My faith is getting weak - Please advise me

[cbr]

Salaam,

First of all, only read this if you can give me a serious response. Not to sound mean but I really need sincere and factual advice.

I know it's Ramadan and a time in which the soul becomes closer to Allah and the faith gets stronger...but mine feels weaker.

So far I've kept all my fasts and I also pray...sometimes. I prayed at least once a day in ramadan, some days 4 or 5 prayers.

The thing is, I live my life with what Allah has given me. Yes, it's definetly not perfect or even close to it, but I am pretty thankful. But still, when I look at people who have it better than me (and trust me, this has nothing to do with money) I feel sad and upset.

Yes, I've heard the Prophet's (Peace be upon him) hadith about not looking at the person above you but rather the one how has it worse....but sorry to say that doesn't cut it for me. I feel that what this specific thing that Allah hasn't given me is something that is as if Allah is teasing me and making things worse when it doesn't have to be.

I think to myself, why couldn't Allah just test me without this certain thing being a factor in my life? Islam teaches us that Allah doesn't put one through something that he/she can't handle...and the more He tests you the more he loves you. Yeah well, that doesn't cut it also. I mean come on, I look at people who live a life of sin and don't even think once about God in a day and they go along perfectly in this life. Islam says that those unbelievers will have the torment in the afterlife, but why the heck should I have to go through my torment now? I mean, I am respecting and praising God now, not later, now. So why does God make me wait and have to go through the suffering in this life and on top of that just hope for heaven....I'm not even gaurenteed it...unless you count being tormented in Hell first. Shoot, for all I know my book might be given behind my back. And to think that the life I lived in this world was painful and the afterlife will be as well. What a thought.

I also see other people have it so much worse than me, other Muslims on top of that! Look at most of the Muslim countries around the world. They suffer on a daily basis, I have it good compared to them and I am very thankful for that.

I know Allah can see exactly how I feel and he will judge me accordingly. Maybe my reward will be greater because of this, I don't know.

But one thing that really has shaken my faith is this......I feel really guilty sometimes. I feel that just because of this negative aspect of my life, I look for an answer....and that answer turns me towards Allah. This really hurts me inside. I feel that on the day of judgement, Allah will tell me that I only believed in him as a hope because I didn't have any hope in this life. Isn't that wrong? I think it is. Because I see it as a desperation. Let's say I started this life over (without any memory of this life) and Allah didn't put me in the situation I am in now, would I have close to the same amount of faith in Allah? Probably not. I would just live my life without looking for an "answer" to why my life is this way. I would just live life and die. Honestly, it's a awful thought in my mind if Allah made my life this certain way just so that I would have faith in him. Because I feel that this faith is a weak faith.

Yes this is a long post and if you are reading until now may Allah bless you for your time and effort.

One more thing...I guess this is a different topic but this also shakes my faith. Why is it that Islam teaches us that a person who doesn't believe in Allah will go to hell no matter what they did in this life. I have read this with my own eyes. I really don't see the point in that. Yes, Allah made this world as He wished and who am I to ask questions like this...but I also feel that Allah gave us the mind to think things through, and the Quran talks about this a lot..to ponder. So why is it that a person who lives a good life but doesn't believe in God will go to hell? I can understand it in the way that the person feels that he/she is self sufficent, but come on, the person lived an unselfished life so how can they be punished?

I don't know...life is weird, that is a conclusion to this I guess. I didn't ask to be in it and sometimes I wish that I was nothing and never existed. Who cares if I wouldn't get to go to heaven because I wouldn't go to hell either, I would be nothing. Seriously, what is pleasure and pain? They are just feelings. My body and soul are slaves to these feelings. I think i'm gonna sto p here.

-Muslim brother

[fagie]

Innalilahi wa innailaihiraji'un

I just cant imagine how bad your suffering would be, i hope it is not due to love or marital problem, which unfortunately one of the major causes of people leaving behind their faith.

I think better if u explain what really is your major problem.
This is the work of the syaitan, instilling confusion into yur heart.

As for people who lead a good life and still hasnt receive the message of God, i hav heard he/she will not go straight away to hell, but will judge accordingly by God. And the person him/herself can put a blame toward us , as Muslim for not bringing the message to them. This shows how important da'wah is.

peace
:)

[cbr]

I prefer not to say what it is. I think my point gets across without mentioning it.

thanks for the response.

[albinsaid09]

What you are going through now is the same thing what my muslim friend experience abot few years back and i believe that many more people have experienced the same thing as you have. I agree with fagie that this is the work of shaitan. In my opinion , It seems that shaitan has blind you. Let me tell you this if all nonmuslims knew the truth what is going to happen to them during judgement day, they would cry and leve all the material gain in this earth. I suggest you confide with your family or friends or an imam .
Things you can do to distance away from shaitan are 1) read the quran and understand the meanings 2) interact with people who are religious 3)praise Allah:subhanallah: :astag: .
Well , you can be optimistic though. This test can make you a stronger muslim
Inchallah , you get over this and remember that the bigger the test, the more Allah loves you . Well, i am jealous then.Just joking. Who says you cannot you cannot be a practicing muslim and enjoy life at the same time.

[alhamdulillah]

:bismillah:

:wasalam: Dear Member..Ramadan Kareem to you Insha'Allah and welcome to this site!

Please note..i will do my best to give you sincere advice..feel free to read on...

All Praise is due to Allah and i thank Him for everything.

Brother i will go through some of your points Insha'Allah to keep it on the topic and not drift off Insha'Allah.

firstly you mentioned:

"I feel that what this specific thing that Allah hasn't given me is something that is as if Allah is teasing me and making things worse when it doesn't have to be."

Subhan'Allah....wallahi Subhan'Allah (Glory be to Allah)....Allah says in the Qu'ran "It may be that you like somthing but it would bring about you no good and it may be that you dislike something whilst it brings you good..."

Subhan'Allah - look at Allah's wisdom..filled with truth....please remember that i am not lecturing you in anyway, it is only just sincere advice!

based on the above verse - just as an example, when a child or we oursleves fall ill, we go to seek some remedy right? we go to a doctor whom would advice us of what to do e.g. rest, take so and so medicine etc the doctor prescribes some medicine for us which would or could be bitter in taste, especially for a child! its bitter alright, but it would Insha'Allah bring good to the health no? (note however - doctors are just there as an advisor/carer the SHIFA (actuall cure) comes from Allah Alone!)

so for one to say that Allah is teasing me...hasnt even tasted the medicine to say such a statement! (im not hinting anything directly at you so please dont mind!) i'd rather speak to you as i go then just to advice and advice which sometimes people cant be bothered with!

second, you mentioned:

"I think to myself, why couldn't Allah just test me without this certain thing being a factor in my life?"

Allah says in Surah al- Baqarah (Verse 155) "And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient,
(verse 156) Who, when disaster strikes them, say, "Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return!"

(verse 157) "Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and Mercy. And it is those who are [rightly] guided."

