamic scholars, his mission took place between 741 and 781 BC.

He is mentioned in six chapters of the Quran, including.

1. Surah An-Nisa,

2. Surah Al-An'am,

3. Surah Yunus,

4. Surah As-Saffat,

5. Surah Al-Anbiya,

6. Surah Al-Qalam.

In four of these, he is mentioned by his name, while in the other two, he is referred to as "Dhun-Nun" (the one of the fish) and "Sahib al-Hoot" (the companion of the whale). The tenth chapter of the Quran, Surah As-Saffat, verses 139-148, and Surah Al-Anbiya, 87-88, is named after him.

For a long time, Prophet Yunus preached monotheism and warned his people against idolatry. However, they not only rejected his message but also mocked him. As a prophet, this rejection caused him deep emotional distress, anxiety, and depression. He was heartbroken that despite his compassionate efforts, his people turned away from the truth.

They used to mock and say:

“We and our forefathers have worshipped these gods for many years, and no harm has come to us.”

When their rebellion reached its peak, Allah commanded Prophet Yunus to warn them that a divine punishment would arrive within three days. Upon hearing this, the people held a meeting. They acknowledged Yunus’s integrity and agreed that if he stayed in the city that night, the warning might not come true, but if he left, they should expect punishment. That night, Prophet Yunus left the town.

The next morning, a dark cloud of smoke appeared over Nineveh. Panic spread, and the people desperately searched for Prophet Yunus to repent and seek his intercession. When they could not find him, they gathered in an open field; men, women, children, and animals, wearing coarse cloth as a sign of humility.

With sincere repentance, they cried and begged Allah for forgiveness, overwhelmed with anxiety and stress about the impending doom.

Meanwhile, Prophet Yunus waited outside the city, expecting divine punishment to descend. However, Allah accepted the people’s repentance and lifted the punishment. When Prophet Yunus learned that the people were saved, he grew deeply worried.

According to the law of Nineveh, anyone who made a false claim without evidence would be executed. Although he had spoken the truth, Yunus feared being accused of lying. Filled with depression and emotional turmoil, he had left the city and eventually reached the banks of the Euphrates River.

This part of the story highlights the very human emotions of anxiety and stress, even prophets experienced when facing uncertainty and societal pressure. Although he was innocent and chosen by Allah, the fear of false accusation weighed heavily on him. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that moments of depression, panic, and anxiety are part of the human experience, even for the most righteous.

It is essential to understand that Allah’s prophets are divinely protected from sin. What occurred with Prophet Yunus (علیہ السلام) was a minor oversight, a moment of human impatience, where he left his city without waiting for Allah’s clear command.

This illustrates that even the most spiritually elevated individuals can experience moments of human emotional difficulty. Do not even think that if Prophets can sin, then why can't an ordinary person? Thinking like this is itself a big unforgiving sin.

So, the event is relatable, and intense emotions are occurring.

Panic Attack vs Anxiety Attack

Sign of Panic Attack

• Sudden intense fear or panic

• Rapid heartbeat or unexplained chest pressure

• Difficulty breathing or feeling short of breath

• Shaking or tingling sensations in the body

• Feeling detached or “zoned out”

• Urge to run away immediately

  Sign of Anxiety

• Shortness of breath

• Sweating

• Stomach Issue

• Fatigue

• Muscle Tension

• Racing thoughts

• An inability to make clear decisions

• Watching for Signs of Danger (Paranoia)

• Excessive Worry

• Avoidance

• Seeking Reassurance

• An overwhelming sense of fear or losing control

• Feeling tense or Nervous

• Spiritual Unrest (From envy or the envier)

  
  

Difference Between Panic Attack And Anxiety Attack

The difference in panic attack vs anxiety attack is clear both in intensity and duration.

Anxiety Attack: Builds up gradually and can last from a few minutes to several hours. It usually starts with a specific worry or stressful thought.

Panic Attack: Strikes suddenly and without warning, causing intense fear or overwhelming panic. It can happen unexpectedly, often without any obvious trigger.

Anxiety Attack: Mild to moderate heart palpitations, slight restlessness, sweating, and general unease.

