Restlessness (Qalaq)

Restlessness is a spiritual anxiety — the inability of the heart to find peace. The soul feels unsettled no matter what it achieves, acquires, or experiences. It is the opposite of sakinah (tranquility) that Allah places in the hearts of the believers.

Definition

Qalaq is the persistent inner unease and agitation that comes from a heart disconnected from its source of peace — the remembrance of Allah. It manifests as chronic dissatisfaction, anxiety about the future, and an inability to be present.

Signs of Restlessness

• Constant feeling that something is missing despite having blessings
• Inability to sit still in worship or reflection
• Chasing the next thing — next purchase, next achievement, next experience
• Sleep difficulties caused by racing, anxious thoughts
• Feeling empty after moments that should bring joy

Islamic Perspective

Allah says: "Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest." (Ar-Ra'd 13:28)

And: "But whoever turns away from My remembrance — indeed, he will have a depressed life." (Ta-Ha 20:124)

The heart was created to find rest in Allah alone. When it seeks rest in anything else, it remains restless.

Treatment

1. Establish dhikr: Morning and evening adhkar create a spiritual anchor
2. Pray with presence: Khushu' in salah is the greatest source of sakinah
3. Reduce stimulation: Constant scrolling, noise, and distraction feed restlessness
4. Practice gratitude daily: Name specific blessings — gratitude calms the anxious heart
5. Accept qadr: Much restlessness comes from resisting what Allah has decreed
6. Seek solitude with Allah: Spend time in quiet reflection — the heart needs stillness to heal