Subhan'Allah - now based on the above inspiring verses, what could be more severe in pain then having your parents die in front of your very own eyes?

let me recall it to you when the companion of Alayhis sallatu wassalam, Amr bin Yassar (Radi'Allahu anhum) saw his mother (Sumayah) and Father (Yassar) KILLED before his eyes....the disbelievers tortured his mother and in the end stabbed her with a spear (i believe)....wallahi one needs to reflect from this story and realise that parents are such a blessing in ones life and when that is taken away from you..then yes it would hurt...dont get me wrong, im not saying your situation is not worth talking about - im just hinting on something which should be dearer to you than all other affairs, your parents...as 'Paradise lies beneath you Mothers feet'..Subhan'Allah.

So Allah surely will test us in the loss of our loved ones, our wealth, children etc...we got to have Tawwakul (reliance) in Him Insha'Allah. And what a beautiful Eman did Amr (Radi'Allahu anhu) possess? (Subhan'Allah)

(by the way, Yassar and Sumayah are/were the first martyers of Islam and they are PROMISED Paradise!) Subhan'Allah.

thirdly, you mentioned:

"I look at people who live a life of sin and don't even think once about God in a day and they go along perfectly in this life"

Allah says in Surah Maryam (Verse 77) "Then have you seen he who disbelieved in Our verses and said "I will surely be given wealth and children (in the next life)"?
(Verse 78) "Has he looked into the Unseen, or has he taken from the Most Merciful a promise?"
(Verse 79) "No! We will record what he says and extend (i.e. increase) for him from the punishment extensively!"
(Verse 80) "And We will inherit him (in) what he mentions*, and he will come to Us alone!".

Subhan'Allah *Instead of giving him wealth and children in the Hereafter, Allah will take from him those he had in wordly life at the time of his death!.

(Verse 84 still Surah Maryam) "So be not patient over them. We only count out (i.e.allow) to them a [limited] number."*

* Of breaths, of days, or of evil deeds.

Subhan'Allah...i hope the above verses and quotes answered your question...remember that 'This life is prison for the believers whilst it is Paradise for the disbelievers. But the Hereafter would be Paradise for the Believers and prison for the disbelievers.' (Insha'Allah)

fourthly, you mentioned: (still reading? .... Alhamdulillah)

"So why does God make me wait and have to go through the suffering in this life and on top of that just hope for heaven....I'm not even gaurenteed it..."

Paradise is promised for those who believe....remember that no examiner will give you the answer to your test/s..but Allah being the Examiner of Examiners..has given you the answer to this lifes' test....which you'll find in the Glorious Qu'ran and the Sunnah of Alayhis sallatu wassalam...Insha'Allah!

Fifth, you said:

"Why is it that Islam teaches us that a person who doesn't believe in Allah will go to hell no matter what they did in this life. I have read this with my own eyes. I really don't see the point in that."

again...see above references and many other Verses in the Qu'ran..but just to touch on what you've said...dont forget Allah is All-Just...the people in this world who are not believers (yaa'ni in Allah-not Muslims) but are extremely helpful good etc...Allah will give there share of reward in THIS WORLD....the Hereafter is only for the BELIEVERS....(i dont think this should be disscussed futher...it is Allah's decree and we should accept it as that!)

Sixth point you mentioned:

"Who cares if I wouldn't get to go to heaven because I wouldn't go to hell either, I would be nothing. Seriously, what is pleasure and pain? They are just feelings."

Subhan'Allah...yes they are just feelings which one needs to endure with much patience.....you see the companions (Radi'Allahu anhum) of :saw: wished that they were leaves of trees which would just fall as Allah Wills the season to change...others wished similar things....the wisdom behinde it shows how fearful ther were of Allah..that they obviously were afraid of going to hell and afraid of His punishments overall.....

"Not a single leaf falls but that of which Allah Knows..."(Qu'ran) so how about the things what we reveal and conceal...do we not realise that we have a RABB (Lord) who knows all things?

lastly you mentioned:

"Honestly, it's a awful thought in my mind if Allah made my life this certain way just so that I would have faith in him. Because I feel that this faith is a weak faith."

Subhan'Allah...remember "Whomsoever Allah guides, none can lead astray. But whomsoever Allah leads astray, none can EVER guide...." (Qu'ran)

My dear Brother in Islam....what ever your situation...do not despair of the Mercy of Allah...what a b-yoo-ti-ful month to seek His (Subhanahu wa Taa'ala) aid....make lots of Dua to Him Alone that He may grant you Sabr....He obviously Knows the very best for his servents...

i dont know what more to say dear brother than to read the Qu'ran and implement it in your life and may Allah give us all the ability to to that Ameen...
Insha'Allah..you should and would find the answers to all your questions! May Allah bless you and protect you and help you to increase your faith aswell as us all Ameen.

always remember..."Through every Hardiship comes Ease..." (Qur'an) strengthen your link with Allah and remember Him much. "Verily in the rememberence of Allah do hearts find rest!" (Qur'an) these are Allah's Words and im assured! (Alhamdulillah ala kuli haal-All praise is due to Allah, i thank Him for everything)

May Allah make this month a blissful month for us all and may He bless us with His Rehma and enable us to taste and gain Halawatul Eman (the sweetness of Eman) Ameen Ya Rabb...

if theres any good in what ive said then its from Allah Alone, any faults mistakes, anything wrong are purely from my side!

with this i leave you in the View of Ar-Raheem and Jazak'Allah Khairan for you patients in reading this!

Ma'Salama
your sister in Islam...

[mosabaig]

My Bro:salam2:

Beleve need maintance as well.
Beautiful garden if neglected becomes a jungle and a house for wild animals of all sorts. The garden of Islam was left behind in prophets time was full of fruits of all sort which throughout the generations and with efforts, love and hard work was kept beautiful..now it's our weak hands which are wiggling and donot know its full worth. But let's come death which no one can stop we will know and see and be pleased or be very sad...

[Kayote]

Assalam-u-Aliekum,

I donot wish to beat about the bush so lets get on to the point.

First of all, I think you answer some of your own questions. Let me quote you.

