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Name
Kamran
- United Kingdom
Profession
Student
Question
As-Salamu `alaykum,
Unfortunately in the UK, the statistics speak for themselves,high child pregnancies and divorce rates. You can understand why muslim families would want to protect their children from these ills by segregating their children from certain aspects of society. But how can it be done without non muslims disapproving of this segregation. Such as claiming that "muslims stick to their own". Or that we do not want to integrate with their society and because of this there is conflict and misunderstanding.
Answer
This is one of the difficulties of living in a non-Muslim society.
It is especially so for reverts who must still deal with their families.
But we have to keep in mind that whatever hardship we face, if we seek to do the right thing and please Allah, we will receive blessings for this.
Parents have the right to be worried about the youth! Don’t you agree? There are lots of dangers out there which you mentioned masha Allah. It is true that your company reflects onto you and you will inevitably affected by the people you associate with.
Do you remember the hadith of the Prophet about company? He (peace and blessings be upon him) said that if you keep company with a blacksmith you will smell like a black smith and likewise if you keep company with a perfume seller, you’ll come back smelling sweet. Get the picture? So it is important to keep company with people who are trying to please Allah.
But there is another point to keep in mind. Just because we keep our ‘close’ friends from the good Muslims, that doesn’t mean we can’t mingle with non-Muslims or non-practicing Muslims with the intention of helping them, or advising them or telling them about Islam. It the our personal , close friends who will affect us. Indeed, it is our duty to mix with non-Muslims etc to help to guide them. Keep in mind, that mixing with them is to be done in an environment that is pleasing to Allah. If you’re not sure, ask yourself, ‘would the angels follow me inside here?’ Would I go there if the Prophet (pbuh) was with me? You’ll know the answer yourself.
And ask yourself, are you strong enough to withstand peer group pressure? You know, all of us, sometimes we are strong and other times we are weak. That’s part of being a human being. So if you’re feeling particularly weak that day, keep that in consideration.
Also, ask yourself, is your intention ‘really’ to help and guide them on their way? Keep your heart clean and pure.
Be careful or else they may be guiding you!
Pleasing Allah is our first duty.
Prevention is better then cure.
I personally have seen too many parents who are too relaxed and their kids who end up losing their deen. I pray that you will be close to Allah, because really, He is the One who opens the way for us and protects us.
Name
jaffer
- Tanzania
Profession
salesman
Question
i am tired with this world .all my hopes r shattered because of a tyrant heartless enemy who was actually my relative but a cruel oppressor.
what should i do to heal the injured heart????
Answer
May Allah bless you and grant you relief. This life is difficult and everyone faces some kind of problem. That’s simply the nature of life. So since that is the case, we shouldn’t really be surprised when problems arise. Right?
Especially keeping in mind that if Allah loves someone He gives them problems to overcome so that they will draw closer to Him. And remember that Allah is the only One who can grant us relief and a way out. He is the Healer and the Restorer. So if you feel your heart is broken, be positive and know that many people in this world live and die with hearts that have been broken and healed. They are successful. Healing does happen. We have to find the way to that.
But I want to ask you, how can you say your hopes are shattered when you do not know the future? We never know what’s around the corner! Good days, bad days – they all follow each other in succession. You know the old saying, ‘it’s always darkest before the dawn.’ So keep heart and trust in Allah, do what pleases Him, ask Him for help – I KNOW He responds to those who ask. You do not know what Allah has in store for you or what He may have protected you from. I understand whatever has happened has hurt you deeply. And any type of suffering is hard to face. Also sometimes we get so caught up in our own lives that we forget to look at those in the world who are far worse off than ourselves. Like the on-going conflicts and war zones that children have to grow up in, the famine and poverty – the ‘hopelessness’… yet they carry on and things get better. The evil and wicked torture that innocent people have to face daily is a realty for some people. Whatever you are going through, let it remind you that this world is short and temporary. And that Jannah is our goal. Whatever has happened I pray the Allah makes it easy for you. And you become stronger from it. If you need to talk more please email me personally.
Name
Mr. Golden Trumpet
-
Profession
Question
As-Salamu `alaykum,
Sinch 9/11/01 the more world focus on Islam and as we know dawah is every muslim duty. Do you think Muslim youth should be able to answer exelently questions and misconceptions by non-muslim?
Thank you.
Answer
Why not!
As long as what the answers that you give are correct.
