As women, we know our emotions can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster, especially at certain times of the month (yes, we’re talking about hormones). Some days we feel energized and motivated; other days we feel low, sensitive, or overwhelmed. And this emotional depth is part of how Allah created us.
In Islam, we are taught about the nafs, the inner self with its desires, impulses, and vulnerabilities. Alongside the whispers of Shayṭān, our nafs can sometimes amplify our emotions and reactions. But these feelings are not meant to control us. They are part of our test and our opportunity for growth. Each moment of emotional struggle is a chance to choose patience over impulse, remembrance over distraction, and trust in Allah over despair.
What’s remarkable is that many of the practices Allah has given us, prayer, dhikr, connection, and service, naturally support our emotional well-being in ways that modern science is only beginning to understand. They help regulate what scientists call “happy hormones,” guiding us not only toward emotional balance, but toward spiritual strength and self-mastery.
Understanding the “Happy Hormones” Through an Islamic Lens
Happy hormones are natural chemicals that influence how we feel. Dopamine is connected to motivation and reward. Serotonin supports calmness and emotional stability. Oxytocin strengthens feelings of love and connection. Endorphins help relieve stress and boost mood.
Islam does not separate the body from the soul. Our emotional health is part of the amanah (trust) Allah has given us. Caring for our well-being is not selfish; it is a form of gratitude and responsibility. Allah says:
وَأَنفِقُوا۟ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَا تُلْقُوا۟ بِأَيْدِيكُمْ إِلَى ٱلتَّهْلُكَةِ ۛ وَأَحْسِنُوٓا۟ ۛ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ ١٩٥
Spend in the cause of Allah and do not let your own hands throw you into destruction ˹by withholding˺. And do good, for Allah certainly loves the good-doers.
Al-Baqarah 2:195
Part of guarding ourselves from harm is learning how to care for our emotional state in ways that bring us closer to Allah, not further away.
Salah: Finding Calm When Emotions Feel Heavy
When hormones fluctuate, anxiety and sadness can creep in. The five daily prayers are a built-in system of emotional reset. Salah invites us to pause, breathe, and reconnect with Allah throughout the day.
Allah tells us:
ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ ٱلْقُلُوبُ ٢٨
those who believe and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah. Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort.
Ar-Ra’d 13:28
The gentle rhythm of prayer salah, standing, bowing, and prostrating, combined with focused recitation, softens the heart and quiets the mind. It trains the nafs to slow down rather than react impulsively. In this way, salah supports both emotional balance and spiritual discipline.
Even during menstruation, when we are excused from salah, our doors remain open to closeness with Allah through dhikr, du‘a, and reflection. This mercy acknowledges our physical and emotional state while reminding us that our connection to Allah is never paused.
Salah does more than calm our emotions. It trains us to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. This discipline shapes how we treat others, reminding us that our feelings are never an excuse to abandon good character. When emotional unrest begins to spill into our behavior or relationships, it can be a gentle invitation to return to our prayers with greater presence. Allah tells us that prayer restrains from wrongdoing, reminding us that salah is not only a comfort for the heart but a discipline that refines our character. The more we anchor ourselves in sincere prayer and dhikr, the less power fleeting emotions have over our actions.
Dhikr and Gratitude: Training the Heart Toward Hope
Some days our hormones whisper negative thoughts: I’m not doing enough. I’m falling behind. I’m overwhelmed. Dhikr gently redirects the heart. Repeating phrases like SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu Akbar anchors us in remembrance and gratitude.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
وعن أبي يحيى صهيب بن سنان رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم “عجبا لأمر المؤمن إن أمره كله له خير، وليس ذلك لأحد إلا للمؤمن : إن أصابته سراء شكر فكان خيراً له، وإن أصابته ضراء صبر فكان خيراً له” ((رواه مسلم)).
Abu Yahya Suhaib bin Sinan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “How wonderful is the case of a believer; there is good for him in everything and this applies only to a believer. If prosperity attends him, he expresses gratitude to Allah and that is good for him; and if adversity befalls him, he endures it patiently and that is better for him”. [Muslim].
Riyad as-Salihin 27
Gratitude trains the nafs to see blessings instead of only burdens. Over time, this reshapes how we interpret our emotions. A simple habit like listing a few of our blessings each day cultivates optimism and resilience.
