Suffers from Social Anxiety and Feels Lonely

12-12-2019 | IslamWeb

Question:

I'm 27 years old (male) and I had social anxiety since my childhood, I've been tying to fight it for a very long time. I have this problem because of the treatment i received at home and Society . My younger brother also have this problem and it has probably no solution for it. But still I refuse to accept this, and kept fighting.
My best friend suggested me that I should stop worrying of what others think of me, stop being too nice with people (or people pleaser), start being like a leader who doesn't seek approval from anyone, feel inferior from others or isn't afraid or ashamed of doing anything, and be a little cocky.
It actually helped me a little (I actually became a little confident). I'm not afraid of going in public places or take public transports and go wherever I want anymore. But I'm still lonely without many friends. I don't know how to meet new people and hold a conversation properly without being awkward (I don't know what to say).
Loneliness is my greatest pain... I never had many friends and a good social life.
I heard Islam has all the solution to your problem, Including social anxiety. Someone told me that ''zikr'' is the solution, but I can't see how sitting at your and making zikr would solve your problem without any ''actions''. I've been praying nonstop for 3 month now and kept asking Allah, but nothing changed.
Is there any other Islamic solution for this? I don't want to spend my life like this. I read somewhere that Allah doesn't give extreme sadness to a believer, so that he wouldn't lose faith in him.
What should I do? What actions should I take? I don't want to be lonely.

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

The solution for your problem is to continue to obey Allah and return to Him. Your heart should be attached to Him and you should strive in supplicating Him to ward off what you experience.

Your main concern should be pleasing Allah Alone and do not bother with what people say.

Islam encourages seeking treatment, as the Prophet said: “Seek treatment, o slaves of Allah.” So comply with this blessed advice and consult trustworthy doctors, and act according to their advice.

We ask Allah to cure you and bless you with wellness.

Allah knows best.