InInshirahislamically integrated self-help
ThemeQuestion the thought
Time60 seconds
MomentUnder stress
1Notice when you have jumped to the worst story, and hold it as a guess, not a fact.
CoreQuestion the thought60 secondsQur'an 49:12

They meant to hurt me, this always happens. Label these as theories, then look for evidence.

Where it sits. Emotion regulation, cognitive reappraisal (CBT)

Islamic evidence

Avoid much suspicion, for some suspicion is sin (Qur'an 49:12). The worst assumption is often the most painful and the least true.

Believers, avoid making too many assumptions- some assumptions are sinful- and do not spy on one another or speak ill of people behind their backs: would any of you like to eat the flesh of your dead brother? No, you would hate it. So be mindful of God: God…

Qur'an 49:12

Psychological evidence

Much suffering comes from the harshest interpretation, not the event itself. Holding the dark story as one theory among others loosens its grip.

Gross, J. J.; John, O. P. (2003). Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · doi

Cognitive reappraisal, reframing a situation, is linked to better mood, relationships and wellbeing than bottling feelings up.

Review detail

Why it works. Catching a catastrophic reading and testing it against the facts lowers distress.

Managing emotionsUnder stressscholar review pendingemo-05-worst-story

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