A close-up of prayer beads resting on an open Quran page, depicting Islamic faith and worship.

Emotional Regulation for Muslims – What I Teach My Clients

One of the biggest things I’ve seen in my coaching is this: many of us were never taught how to feel… safely.

Sana, a sister in her late 30s, once told me, “I feel like I either explode or completely shut down.” We worked together on emotional regulation, and here’s what helped her the most:

 

1. The Emotional Thermometer

We rated emotions daily from 1–10. Sana learned to spot her triggers early (around 4–5) instead of reacting only at a 9. Self-awareness = self-control.

 

2. Emotional Language Building

Instead of just saying “angry,” I gave her words like “frustrated,” “hurt,” “disappointed,” and “disrespected.” Naming emotions with more precision helps us respond rather than react.

 

3. Faith as a Regulator

We anchored all her reflection in the Qur’an. Ayahs like:

 

“Indeed, with hardship comes ease.” (94:6)
reminded her that her emotions are part of the test — and the mercy.

 

➡️ Takeaway: Emotions are not a sign of failure. They’re signals. And when we learn to listen with faith and strategy, they become doors to healing.