The Practice of Dhikr as a Complementary Approach in Reducing Anxiety Symptoms: A Case Study

In a challenging modern era, the issue of anxiety is becoming increasingly concerning, particularly among university students facing academic, social, and emotional stress. Hence, alternative and complementary approaches rooted in spiritual values, such as the practice of dhikr (remembrance of God), are viewed as potential methods to help alleviate stress and internal anxiety. This study aims to explore the practice of dhikr as a psychospiritual approach to reducing anxiety symptoms among individuals, specifically university students. The practice of dhikr involves the repetition of specific recitations as a spiritual practice that provides emotional and mental tranquility. A qualitative case study design was employed, focusing on a single respondent clinically diagnosed with an anxiety disorder by a medical specialist. Data were collected through two interview sessions, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis, yielding five main themes: early trauma history, physical and emotional symptoms, anxiety triggers (external and internal), and coping mechanisms (family support and religious practices). The findings revealed positive changes in emotional stability, a reduction in physical symptoms such as shortness of breath and heart palpitations, and an enhanced capacity to manage life stressors. These results support the potential of dhikr practice as a holistic, complementary approach in addressing mental health issues and strengthening individual psychospiritual wellbeing.

Anxiety, Dhikr, Islamic Psychospiritual, Mental Wellbeing

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