Dhikr is not only about gratitude; it is also about returning to Allah through seeking forgiveness. The Prophet ﷺ said:
وعن ابن عباس رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : “من لزم الاستغفار ، جعل الله له من كل ضيق مخرجاً ومن كل هم فرجاً، ورزقه من حيث لا يحتسب” رواه أبو داود.
Ibn ‘Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “If anyone constantly seeks pardon (from Allah), Allah will appoint for him a way out of every distress and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide sustenance for him from where he expects not.” [Abu Dawud].
Riyad as-Salihin 1873
Regular istighfār lightens emotional burdens and softens the heart. Mindful dhikr, like repeating Allah’s names with attention and reflection, anchors the heart and calms racing thoughts. Dhikr that affirms trust in Allah, such as La ilaha illallah or Hasbunallahu wa ni’mal wakeel, nurtures hope and perspective, reminding us that even difficult moments are growth opportunities. Gratitude lifts our outlook, while seeking forgiveness cleanses what weighs us down. Together, they cultivate a balanced inner state of hope, humility, and trust in Allah, and act as a shield for the heart, protecting our relationships and refining our character.
Sisterhood and Family Bonds: The Healing Power of Connection
Islam recognizes that women thrive in supportive relationships. Warm social connections trigger oxytocin, the hormone of bonding and trust. Sharing a heartfelt conversation with a friend, hugging a child, nurturing closeness with a spouse, or sitting with family over tea are not small things, they are nourishment for the soul.
Allah reminds us that intimacy and companionship are signs of His mercy:
وَمِنْ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦٓ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَٰجًۭا لِّتَسْكُنُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةًۭ وَرَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍۢ لِّقَوْمٍۢ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ ٢١
And one of His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find comfort in them. And He has placed between you compassion and mercy. Surely in this are signs for people who reflect.
Ar-Rum 30:21
But that connection heals only when it is rooted in sincerity and good character. Gatherings that slip into gossip or backbiting burden the heart rather than lighten it. Allah warns us against harming one another through our words, reminding us that spiritual well-being is inseparable from how we treat others.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو نُعَيْمٍ، حَدَّثَنَا زَكَرِيَّاءُ، عَنْ عَامِرٍ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُهُ يَقُولُ سَمِعْتُ النُّعْمَانَ بْنَ بَشِيرٍ، يَقُولُ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم “ تَرَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ فِي تَرَاحُمِهِمْ وَتَوَادِّهِمْ وَتَعَاطُفِهِمْ كَمَثَلِ الْجَسَدِ إِذَا اشْتَكَى عُضْوًا تَدَاعَى لَهُ سَائِرُ جَسَدِهِ بِالسَّهَرِ وَالْحُمَّى ”.
Narrated An-Nu`man bin Bashir: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “You see the believers as regards their being merciful among themselves and showing love among themselves and being kind, resembling one body, so that, if any part of the body is not well then the whole body shares the sleeplessness (insomnia) and fever with it.”
Sahih al-Bukhari 6011
Nurturing our relationships with parents, spouses, children, extended family, neighbours, and fellow sisters is therefore a spiritual act. When we create safe spaces to support one another with honesty, discretion, and remembrance of Allah, we strengthen both our emotional well-being and our faith.
In learning to guard our tongues, manage our emotions, and care for the hearts of those closest to us, we transform everyday interactions into acts of worship. Our homes and relationships become training grounds for practicing patience, mercy, and selflessness for the sake of Allah.
Movement and Endorphins: Honoring the Body Allah Gave Us
When energy dips and moods fluctuate, gentle movement can make a real difference. Walking, stretching, or light exercise releases endorphins that lift the mood and energize the body.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، وَعَلِيُّ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ الطَّنَافِسِيُّ، قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ إِدْرِيسَ، عَنْ رَبِيعَةَ بْنِ عُثْمَانَ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ يَحْيَى بْنِ حَبَّانَ، عَنِ الأَعْرَجِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ ” الْمُؤْمِنُ الْقَوِيُّ خَيْرٌ وَأَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِ الضَّعِيفِ وَفِي كُلٍّ خَيْرٌ احْرِصْ عَلَى مَا يَنْفَعُكَ وَاسْتَعِنْ بِاللَّهِ وَلاَ تَعْجِزْ فَإِنْ أَصَابَكَ شَىْءٌ فَلاَ تَقُلْ لَوْ أَنِّي فَعَلْتُ كَذَا وَكَذَا . وَلَكِنْ قُلْ قَدَّرَ اللَّهُ وَمَا شَاءَ فَعَلَ فَإِنَّ ” لَوْ ” تَفْتَحُ عَمَلَ الشَّيْطَانِ ” .