So far I've kept all my fasts
and I also pray...sometimes. I prayed at least once a day in Ramadan, some days 4 or 5 prayers.
Did you know Salat is mentioned 67 times in the Quran? This should give you an idea how important Salat are. Salat is one of the most important deeds of Islam & comes before others like Zakat & Fast.
The thing is, I live my life with what Allah has given me. Yes, it's definitely not perfect or even close to it, but I am pretty thankful.
I feel that what this specific thing that Allah hasn't given me is something that is as if Allah is teasing me and making things worse when it doesn't have to be.
Do these comments make sense to you? First, you say you are thankful & then you are implying that Allah isn’t giving you what you want.
and I also pray...sometimes. I prayed at least once a day in Ramadan, some days 4 or 5 prayers.
I am respecting and praising God now, not later, now
Are you respecting God? Allah is our creator, He is so Superior that there is no comparison & He only asks us to offer 5 prayers a day. Yet, you are not even doing that. I am not going to touch other topics that a muslim should do. Prayers are the first step & you cannot respect that order from the creator of the entire time. So do you earnestly believe that you are respecting & giving Him the respect He has rightly commanded for us to give?
why does God make me wait and have to go through the suffering in this life and on top of that just hope for heaven....I'm not even guaranteed it...unless you count being tormented in Hell first.
When Prophet Muhammad himself asked other to pray from him so he(SAW) goes to Paradise, how can you or I have any confirmation that we are going to Paradise? What suffering you have suffered is nothing, absolutely diminutive in nature compared to what task & suffering Prophet Muhammad (SAW) had to endure in spreading the word of Islam. His whole life was a struggle & we all pray that Insha’Allah Muhammad (SAW) will go to Paradise. Allah alone (& only) knows who will go to Paradise and who will not. The best you & I can do is pray, make dua & hope for Allah’s mercy & his forgiveness is beyond measure.
I look at people who live a life of sin and don't even think once about God in a day and they go along perfectly in this life. Islam says that those unbelievers will have the torment in the afterlife, but why the heck should I have to go through my torment now?
It is a choice we all have & so do you. You can choose this life (average 65yrs?) of fun & ‘happiness’ (though I believe that happiness itself will be very hollow) or an eternity of happiness which cannot be measured. Just look at your watch for a sec & compared that to your whole lifetime & even this is poor example which doesn’t display the whole spectrum.
Look at most of the Muslim countries around the world. They suffer on a daily basis,…
That’s because the muslim ummah as a whole is weak, most of us donot pray or have firm belief in our faith. We are fighting with eachother. We are confused as we want to follow Islam yet we desire the western way of life & shameful display. We fight with eachother. We donot comprehend the importance of education nor do we study our own religion the way we should.
Let me stop here, I have a lot more to add but Im at work & have a lot of reporting to do. :) Take care until later.

:wasalam:

[cbr]

Thanks a lot my brothers (and sister).

That made me feel much better. I do feel that Allah is testing my faith in Him and insh'Allah on the day of judgement I will be able to proudly say that I kept faith even through the hardships I had to face in this life. I will live my life with Allah in mind.

One short surah that I really enjoy in the Quran is surah Asr:

103:1 By (the Token of) Time (through the ages),
103:2 Verily Man is in loss,
103:3 Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy.



I think that those who do not believe in Allah and do good in this life will be treated fair. Who am I kidding? Allah is the most just, the all seeing, the all hearing, the all knowing. And it is up to Allah wether he will let them enter paradise. I think the shaitaan makes me forget this about Allah sometimes and makes me feel alone like there is nobody who knows how I feel. It's easy to say Allah understands everything but to seriously believe it in your heart takes much faith.

Thanks guys, I'm going to save this page so if I ever feel like I need some support I can read it again. May Allah bless you all and all praise is due to Allah.

I plan to keep all my fasts this ramadan and also pray as much as possible, insh'Allah.

[alhamdulillah]

:bismillah:

:wasalam: noble brother...you are most welcome!

May Allah truely reward you for your patience and for reading our long replies...

na'am, its true, Shaytan does his best to divert us from the path of Allah/the path of truth...but since its Ramadan, the doors of Heaven are opened and for how long will we be blaming Shaytan?

on Yaum al'Qiyama (The Day of Judgement) Shaytan will literally deliver a speech. And in it he will say "Do not blame me for you position today, i only whispered to you to do evil, it is you who actually chose to hear my call as you could of simply avoided it. So blame yourselves!" (may Allah save us from the Fire of Hell - Ameen)

see even Shaytan knows that he can not harm Allah's true believers, but we all are humans, we make mistakes and we have a Lord who is Ever Forgiving Most Merciful - (Note, that is not to say we take advantage of His Mercy-just like He is Merciful, know that He is most severe punishment)

Alhamdulillah..im very happy for you brother....always rely on Allah and never feel alone. If a time comes when you do, then remember that you have a Lord who cares....Allah says, "If my servent takes one step towards Me, I will take ten towards him. If he comings walking to Me, I will come running to him." Subhan'Allah....

one other advice i would give however is to be amongst good companions Insha'Allah....remember that Association breeds Assimilation..... positive and negative alike! Subhan'Allah.

Tay'yib...i leave you in Allah's Care, may Allah give you tawfeeq in this World and the Next and may He Subhanahu wa Ta'aala accept from you your fasts and Ibadah together with ours Ameen ya Rabb!

Ma'Salama
your sister in Islam...

[shous]

I am kind of in the same boat, I feel very low in my religion. I have been thinking of going back to the catholic faith. I feel alone where I am at. :frown:
good luck brother, I will be praying for you.

[mr. ok]

:bismillah:

:salam2: my dear brothers and sisters (Muslims & non-Muslims).

I dont get it. How can one be a Muslim and not feel a comfort in his/her heart. What kind of a Muslim does not feel the sensational feeling of Islam (power)? How can one be a Muslim and not be satisfied? I can tell just by listening to you that your missing something (Islam & lack of effort).

One does not become a Muslim just by simply saying La-ilaha-il-Allah. You got to live/act it and not just move your tongue. You know what's your problem? You stay away from Islam (not praying salat) then you expect sympathy from Allah? Hey, am not trying to bash/judge you or anything like that but you need to understand that its your lack of effort that is weakening you. You dont even pray Salat the way it suppose to be done. Your not helping Allah just by praying sometimes. Allah does not need your Salat. By praying Salat you benefit yourself! Now who doesnt what to help himself/herself out?

I dont know what it is about Salat but when i pray Salat i feel a comfort in my heart. After i pray E-sha (i hope i spelled it right) i feel relieved and thank Allah for giving me the opportunity to pray Salat once again. Its like one of those feelings you get when you accomplish something that was expected from you (job/duty). Now you may be wondering why is this guy telling me how he feels.

The reason am telling you this is because as a Muslim one of the things that satisfies me is praying Salat. This is relevent to the point i was trying to make about satisfaction and comfort. So i never went off topic. If i did go off topic somehow then please forgive me as am trying to give you a sincere answer.

Its like your losing hope in yourself and not in Islam (gave up on life). Hey, things dont just come as one pleases. Have some patients. My mother always tells me, listen Osama, if you want to accomplish something in life get off your butt and go do something (best advice someone can give).

You wanted some sincere advice? Well, here's some: Pray Salat five times a day like you suppose to. Study Islam! Dont dig a hole by keeping away from Islam (not praying Salat five times a day or not studying). Most of our brothers and sisters will not study for their own and base almost all their knowledge they have about Islam on them imams. Self education and awareness (of Islam) is the key in strengthening the Ummah! May Allah give us E-lum (knowledge).

Sorry for the long response. Please forgive me if i said anything unsounded, offensive, or wrong to you.

barakAllah fik

[albinsaid09]

Tel you what 'shous' . what i suggest you to do is read lots and lot of the quran. Or maybe listen to the recitations of the imams from masjidil haram. It helps a lot . Read the translation and understand the meaning. It helps . TRy it!!!:biggrin:

[ibnAbdullah87]

:bismillah:

Allah's messenger :saw: said:Between a person and kufr and shirk is the abandonment of the prayer [Saheeh Muslim]

and he :saw: also said The covenant dividing us and them (i.e. the kuffaar) is the prayer. Who ever abandons it has committed kufr.

so this is advice and warning for all of us.