Why not grab a group of your friends and sit together and, with notebook in hand, write down all the questions you can think of that people ask about Islam. Then sit (all of you) with a sheikh or Imam from the masjid (mosque) and ask him these questions and write down the answers. Then you guys can go away and learn them and use them as you speak to people at school, university, at the shops or wherever you might be. But don’t stop there – go to any Islamic lessons that are being organized and read Qur’an every day, keep up your own study program. The sheikh should be able to give you sound answers and advise on how to make daw’ah with people. Also a lot of these misconceptions can be cleared by being good examples yourself, like our Prophet, (SAW). Try to remember to be gentle like him. Actions like this can really change peoples minds and touch their hearts, insha’Allah.
When you’re a good example of Islam, you will be a problem solver, not a trouble maker – you will help people, you will be kind, you will help little old ladies across the street – things like that. In this way people will see that Muslims are not what the media make us out to be.
Name
Ahmed Rakki
- Morocco
Profession
comptable Casablanca
Question
assalam alaykoum
We are on summer vacation, several youngsters return to their country of origin. There they discover different climate and people of those of the west. Some youngsters don't especially accept this situation and start to detest their country of origin, especially while discovering to the grade of the behavior and the level of developement.
What advices would you give to the parents for some youngs to face this situation ?
jazakoum Allah khaire
Answer
Assalam alaikum, and thanks for your question.
As parents, we must be wise when choosing where we take our children. Sometimes the glitters of this world do look amazing to the youth. Yet, we know that it is all a distraction from the remembrance of Allah. Other countries, in comparison to western countries, in terms of technology, will appear under developed and poorer. If you must take the youth to western countries, take them on a tour of the deprived areas or let them read information about the street people who live out of garbage bins, neglected and abused kids, the huge amount of drug abuse and mental illness. Life in the West is not as it is portrayed in the movies. It is what you teach your children yourself at home and when they see things like poverty you can discuss with them how such things come about and mention how Islam prevents these problems. Inshaa Allah in this way they will learn to be more grateful to Allah. Indeed, there are social problems in Muslim countries and lots of poverty but you will also see more of a spirit of cooperation between the people and more daily help and support without people having to beg to social security. It is important to keep in mind that wherever there is depravation, abuse, neglect of children, oppression and all the evils we are so well acquainted with, it is due to the lack of Islam, whether these things happen in a western country or in a so-called Muslim country. The answer is to try to get ourselves and those around us back on the right path.
You could also tell them that Allah loves the poor who are patient and the rich who are generous. Unfortunately a lot of Muslim countries are very poor. However, if this is effecting their views of Islam, then take them to a more developed Muslim country so they don’t think that poverty and Islam go hand in hand.
Name
Young muslim
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
Salam sister.....i am 18 years old and have finished a Diploma in Child Care. Now that i have some free time i wish to make use of it, in a helpful way to children or even teenagers in London. I see and know many muslims that apear to go in the wrong direction. I have made a couple of newsletters on Islam and gave it out to muslim students when i was in college. However i want ot do more. Where do i start? How can i be a voice among the youth today? or have u any tips in how i can gather young muslims like my self together? I will be grateful for a reply.....salam
Answer
Mashaa Allah sister, may Allah bless you for all these efforts. One good deed carries a lot of weight and we never know the extent of the effect of what we do. I pray that Allah will grant you success in this life and the next.
There is a lot going on in London for the youth. Why don’t you try to team up with things that are going on now? A group effort is usually more effective than an individual effort and working together is a part of the Sunnah, so go ahead and look through the Muslim directory which you can pick up from any good Islamic bookshop or Islamic center. Once you meet the people at the masjid or Islamic center, share your ideas. Organize a meeting and sit together and outline , on the board, on one side, the problems and, on the other side of the board, the probable solutions. Then work out what needs to be done to put these solutions into action. Delegate tasks and start. Begin with the youth who you know and ask everyone to bring along three friends to whatever activity you organize.
Volunteer to help out at youth camps or youth projects to build up experience.
Also, by registering with Volunteer-Youth Resource Network you can make yourself known to other volunteers and institutions that cater to the youth. You might find that people contact you!
Start small, and Allah will open the door for you, insha’Allah. I started off just by talking, then people came to me and asked “can you do this sister?” I have a personal link if you want further help.
Name
Cookie
-
Profession
Question
For a young muslim, constantly surrounded by evil and caught up in a circle of wrong people and activites, what advice do you give to a struggling young muslim in keeping their faith strong and trying to flee from that which dipleases Allah?