It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, although both are good. Strive for that which will benefit you, seek the help of Allah, and do not feel helpless. If anything befalls you, do not say, “if only I had done such and such” rather say “Qaddara Allahu wa ma sha’a fa’ala (Allah has decreed and whatever he wills, He does).” For (saying) ‘If’ opens (the door) to the deeds of Satan.'”
Sunan Ibn Majah 79
Strength includes emotional and physical vitality. Caring for our bodies through rest, nutrition, and movement equips us to fulfill our responsibilities to family, community, and ourselves. Even small, intentional movements done with focus and mindfulness can become acts of worship, softening the nafs and stabilizing the heart.
Gentle movement also supports emotional regulation. When the body is balanced, we are less likely to act impulsively or be overwhelmed by fleeting feelings. In this way, caring for our physical health directly enhances our emotional resilience, relationships, and spiritual well-being.
Charity and Service: Finding Joy in Giving
Charity and acts of service have a powerful emotional effect. Helping others releases multiple “happy hormones”: dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins, while filling the heart with purpose and connection.
وَحَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ رَافِعٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّزَّاقِ بْنُ هَمَّامٍ، حَدَّثَنَا مَعْمَرٌ، عَنْ هَمَّامِ بْنِ، مُنَبِّهٍ قَالَ هَذَا مَا حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدٍ، رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَذَكَرَ أَحَادِيثَ مِنْهَا وَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم “ كُلُّ سُلاَمَى مِنَ النَّاسِ عَلَيْهِ صَدَقَةٌ كُلَّ يَوْمٍ تَطْلُعُ فِيهِ الشَّمْسُ – قَالَ – تَعْدِلُ بَيْنَ الاِثْنَيْنِ صَدَقَةٌ وَتُعِينُ الرَّجُلَ فِي دَابَّتِهِ فَتَحْمِلُهُ عَلَيْهَا أَوْ تَرْفَعُ لَهُ عَلَيْهَا مَتَاعَهُ صَدَقَةٌ – قَالَ – وَالْكَلِمَةُ الطَّيِّبَةُ صَدَقَةٌ وَكُلُّ خَطْوَةٍ تَمْشِيهَا إِلَى الصَّلاَةِ صَدَقَةٌ وَتُمِيطُ الأَذَى عَنِ الطَّرِيقِ صَدَقَةٌ ” .
Hammam b. Munabbih reported that-this is out of (those ahadith) which Abu Huraira narrated to us from Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). And he while making a mention of ahadith reported from Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said this: Sadaqa is due on every joint of a person, every day the sun rises. Administering of justice between two men is also a Sadaqa. And assisting a man to ride upon his beast, or helping him load his luggage upon it, is a Sadaqa; and a good word is a Sadaqa; and every step that you take towards prayer is a Sadaqa, and removing of harmful things from the pathway is a Sadaqa.
Sahih Muslim 1009
۞ وَسَارِعُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍۢ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتُ وَٱلْأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ ١٣٣
And hasten towards forgiveness from your Lord and a Paradise as vast as the heavens and the earth, prepared for those mindful ˹of Allah˺.
ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ فِى ٱلسَّرَّآءِ وَٱلضَّرَّآءِ وَٱلْكَـٰظِمِينَ ٱلْغَيْظَ وَٱلْعَافِينَ عَنِ ٱلنَّاسِ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ ١٣٤
˹They are˺ those who donate in prosperity and adversity, control their anger, and pardon others. And Allah loves the good-doers.