And He it is who accepts repentance from his servents, and forgives sins, and he knows what you do. [Soorah ash-Shooraa, Aayah 25]

so we should all ask Allah to forgive us for missed prayer for they are to much for us to remember them all and make up inshallah and Allah knows best.:subhanallah:

[shous]

I really feel no connection to Islam. But i DO have a connection to God. I always did. But when it comes to walking and talking like a Muslim. I dont.
I am married to a man who is a born Muslim and does not want me to dress or act Muslim. He says he wants me to be "normal".

The first day of Ramadan, i wore hijab to try and get `back` into my Islam habit, the that very day someone spit on my car door. It was so much i could not get in on the driver side. It was disgusting.
I took off hijab and my husband said it happened because of hijab and i did not look normal.
He does not want to pray or to talk about Islam or go to the mosque or be around Muslims. If we do we will stick out and not be `normal`.
THIS is why I am thinking of leaving. i need to feel a connection somewhere. So i feel i am forced to look else where.

[Kayote]

I really feel no connection to Islam. But i DO have a connection to God. I always did. But when it comes to walking and talking like a Muslim. I dont.
I am married to a man who is a born Muslim and does not want me to dress or act Muslim. He says he wants me to be "normal".

The first day of Ramadan, i wore hijab to try and get `back` into my Islam habit, the that very day someone spit on my car door. It was so much i could not get in on the driver side. It was disgusting.
I took off hijab and my husband said it happened because of hijab and i did not look normal.
He does not want to pray or to talk about Islam or go to the mosque or be around Muslims. If we do we will stick out and not be `normal`.
THIS is why I am thinking of leaving. i need to feel a connection somewhere. So i feel i am forced to look else where.

:salam2:

May I be blunt...

Did you embrace Islam for your husband (who clearly doesnot know or appreciate Islam) or for fear of Allah. If it is for the former, you are not hiding anything from Allah & all this prayers & hijab is for nothing. If it is for the later, trust in Allah & pray to him to give you strength & guidance.

The reason I did not put a question mark at the end of the question is because its not a question. Your relationship with Allah is only between you & Allah. We are here to learn from each other & try to assist in answering any questions or advise we may seek from each other (which itself is Allah's will).

I pray that you do not leave the truth but the decision is yours. If you truly desire something, you have to fight for it. Why not recite Quran & see if it opens your eyes to what you have.

Just be aware that there is significant difference between the concept of God in Islam (there is but One God - Surah 112 - Al-Ikhlas) & the concept of 'Trinity' in Christianity. Allah has set guidlines for us to follow & you & I donot have a say in the matter what we like (accept) & what we do not.

Having said the above, I do personally feel that Islam being a way of life, (a perfect Religion), we need to understand & be educated about it. And it takes time to comprehend the whole meaning & the whys & the whats. If you are new, Hijaab is not the most important aspect of Islam. Start from the basic & first of all, understand what it means to be a muslim. Take it a step at a time... which reminds me, there is a lecture from Jeffery Lang on Salat in the Media section, watch that to understand what I mean.

May Allah guide you & give you the strength to stay on the truth. Amen.

:wasalam:

[alhamdulillah]

I really feel no connection to Islam. But i DO have a connection to God. I always did. But when it comes to walking and talking like a Muslim. I dont.
I am married to a man who is a born Muslim and does not want me to dress or act Muslim. He says he wants me to be "normal".

The first day of Ramadan, i wore hijab to try and get `back` into my Islam habit, the that very day someone spit on my car door. It was so much i could not get in on the driver side. It was disgusting.
I took off hijab and my husband said it happened because of hijab and i did not look normal.
He does not want to pray or to talk about Islam or go to the mosque or be around Muslims. If we do we will stick out and not be `normal`.
THIS is why I am thinking of leaving. i need to feel a connection somewhere. So i feel i am forced to look else where.

:bismillah:

:salam2: Ramadan Kareem...may Allah reward you for your efforts Ameen.

Dear Ukthi, I would suggest you read the following Ayah's from the Glorious Qu'ran (Surah Baqarah)....

Surah Baqarah Verse 23: And if you are in doubt about what We have sent down upon Our servent , then produce a chapter the like thereof and call upon your witness [i.e. supporters] other than Allah, if you should be truthful.

Verse 24: But if you do not - and you will never be able to - then fear the Fire, whose fuel is men and stones, prepared for the disbelievers.

Verse 28: How can you disbelieve in Allah when you were lifeless and He brought you to life; then He will cause you to die, then He will bring you to life, and then to Him you will be returned.

[B]Verse 120: And never will the Jews and Christians approve of you untill you follow their religion. Say, "Indeed, the guidence of Allah is the [only] guidence. "If you were to follow their desires after what has come to you of knowledge, you would have against Allah no protector or helper.

Verse 161: Indeed those who disbelieve and die while they are disbelievers - upon them will be the curse of Allah and of the Angels and the people, all together.

Verse 208: O you who have believed, enter into Islam perfectly [and completely] and do not follow the footsteps of Shaytan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

Verse 209: But if you slip away [i.e. deviate] after clear proofs have come to you, then [I]know that [I]Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.

Verse 212: Beautified for those who disbelieve is the life of this world, and they ridicule those who believe. But those who fear Allah are above them on the Day of Ressurection. And Allah gives provision to whom He wills without account.

Just to hint also - the meaning of the word ISLAM is 'submission to the will of Allah'. This is the way of life ordained by Allah and taught by all of the Prophets from Adam to Muhammad :saw: and a Muslim is the one who submits himself to Allah.

In conclusion - may Allah increase us in our Faith, protect us from the trials of this world, help us to bear it with patience and reliance in Him and make us die as Muslims Ameen ya Rabb!

Its the Month of Ramadan and the doors of Mercy is opened. Try to Strengthen your link with Allah and make lots of Du'a to Him to keep you guided on the 'Haqq' (truth-the only truth to be more precise!). Be amongst good and righteous companions.

May Allah guide you dear sister as well as us all Ameen.

Truely, 'Whomsoever Allah guides, none can lead astray; but whomsoever Allah leads astray, none can ever guide!' (Qur'an) Subhan'Allah...

With this I leave you in the View of Ar-Raheem, Allah the Most-Merciful!

Ma'Salama
your sister in Islam...

[mr. ok]

:bismillah:

:salam2: my dear brothers and sisters (Muslims & non-Muslims)

Posted by Shous: I am married to a man who is a born Muslim and does not want me to dress or act Muslim. He says he wants me to be "normal".

I think the term "Muslim" has been misinterpreted so many times by so many people who dont understand the meaning of it. I just hope you understand that a person does not become a Muslim just by being born in a family that may claim to be Muslim. People often mistake hypocrisy with Muslims due to lack of understanding. They simply cannot differ between the two.

Posted by Shous: The first day of Ramadan, i wore hijab to try and get `back` into my Islam habit, the that very day someone spit on my car door. It was so much i could not get in on the driver side. It was disgusting.