Panic Attack: Rapid, pounding heartbeat, unexplained chest pressure, shortness of breath, shaking, and intense physical fear.

Anxiety is a prevalent psychological condition characterized by persistent worry, fear, and heightened arousal that can disrupt daily life (American Psychological Association, 2023). Studies highlight both genetic and environmental factors, including societal pressure, family behavior, and exposure to gatherings, in its development. This fits perfectly with Prophet Yunus's story of anxiety.

Anxiety vs Panic Attack Cures

Hadith of The Prophet

Narrated Anas bin Malik:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "None of you should wish for death because of a calamity (all forms of hardship) befalling him; but if he has to wish for death, he should say: 'O Allah! Keep me alive as long as life is better for me, and let me die if death is better for me."

Sahih Al-Bukhari 5671

Chapter 2:The Voyage and the Casting of Lots in Biblical Times

"When he ran away to the loaded ship."

As Saffat 37:140

Upon reaching the riverbank, Prophet Yunus (علیہ السلام) noticed a ship preparing to depart. The crew recognized him and allowed him to board without charge. As the ship journeyed into the open sea, fierce winds suddenly arose, and a terrifying storm enveloped them. Massive waves tossed the ship violently, and it began to sway dangerously, coming perilously close to sinking.

Everyone on board feared for their lives. Following their traditional beliefs, the crew members exclaimed:

“It seems there is a runaway slave aboard this ship! Until this person is identified and removed, we will not be saved.”

When Prophet Yunus (علیہ السلام) heard this, he immediately understood:

“Allah is displeased that I left my people without awaiting His divine instruction. This is a test from Him, and my presence is causing distress to these innocent people.”

It was a custom during that time that when a ship was on the verge of sinking, passengers would draw lots (perform a lottery with dice) to decide who would be thrown overboard to save the rest. The sailors cast lots, and the name of Yunus (عليه السلام) came up.

But they refused to cast him overboard, saying,

“We will not get rid of Yunus. He is a source of blessing for us, truly the best among us on this ship.”

They drew lots again, and his name appeared again. Reluctant still, they tried a third time, and Yunus’s name was chosen yet again.

Prophet Yunus (علیہ السلام) was a deeply righteous and respected man. Yet, when the lots were drawn, his name was selected not once, but three times in a row. This was a clear sign of divine decree.

At that moment, filled with humility and acceptance of Allah’s will,

Prophet Yunus confessed:

“I am that runaway slave. Throw me into the sea .”

Yunus(AS) jumped into the raging, deep water to save the innocent crew on the ship. This was an act of sacrifice and an acknowledgement of his mistake.

How To Calm an Anxiety Attack: The Guidance Of Allah

This profound action contains three deep lessons for all of us:

1. Complete Trust in Allah's Will (Tawakkul):

He knew this was from Allah, so he didn't fear.

2. Acceptance and Contentment:

He embraced Allah's decision with complete submission during his most difficult time.

3. The Path to Freeing Yourself from Anxiety :

   When a person trusts in Allah and accepts His decree, all their anxiety and distress

   begin to vanish.

   
   

Prophet Yunus’s (AS) action is, in reality, the Quranic way to break free from anxiety and depression:

Allah Almighty says in the Quran:

"And whoever puts his trust in Allah, then He (Allah) is sufficient for him."

( Surah At-Talaq 65:3 )

What's the one thing you disagree with or would add? What was your biggest takeaway from this? Have you experienced this? What advice would you give to someone else?

Comment Down Below for the next chapter.

جَزَاكُمُ اللهُ خَيْرًا

Jazākumu Allāhu Khayran

Tafsir References:

1. Tafsir As-Saawi (حاشية الصاوي على الجلالين)

2. Tafsir Ad-Durrul Mansur (در المنثور) - Imam Suyuti

3.Tarikh Ibn'Asakir Vol 74,pg 281, 282

4.Al-Uns al-Jalil Vol 1,pg 265

5.Tafsir Siratul Jinan - Mufti Muhammad Qasim Attarri

6.Tārīkh Dimashq (History of Damascus by Ibn ʿAsākir) – in the section about Prophet Yunus (vol. 62, around p. 354 onwards).