Ali ‘Imran 133-134
وَعَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ - رضى الله عنه - قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اَللَّهِ - صلى الله عليه وسلم -{ مَنْ نَفَّسَ عَنْ مُؤْمِنٍ كُرْبَةً مِنْ كُرَبِ اَلدُّنْيَا, نَفَّسَ اَللَّهُ عَنْهُ كُرْبَةً مِنْ كُرَبِ يَوْمِ اَلْقِيَامَةِ , وَمَنْ يَسَّرَ عَلَى مُعْسِرٍ, يَسَّرَ اَللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ فِي اَلدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ, وَمَنْ سَتَرَ مُسْلِمًا, سَتَرَهُ اَللَّهُ فِي اَلدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ, وَاَللَّهُ فِي عَوْنِ اَلْعَبْدِ مَا كَانَ اَلْعَبْدُ فِي عَوْنِ أَخِيهِ } أَخْرَجَهُ مُسْلِمٌ. 1 .
1 - صحيح. رواه مسلم (2699)، وتمامه: ” ومن سلك طريقا يلتمس فيه علما، سهل الله به طريقا إلى الجنة، وما اجتمع قوم في بيت من بيوت الله، يتلون كتاب الله، ويتدارسونه بينهم، إلا نزلت عليهم السكينة، وغشيتهم الرحمة، وحفتهم الملائكة، وذكرهم الله فيمن عنده... ومن بطأ به عمله، لم يسرع به نسبه”.Abu Hurairah (RAA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “If anyone relieves a Muslim believer from one of the hardships of this worldly life, Allah will relieve him of one of the hardships of the Day of Resurrection. If anyone makes it easy for the one who is indebted to him (while finding it difficult to repay), Allah will make it easy for him in this worldly life and in the Hereafter, and if anyone conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults in this world and in the Hereafter. Allah helps His slave as long as he helps his brother.” Related by Muslim.
Bulugh al-Maram
Even small acts like listening to a friend, helping a neighbor or volunteering your time remind us that we are part of something greater than ourselves. Serving others is also a discipline of the nafs: it shifts the focus from self-centered feelings to selfless action. In moments of emotional turbulence, acts of service can ground us, strengthen our resilience, and refine our character for the sake of Allah.
Emotional Responsibility: Rising Above the Nafs
While caring for our own emotional well-being is important, our feelings do not give us license to harm others or neglect their rights. Hormonal swings and emotional highs and lows may explain our reactions, but they do not justify anger, gossip, or cutting ties impulsively.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
وعن أبى هريرة رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: ليس الشديد بالصرعة، إنما الشديد الذى يملك نفسه عند الغضب” ((متفق عليه))
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “The strong man is not the one who wrestles, but the strong man is in fact the one who controls himself in a fit of rage.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Riyad as-Salihin 646
True strength lies in controlling the nafs, showing patience, and acting with mercy. We are tested in our relationships, and responding with fairness, restraint, and forgiveness, even when we are hurt or overwhelmed, is an act of worship. Allah says:
وَلَا تَسْتَوِى ٱلْحَسَنَةُ وَلَا ٱلسَّيِّئَةُ ۚ ٱدْفَعْ بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ فَإِذَا ٱلَّذِى بَيْنَكَ وَبَيْنَهُۥ عَدَٰوَةٌۭ كَأَنَّهُۥ وَلِىٌّ حَمِيمٌۭ ٣٤
Good and evil cannot be equal. Respond ˹to evil˺ with what is best, then the one you are in a feud with will be like a close friend.
Fussilat 41:34
Modern culture often encourages cutting ties or “protecting your peace” at the first sign of discomfort. Islam teaches resilience, accountability, and selflessness. Even when others act unjustly or hurtfully, we are called to rise above, refining our hearts and building strength through patience, faith, and consciousness of Allah.
Conclusion: Sakinah Over Perfection
Islam does not promise a life without emotional waves, hormonal fluctuations, or relational challenges. Instead, it offers something deeper: sakinah, a steady tranquility rooted in trust in Allah.
Through salah, dhikr, gratitude, istighfār, gentle movement, acts of service, and nurturing relationships, Muslim women can care for both their emotional and spiritual well-being. These practices support our natural chemistry, our “happy hormones”, while training the nafs to respond with patience, selflessness, and mindfulness.
Feeling sensitive or low at times is a reminder to approach ourselves and others with compassion, to prioritize rest, connection, and reflection, and to act responsibly despite our emotions. Even when life tests us, or others act unjustly, responding with mercy, restraint, and remembrance of Allah protects the heart and transforms everyday moments into acts of worship.
By aligning our daily habits with faith, we create space for joy, resilience, inner peace, and sakinah to grow, a pathway to wholeness, strength, and contentment in both this life and the Hereafter.