I can feel what your going through. I get discriminated almost everday as my name is Osama. When someone asks me what my name is i tell them straight up that it is Osama. Am not ashamed of who i am or my name. They just simply dont know me. :) I live by many rules; sticks and stones may break me bones but words cannot bring me down, and this is just part of it.

Posted by Shous: I took off hijab and my husband said it happened because of hijab and i did not look normal.

Did not look normal? Ask your husband if he really knows why (reason behind it) a hijab is worn?

Posted by Shous: He does not want to pray or to talk about Islam or go to the mosque or be around Muslims. If we do we will stick out and not be `normal`.

How do you define "normal?" Am sorry to ask you this but is your husband a Muslim? People often misinterpret what a Muslim means. When i say Muslim i mean someone who has knowledge of Islam and practice's it. If they (whoever discriminates you) cant respect you as a person now then i doubt it if they will after you disguise yourself as a non-Muslim.

Posted by Shous: THIS is why I am thinking of leaving. i need to feel a connection somewhere. So i feel i am forced to look else where.[/QUOTE]

It seems like your trying to find a connection with people and not Allah, but whatever makes you happy. :)

Please forgive me if i sounded unsounded or said anything offensive to you.

barakAllah fik

[shous]

I am about to read the replys and I wanted to say this in response to one posters first question (to clear that up). Yes. I converted 2 years before I met my Husband.

[shous]

:bismillah:

:salam2: my dear brothers and sisters (Muslims & non-Muslims)

Posted by Shous: I am married to a man who is a born Muslim and does not want me to dress or act Muslim. He says he wants me to be "normal".

I think the term "Muslim" has been misinterpreted so many times by so many people who dont understand the meaning of it. I just hope you understand that a person does not become a Muslim just by being born in a family that may claim to be Muslim. People often mistake hypocrites with Muslims due to lack of understanding. They simply cannot differ between the two.

Posted by Shous: The first day of Ramadan, i wore hijab to try and get `back` into my Islam habit, the that very day someone spit on my car door. It was so much i could not get in on the driver side. It was disgusting.

I can feel what your going through. I get discriminated almost everday as my name is Osama. When someone asks me what my name is i tell them straight up that it is Osama. Am not ashamed of who i am or my name. They just simply dont know me. :) I live by many rules; sticks and stones may break me bones but words cannot bring me down, and this is just part of it.

Posted by Shous: I took off hijab and my husband said it happened because of hijab and i did not look normal.

Did not look normal? Ask your husband if he really knows why (reason behind it) a hijab is worn?

Posted by Shous: He does not want to pray or to talk about Islam or go to the mosque or be around Muslims. If we do we will stick out and not be `normal`.

How do you define "normal?" Am sorry to ask you this but is your husband a Muslim? People often misinterpret what a Muslim means. When i say Muslim i mean someone who has knowledge of Islam and practice's it. If they (whoever discriminates you) cant respect you as a person now then i doubt it if they will after you disguise yourself as a non-Muslim.

Posted by Shous: THIS is why I am thinking of leaving. i need to feel a connection somewhere. So i feel i am forced to look else where.


My husbands idea of ~normal~ is looking like a typical american.

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I am going to pray very hard about this! It has really just got me down.
wasalamm

[ibnAbdullah87]

I hope you will benefit from this fatwa.

Question:

I have a brother-in-law who rarely prays. I live with my husband’s family and [ the female members of] his family sit with him even if the Imam is praying. What should I do? I am not one of his relatives (mahram). Is there any sin upon me since I do not have the ability to advise him?
Answer:

If he does not pray, then he is deserving to be boycotted. You should not greet him nor should you respond to his greeting, until he repents. This is because not praying is a greater form of kufr [that takes one out of the fold of Islam]. This is true even if a person does not deny that it is obligatory. This is according to the most correct opinion among the scholars. The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi-wasallam) said,
“The covenant that is between us and them [the disbelievers] is the prayer. Whoever abandons it has committed blasphemy.” This was recorded by Ahmed and the compilers of the Sunan with a sound chain.

The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi-wasallam) said, “Between a man and disbelief and polytheism is the abandoning of the prayer.” This is recorded by Imam Muslim in his sahih.

However, if a person denies the obligation of the prayers, then he is a disbeliever according to the consensus of the scholars.

Therefore, it is obligatory upon his family to advise him and to boycott him if he does not repent. It is obligatory to take his matter to the ruler for him to be asked to repent. If he repents,[that is accepted from him]. If he does not repent, he is to be killed. This is because Allah has said in the Qur’an,

“But if they repent and offer prayer perfectly and give zakat, then leave their way free.” (at-Tauba: 5)

Also, the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi-wasallam) said,

“I have been prohibited from killing those who pray.” [1]

These evidences show that one who does not pray is not to have his “way left free” and there is no prohibition against killing him if he is taken to the authorities and he does not repent. And Allah is the One who provides guidance.

___________________________

[1]. Recorded by Abu Dawud. Some of the narrators in the chain are unknown. However, due to supporting evidence, al-Albani has called this hadith sahih.See Muhammed Nasir al-Din al-Albani,Sahih Sunan Abu Dawud (Riyadh: Maktaba al-Tarbiyah al-Arabi li-Daul al-Khaleej,1989), vol. 3 p. 931. He discusses it in some detail, although without mentioning that it is recorded by Abu Dawud, in Muhammed Nasir al-Din al-Albani,Silsilat al-Ahadith al-Sahiha (Riyadh: Maktaba al-Maarif,1991), Vol. 5, p. 493


Shaykh `Abdul-`Azeez Bin Baz
Islamic Fatawa Regarding Women - Darussalam Pg.34-36

[ninejeddah]

Bismillah

As Salaamu Alaikum

Dear Bro:

I know your pain mine too it has been what others have. Not money but family closeness long good marriages things like that I struggle in the same ways that you do. But I know that Allah never puts a burden on us greater than we can bear I know what was told to me if I will increase my ibadah then I will get comfort. I don't always want to hear these things but when I listen and act on them I usually survive the slump I am in. The most important thing for me is to pray even when I don't want to if I miss them I make them up and I ALWAYS FEEL BETTER. My own personal dua'a is O Allah grant me acceptance of Your Qadar O Allah grant me strength in Your Qadar and O Allah help me to make things better even if they never change Amin

I have a brother who may be in the last days of his life May Allah Ta'ala bless him with peace as struggles with his illness. May Allah Ta'ala bless him to have all of his sins exonerated as a result of each and every ache and pain he has AMIN. His wife is struggling but strong as ox and surely holding on the rope of ALLAH Ta'ala He can't get to the Masjid like before so he leads his family in salaah at home and despite his terminal brain cancer he is fasting and Al Hamdulillah the brothers from all different Masajid come to him after Fajr to read Qur'an with him. His strength will forever and always be a source of strength for all the bare witness to his illness. Those big strong brothers in this community have been brought to tears talking about his patience and his strength and his adherence to this DIN. That is another thing don't just look at those less fortunate than you find a sick or handicapped brother you can help it will strengthen you far more than it will help them trust me.

