I
used to read namaz and wear the jilbab, but one day I just woke and
everything changed its like something was not right I was missing apart
of myself. so I stopped reading namaz and took off the jilbab but I
still wear the head scarf, it wasn't instantaneously I thought about it
but like previous times I would always involve my religion as part of my
answer however this time I couldn't care less... I just couldn't care
about religion or any other aspect of my life, it’s all going downhill
anyway! I don't know what to do, I’ve got this weird feeling it’s like I
don't really care if I go to hell, I need some advice.
Assalamu alaikum to all the members, and especially to the sister who
asked the above mentioned question,
You can check out the following link about wearing Jilbab:
Is the Jilbab (outer garment) Obligatory?
http://www.sunnipath.com/resources/Questions/qa00002154.aspx
As for not feeling religious to such an extent that even the
obligatory prayers are being left out, well Sister……First of all, you
must understand that at least you have this feeling that you are
slipping and getting weak in faith. This is a good sign because sadly to
say, there are Muslims who don’t care about prayers and Islam in
general. If a sick person doesn’t realize that she is sick, the doctor
will never be able to cure her. So realizing that there is a spiritual
sickness is a sign that your faith is strong. I have the following words
of advice for you:
Al-Haakim reported in al-Mustadrak, and al-Tabaraani reported in al-Mu’jam,
that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
“Faith wears out in the heart of any one of you just as clothes wear
out, so ask Allaah to renew the faith in your hearts.” (Reported by al-Haakim
in al-Mustadrak, 1/4;. Al-Haythami said in Majma’ al-Zawaa’id, 1/52, “It
was reported by al-Tabaraani in al-Kabeer and its isnaad is saheeh.”)
This Hadith tells us that our faith will become weak but we will have to
strengthen it with various actions and different good deeds. If we try
to implement the following, Insha Allah it will help us all.
- On a weekly basis, try to attend some Halaqah or an Islamic
gathering. That is a great way of keeping the battery of Iman and
actions charged.
- A good suggestion would be that you join some weekend or evening
Islamic course or something of that sort. You will find good company
there which will be a means of strengthening your faith and Iman.
And when you feel like you are all “burnt out”, there will be others
there who will guide you and help you out and get you back up on
your feet again.
- Try to read some portion of the Quran everyday and make Zikr of
Allah. It will not be a bad idea to start off the day by reciting
Surah Yaseen.
- Try to have a daily Halaqah of reading from a Hadith book at
home. The most widely used Hadith book in English is probably Riyadh
us Salihin. Set aside a time at home, and try to sit down with other
family members. It does not have to be long. Even five minutes or
ten minutes will suffice. A daily dose of the words of Allah and his
beloved Prophet Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam goes a long way in
keeping us attached to our faith.
- After prayers or whenever, try to recite as many times as
possible the words which are mentioned in the following Hadith: The
Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“Do not forget to say in every prayer, ‘Rabbi a’inni ‘ala dhikrika
wa shukrika wa husni ‘ibaadatika (O Allah, help me to remember You,
thank You and worship You properly.).’” (al-Nasaa’i, 1303)
- Sometimes we commit sins which eventually make us weak in our
faith. Islam will prevent us from sins....or sins will prevent us
from Islam. Repenting over past sins will not be a bad idea at all.
The way we have a habit of sinning, the same way, as soon as a sin
is committed, we should make a habit of seeking forgiveness for our
sins. We should never procrastinate because death could over take us
anytime.
- You also must understand that we all go through these
weaknesses. We all have those moments when we don’t feel like doing
anything Islamic. Faith increases and decreases. This is natural and
it will happen many times in our lives.
- It is important to know that if a decrease in faith leads to one
neglecting one’s duties or doing Haram deeds, this slackening is
very serious and one must repent to Allah and start to do something
about it at once. If it does not lead to neglect of duties and doing
Haram deeds, but just makes a person fall short in doing Mustahabb
(recommended) deeds, for example, then a person still needs to know
how to sort herself out and correct herself until she returns to the
proper level of energy and strength in worship. This is what we
learn from the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be
upon him), “Every deed has energy and strength, and then this energy
and strength is followed by a slackening, so who’s slackening is in
accordance to my Sunnah he will be fine, and who’s slackening is to
other than that [i.e., doing unlawful or forbidden deeds] he will be
doomed.” (Reported by Ahmad, 2/210; Saheeh al-Targheeb, no. 55).
Read up on the benefits of performing Salat and harms of not
performing them. Read those Ahadith again and again. Read up on the
bounties of Paradise and Punishments of the Hell fire.
Remember the breaker of worldly pleasures i.e. death. Daqaq (R.A.)
says, “Who ever remembers death frequently, will benefit in three
ways: he will hasten to repent, he will become content, and he will
be active in worship. Whoever forgets death will be punished in
three ways: he will delay repentance, he will no longer be content
with what is sufficient, and he will be lazy in worship.” O Death!
Where is thy long awaited sting? ...sigh…
I hope the above will help us all in being stronger in our faith.
Ameen
And Allah knows best
Sincerely,
Nazim Mangera
|
Comments
No comments yet.