I tell you my brother increase your ibadah hold on to the rope of ALLAH Subhanah wa Ta'ala no matter what.

Your Sister in Faith

Umm Mecca Sakinah bint Hyman

[Sister Zara]

I really feel no connection to Islam. But i DO have a connection to God. I always did. But when it comes to walking and talking like a Muslim. I dont.
I am married to a man who is a born Muslim and does not want me to dress or act Muslim. He says he wants me to be "normal".

The first day of Ramadan, i wore hijab to try and get `back` into my Islam habit, the that very day someone spit on my car door. It was so much i could not get in on the driver side. It was disgusting.
I took off hijab and my husband said it happened because of hijab and i did not look normal.
He does not want to pray or to talk about Islam or go to the mosque or be around Muslims. If we do we will stick out and not be `normal`.
THIS is why I am thinking of leaving. i need to feel a connection somewhere. So i feel i am forced to look else where.

:salam2: Dear sister shous, May Allah shower His Mercy and blessing upon you-ameen.

You did feel a connection with Islam sis, or you wouldn't have reverted. How, why and when that connection was severed are questions to which you have to seek an answer for within yourself. It could be due to insufficient knowledge, misunderstanding, misconceptions, support, influence and Islamic deeds.

The answer would be to learn, learn and learn some more. I was born muslim, but only began to understand Islam by increasing my knowledge of it and especially by reading the Quran with translation. I too had difficulty understand many islamic/shariah laws. It was only by actively seeking the truth that I overcame obstacles which were preventing me from... may I say a 'full blown muslim'. It is difficult to relate to what you do not understand. Therefore my dear sister my sincerest advice would be that you increase your knowledge of deen and all that it implements.

Sadly, your husband is not a good influence on you, and dear sis, the shaytaan can see the weaknesses and using them to mislead you from the Truth. I am sure that if your husband had been a practicing muslim, he would've aided you in implementing deen in your lives and as a result helped to strenthen your imaan.

But neither your husband or the people who mock you for wearing hijaab, will be of any use to you when you will be standing before Allah (swt) on the Day of Reckoning. Only your deeds and state of imaan will be of help to you. This world hun, is but a path on which we are all travelling to the next. Our final destiny. What you find hard to do now, you'd leave in a blink if you could glimpse the rewards in the here-after. However we can't take a peek into Jannah hun, or we'd all desire to die today. We only have blind faith. And that is a test in itself.

Take it upon yourself to seek knowledge of deen. Whether that offends your husband or others, let it be. Like I said before they won't be able to help you when you face Allah in the End. They will go to their grave and you to yours.

Once you understand Islam, by that I mean when it makes sense to you, you will yourself begin to implement deen in your life. We should be more concerned about pleasing our Creator, who has given us life, given us so many blessings, even the faculties you are using to express your feelings, than to please others who only lead us astray from the true path.

I sincerely hope that you will take my advice inshaAllah. It would sadden me a great deal to see my sister in Islam stray from the Truth.

I leave you in the care of Allah (swt) and with my duaas, inshaAllah. You are welcome to talk to me anytime you wish. :)

Love you for the sake of Allah,

Zara.

:wasalam:

[abbasnajafi]

assalam alaikum

dear cbr , first i would like to introduce myself , abbas ,23, from iraq , and i am realy glad to hear that there are muslims in a place like the united states and i am really glad and eger to help , and we can discuss untill we come out with the right result , my email address is******* EDITED******.

first lets know what is faith , i mean faith in what , how can we be leaded to strong faith , i may not tell you that i am a tipical muslim , but i know much about belief and if you are really searching for some thing we inshallah will start from the beginning.

[Karima]

Asalamualikum,

Both to Cbr and to Shous,

I can sense that you are wanting more of Allah in your lives. There have been 'dry' places, and 'challenges' of living out the way of Islam.

I can identify with Shous, in the fact, that she wants to be 100% loyal to Allah....and through nature of being 'accepted' by her husband encouraging her not to do this, is putting a thorn in her side. He needs to be a prayerful, and be proud of his wife to wear the hijab....only for his eyes to see her beauty. And for her to be loyal to what Allah has permitted of being covered.

Shous is on the right track, especially when she was muslim 2 years prior to marrying her husband. It is ashame that her husband takes Islam so lightly. She should remain strong in her convictions of what would please God/Allah.

I cannot think of what to say much to Cbr, but out of respect to this forum that was started by Cbr, I want to give attention to the needs mentioned.
So I have read the responses, and feel that we all want to give encouragement to search and be strong in our own devotion to Allah.

Shous, do not allow weak people to bring you down to their level of how they live their lives. You are only accountable to your heart and soul to God/Allah. Take your time and 'listen' to the right thing to do, through prayer, and just being patient. Waiting might seem long, but in the meantime, be strong in your desire to do what is right. And do not loose all the good that you have inside of you....

You should not listen to anything that is not from Allah's guidance through people who want to influence you to do the wrong thing. You can make it, taking a step towards the light of truth.

I hope I was able to help just a little. You seem to have been going on the right path all along......and others want you to leave the simple path to Allah...and follow the 'worldly' ideals. You are not alone. Allah sees all and knows all.

Sallam

[ibnAbdullah87]

Sister if your husband is as you say he is and does not pray and does not want you to wear hijab and disobey Allah then you should not be married to him and the majority of scholars say the one who does not pray is a kafir and they bring strong proofs and if that is the case then a muslim women can not be married to a non-muslim. And if he is still muslim he is a disobident and you should not stay married to him in either case. He is bring harm upon you and this is one of the few case is were you are allowed to ask for divorce of maybe even encouraged and Allah knows best.

You will not find a people who believe in Allah and the Last Day loving those who oppose Allah and his messeger, even if they are their fahters, or their sons, or their brothers, or their kinsfolk. Rather Allah has decreed true faith for their hearts, and strengthened them with proof,light and guidance from him; and he will enter them into the gardens of Paradise beneath whose trees rivers will flow, and they will dwell therein forever. Allah is pleased with them and they with him. They are the party of Allah. Indeed the party of Allah are the successful. [sooratul-Mujaadilah 58 Aayah 22]

[Saifuddin]

Assalammualaikum
my advise to you as my brither in Islam are:
1. Solat 5 times a day (Subuh, Zohor, Asar, maghrib and Isya'), better in jammah in masjid.
2. read Al Quran.
3. study hadis. there more than 600 thousands hadis of Rasulullah.
4. Salawat for our phophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasalam.
5. Istiqomah (Sustain your good amal)
May Allah protects and guides us, Amin

[fatima N]

Dearest sister,

I am not sure how this will help you, but i think when we share similar stories we tend to feel that we are not lonely. I will tell you some of the stories I been through when I first moved to Canada.

Once i was doing grocery shopping, and I had a question about which butter to use the salted or unsalted, so I saw a women standing near me and I thought it is ok if i ask her to advice me. I went up to her and asked her, " Can I ask you a question?" she replied shouting, " Back off !". So I stood in my place shocked, why she said that ? tears were about to drop from my eyes but I just went away.

when I went back to my place I was emotionally hurt and I was all by myself. I knew that she reacted this way because I wear the hijab. This racism that I have been through and other ones made me hate canada and want to go home. But what made me not go to the negative side, is that i started giving her a reason to act this way, such as being naive about my faith or maybe she lost someone in 9/11 or anything else that will make me understand her action.

You know, when I stared wearing the hijab I found that people of my own faith (Islam) are being less supportive and even some find me going to an extreme (which wasn't really the case, but for us it majority go by cultural style of living that does not really follow islam in the right way). i was surprised by others of different faiths congratulating me for it and my own people are telling me I'm young to put it on (I was 18 years).

What really hurt me once, a sentence my dad told me when he came to visit me, " I hate being odd, and you are odd in this society (Canadian)".
But elhamdolilah now he totally have a different way of viewing it,I even feel that he i proud that I put it on without anyone’s influence.


Sister, one of the hijab advantages that it shows you who really likes you and respect you for who you really are and not for how you look. Being in a socity not supporting the hijab makes you luckier, because you holding on to your faith is a type of jihad, between you and yourself.

you know what else, hijab makes a female more valuable. Did you ever see a dimond out in the streets ? or is it protected and kept out of reach and valuable?

Remeber sister Allah sobahanah wa taaalah tests us, and the more he tests you the more he loves you, because each test is harder that means it worth more hasanat (means, what Allah merits you of doing the right).

Sister, Can you tell me what makes you really want to change you current faith ? what exactly ?


So, that i can help you more. That if what I have mentioned helped you ( I hope so).

hope you find your answer soon and enshalla i will pray for you.

Salam and ramadan mubarak

-Fatima

[Muslim_Leyla]

Selam my Muslim brothers and sisters! i have registered on this site just today!! thanks to Allah (s.w.t)
Im a 18 year old kurdish girl from london who have absolute faith in islam!! but im not a practicing muslim girl! i mean i don't wear the hijab, i don't even know how to pray (every muslim must know), but i do fast!! i have signed up on this site coz i want to get close to my religious side!! evil shaytan is too strong and us believers keep forgetting that!! i honestly want to change the way i live! i want to live accordingly to islam, but i find it very hard to in the environment in which i live in! i hardly have muslim friends!! but i know for a muslim not to lose their faith in islam they should make "real" muslim friends, be around muslims, hung around with muslims, join these muslim sites!! inshallah one day i will be a good muslim!! i have sinned a lot and i really want Allah's (s.w.t) forgiveness!! I love Allah so much 'coz we all know he forgives you for whatever sins you have committed, but you have to really regret your actions!! Any muslim friends out there????? write back to me please!

May Allah (s.w.t) Bless you all my Muslim Brothers and Sisters!! Ameen!!

by muslim girl leyla from london

[samiha]

Assalam.
This whole topic made me think of one quran ayah, i can't quite place the source at the moment but it meant that 'do the beleivers claim to beleive and think that Allah will not test them?'
It just goes to show that Allah gives test to check our belief, do we beleive to please society? to show off? or because we love allah?
If it's the last case then we should do so by obeying Allah's commands, being patient through the hardships and thus attaining piety.
Wassalam.

[simpson]

Asalamualaikum wr wb. You want a sincere advice. you are blessed. really you are the choosen one to be tested by Allah swt. please can you make dua for us all muslims to be united as one.subhanallah. May Allah swt bless us all hereafter .please be happy.you must be coz Allah swt is always watching over you and putting you to test , to make you stronger wiser ..... please tawakalanallah. insyaAllah .and please dont forget to help make dua for us all to be one.subhanallah walhamdulillah waalaailahailallah waallahuakbar.

[salmanzaid]

Beleve need maintance as well.
Beautiful garden if neglected becomes a jungle and a house for wild animals of all sorts. The garden of Islam was left behind in prophets time was full of fruits of all sort which throughout the generations and with efforts, love and hard work was kept beautiful..now it's our weak hands which are wiggling and donot know its full worth...

Beautiful words, thank you.
Your unworthy Bro - Salman

[Proud2BeHumble]

I took off hijab and my husband said it happened because of hijab and i did not look normal.
He does not want to pray or to talk about Islam or go to the mosque or be around Muslims. If we do we will stick out and not be `normal`.
THIS is why I am thinking of leaving

The problem is that some people have taken the Islam as ritual but not as a complete way of life along with a strong concept of accountability in hereafter. They are also not aware what hardships Prophet and his companions faced and what were their reactions.

The average life span in this world is around 60-80, out of which teenage life is forgetable and old age is also associated with illness and physical weakness. Just for the sake of 20 years of our youth we jump up and down, as if we are doing some favour to Allah by accepting him as our Lord. What we do is for our own favour.

This life time is like a peice of ice, which melts as the time pass. You can throw the ice on the road and let it melt there or you can use it by putting in a glass of water. Life is going to melt, years will pass and one day very soon you will start to see wrinkels on your face and then suddenly one day our souls will depart for ever.

Our life time in this world is nothing but a dream, a deception. Nothing comes free of cost. So how can paradise or salvation can be earned without any hardships? Once we accept Islam, we have to obey Allah. If mother, father, brother or sister or any other relative comes against Islam, we have to leave them and not the Islam. Allah knowns what is in our heart very well and he will give us the reward accordingly.

[Aapa]

Salaam,


In a lifetime there are periods where your faith is very strong. There are periods where you seek where your faith has run.

In times when the faith is weak it is a message to slow down the outer life. It is a message to contemplate. It's like spring cleaning. You search your life and throw out that which inhibits your growth. You keep only that which is necessary for continuation of the journey.

Everyone goes through it. This is a time when you can't even cry because your tears have left you.

Often, it is a period when the calling of Islam interferes with the calling of the world. The choice is yours.

The remedy is simple. Hold on to the Rope of Allah. Pray. Fast. Give to charity. Even posting on this website rasies your faith. Dive into the pool of Love and have constant physical reminders of Islam. Flowers, the fragrance of jannah, incense to raise your soul, hold a feast...spread the blessings to other Muslims.

Be active in your faith. Islam is not passive. And keep in touch with us.

[zeneesha]

:salam2: brother.
I can relate to your post, and honestly, I believe it's a test of faith.
Be careful though, it could lead to depression, or can even be suicidal if you keep stressing and questioning everything. Trust me, I know.
Keep your tongue busy in Zikr of Allah swt, so that you won't think about the worries of this life. Remember Him, and He will remember you.
Insha Allah all will be well.
You are in my prayers.
May Allah swt bless you.
Ameen

[malam]

Salaam,

First of all, only read this if you can give me a serious response. Not to sound mean but I really need sincere and factual advice.

I know it's Ramadan and a time in which the soul becomes closer to Allah and the faith gets stronger...but mine feels weaker.

So far I've kept all my fasts and I also pray...sometimes. I prayed at least once a day in ramadan, some days 4 or 5 prayers.

The thing is, I live my life with what Allah has given me. Yes, it's definetly not perfect or even close to it, but I am pretty thankful. But still, when I look at people who have it better than me (and trust me, this has nothing to do with money) I feel sad and upset.

Yes, I've heard the Prophet's (Peace be upon him) hadith about not looking at the person above you but rather the one how has it worse....but sorry to say that doesn't cut it for me. I feel that what this specific thing that Allah hasn't given me is something that is as if Allah is teasing me and making things worse when it doesn't have to be.

I think to myself, why couldn't Allah just test me without this certain thing being a factor in my life? Islam teaches us that Allah doesn't put one through something that he/she can't handle...and the more He tests you the more he loves you. Yeah well, that doesn't cut it also. I mean come on, I look at people who live a life of sin and don't even think once about God in a day and they go along perfectly in this life. Islam says that those unbelievers will have the torment in the afterlife, but why the heck should I have to go through my torment now? I mean, I am respecting and praising God now, not later, now. So why does God make me wait and have to go through the suffering in this life and on top of that just hope for heaven....I'm not even gaurenteed it...unless you count being tormented in Hell first. Shoot, for all I know my book might be given behind my back. And to think that the life I lived in this world was painful and the afterlife will be as well. What a thought.

I also see other people have it so much worse than me, other Muslims on top of that! Look at most of the Muslim countries around the world. They suffer on a daily basis, I have it good compared to them and I am very thankful for that.

I know Allah can see exactly how I feel and he will judge me accordingly. Maybe my reward will be greater because of this, I don't know.

But one thing that really has shaken my faith is this......I feel really guilty sometimes. I feel that just because of this negative aspect of my life, I look for an answer....and that answer turns me towards Allah. This really hurts me inside. I feel that on the day of judgement, Allah will tell me that I only believed in him as a hope because I didn't have any hope in this life. Isn't that wrong? I think it is. Because I see it as a desperation. Let's say I started this life over (without any memory of this life) and Allah didn't put me in the situation I am in now, would I have close to the same amount of faith in Allah? Probably not. I would just live my life without looking for an "answer" to why my life is this way. I would just live life and die. Honestly, it's a awful thought in my mind if Allah made my life this certain way just so that I would have faith in him. Because I feel that this faith is a weak faith.

Yes this is a long post and if you are reading until now may Allah bless you for your time and effort.

One more thing...I guess this is a different topic but this also shakes my faith. Why is it that Islam teaches us that a person who doesn't believe in Allah will go to hell no matter what they did in this life. I have read this with my own eyes. I really don't see the point in that. Yes, Allah made this world as He wished and who am I to ask questions like this...but I also feel that Allah gave us the mind to think things through, and the Quran talks about this a lot..to ponder. So why is it that a person who lives a good life but doesn't believe in God will go to hell? I can understand it in the way that the person feels that he/she is self sufficent, but come on, the person lived an unselfished life so how can they be punished?

I don't know...life is weird, that is a conclusion to this I guess. I didn't ask to be in it and sometimes I wish that I was nothing and never existed. Who cares if I wouldn't get to go to heaven because I wouldn't go to hell either, I would be nothing. Seriously, what is pleasure and pain? They are just feelings. My body and soul are slaves to these feelings. I think i'm gonna sto p here.

-Muslim brother



I would try to post a response to the text in red.
First of all, as Muslims, we should have proper imaan. And Imaan is not pure faith. Imaan is faith, with proof. and in this regard, Iman comes with knowledge, and rigurous study of the word of Allah almighty.
Now in this regard, once a Momin achieves proper imaan, he/she knows from iside and outside that he/she is on the right path. and then it is also part of his duty to enlighten others, so that they can also be saved.

now this saved is not the same a s accepting Jesus as the saviour in christianity. This being saved is being among those who receive their rewards in the hereafter. now i will post a few pointers:

1) First of all, it is the highest injustice (zulm in arabic) to associate partners with God, to discredit him from any of his bounties and blessings, to thank some one else, instead of God, and to have arrogance-- for arrogance is the main thing that drives a man to ignorance, and stubbornness--The Holy Quran and the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is full of examples of such people.
2) There is a saying of the Prophet (PBUH): "I would not have the whole wealth of the world in the place of this revelation. . . O My servants who have oppressed your own souls by sinning, despair not of the mercy of God." A man said, "What of him who hath associated others with God?" Muhammad remained silent for a while and then said, "Know that him also God forgiveth; but on repentance." Now this repentence is nothing more than to testify that there is not God but God, and that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is His final messenger.
3) There are also Ahadith that mention that people who do good deeds get their reward from Allah in this world only.
4) The rule is simple, you invoked someone else during times of trouble in this world, and so you should try doing the same on the day of judgement.
5) Now, Logically thinking, the other pious non believer, is also a follower of his/her own religion. He and she should have no problem with the fact that he/she will enter Muslims' Hell--tey dont believe in it in the first place..it make no difference to them. And just because they are destined to hell for their arrogance and ignorance, does not mean that we muslims stop being nice to them in this world.
6) Another example is several people competing in a race....the winner has to be one, and only the winner is rewarded (if you ignore the runnerups for now).
7) another point to consider is that if everyone ends up in heaven, the it is not fair for the Muslims who controlled their desires in the world to be placed equal to those who let it loose...

[Lihamzi]

Assalamualaikum
as i would like to share too..

and i would like to start to a good point first.
hopefully i did not riya as riya is a small shirik

im use to be a good muslim when within minutes i remember Allah , when food and drink came i praise Allah is first i would say sometime even tears, to my parents i said beautiful words untill they surprised that im changed, when people scold or shout i reply in beautiful manner tone as problem are solved easy and fast.When permission is must when borrow , when my parents , cousins love me and buy food and clothes for me without asking or wanting, when my siblings asked why your face have brighten

i pray and ask Allah for what i need really came today or sometimes later and be pleased to Allah looking up. I listen and i accepted from Allah and Prophet pbuh.

Peace is what i always get.My iman increase and increase..

But when one day something happen similar like what the brother experience.
Weird or even stupid question cames profusely as i become confused.
i hesistate almost everyday and when guilty and scared. as in that time i dont have religious class so i when puzzled all the time and always sigh.

And slowly sadly all of the above goodly deeds step down and iman decrease..my heart change..people surrounding me change..

i always ask to myself am i a great munafik
and that was saddest, heartbroking moment of my life.

and after month by month pass..
i decided to get back to Allah and really MISS my previous Iman
Because i just want the peace and the wonderful taste of faith!
so i need knowledge in case the weird and stupid question appear,
and Of course ALLAH is still with me, and in my prayer i will try to remember always ask for Good Knowledge which leads me to straight path.

and one day i have this Opportunity to talk to my school teacher as i told her that i need a religious class..
Alhamdulilah she introduce me to this class which teach me Authentic Quran and Sunnah and forbid bidaah and started to attend.
as she told me
GOOD DEEDS WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE IS DANGEROUS
KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT GOOD DEEDS IS NO USE

And im so happy Alhamdulilah..
All this happen to me got it own remedy and all matters return to no one except Allah.
i will keep trying when i will say Giving up is the worst solution ever.
and Finally i would say

I listen and i plant it to my heart.

-Your learning Brother Hamzi