Answer
May Allah bless you for your intentions to stay on the straight path and may He, the Almighty, make it easy for you.
The first thing is to keep up with your major obligations. These are Praying five times a day (on time), fasting in Ramadhan, paying Zakat and of course if you have the means to go on Hajj, inshaa’Allah, you should go. All the forms of worship we have in Islam are for us! Allah doesn’t need anything. He doesn’t need us to pray to Him. We need it – it is our source of strength.
Trust me I know it is hard, especially when living among non-Muslims and non-practicing Muslims. There is music, night life, mixing and so much more – and all these things seem attractive but they take us away from Allah. If you look closely at the people who involve themselves in haram, you will see the sad heart breaking scenarios of which we are all well-aware. Quite often, people who are engaged in haram wear a mask hiding the sad and lonely feelings inside. How many of them take drugs – trying to find a way to ‘feel happy’ even if just for a short time? How many commit suicide? May Allah protect us. How many suffer depression and anxiety disorders? Do you remember how you feel after you’ve prayed? Do you recall how ‘peaceful’ you feel – well that ‘feeling’ is what the drug users and alcohol drinkers are trying to find. You’re lucky, aren’t you?
Can the non-Muslims or non-practicing Muslims ever be your real friends? Can you take someone as a close friend who urges you to the fire and Allah’s displeasure? Are they your real friends???? Real friend should be leading you to the right path, not the fire.
This is some advice I always give the youth. Remember the first struggle between Adam and satan (shaitan)? What was satan trying to do and how did he do it? Think and try to remember the story and keep it in your mind when you see things that are haram.
Satan was jealous of Adam because Allah chose him as His viceregent on earth and because He breathed into Adam from His spirit. Adam had free will and was honored by Allah. So satan, being the devil that he is, tried to pull him down from his elevated position. He didn’t come to him as an open enemy. He presented himself as a caring friend. Does this story seem familiar? What was satan’s promise to Allah? Satan promised that he would do his utmost to take the sons of Adam with him to the fire. Remember the old saying ‘misery loves company’? That goes for satan and his pals. They know they are heading for the fire and they don’t want to go alone. Do you want to keep them company?? Never!
So when you’re struggling with yourself to be a good Muslim, you become a target of satan who will whisper to you and urge you to seek worldly pleasures and slowly slowly trick you and pull you in to his evil miserable fold. One of satans’ biggest weapons is T.V. , music, dancing, night clubs , mixing wasting your time – why did he choose these things? BECAUSE THEY TAKE YOU AWAY FROM ALLAH! Allah is your only help, so if you’re not close to him – you will fail. May Allah protect us.
Name
haris
- Pakistan
Profession
student
Question
i M TOO WEAK
Answer
Asslam alaikum Haris, may Allah bless you. You know, you’re not weak. You know why? Because you wrote to us! If you were weak, as you say, you’d be sitting somewhere feeling sorry for yourself. But here you are trying to get help. Mashaa Allah. I’m proud of you.
If you read the previous question and answer, you’ll find that we were talking about satan and how he tries to trick us to move away from Allah. This is another one of his tricks – he makes us think we are weak, or useless, or broken, or hopeless, or that there is no hope for us! That we are statistic and doomed. Sounds familiar?
But you know what, you have the gift of Islam. Do you think there is something that Allah cannot do?? Of course, He can do anything. So if you need anything, even a shoelace (that’s a hadith) ask Allah! I know from personal experience that if you sincerely turn to Allah , seeking His help, HE WILL ANSWER YOU! I know it as I know I’m sitting here right now writing to you!
Ask yourself, what do you think you need to feel stronger? Then pray two rakats and when you’re in sujood ask Allah for what you need. But then there is something else you have to do after that. You must be patient because Allah answers our prayers when and how He wills. So please be positive and instead of saying ‘i’m too weak’ say ‘I will be strong inshaa Allah.’ There is nothing that cannot be overcome, and Allah is the One who turns evil into good , misery into happiness, failure into success and weakness into strength. Turn to Him, trust in Him and do what pleases Him.
Name
Mohd Mazlan
- Malaysia
Profession
student
Question
Assalamu alaikum,
Generally, How do i make my heart strong? Strong enough to stay away from what i'm weakest at?
Answer
Assalam alaikum, thanks so much for your question. There are a number of things that we can do to purify our hearts. You see, purification of the soul means strength of the heart. They are interrelated. So if you can work on trying to purify your 'soul', your heart will be in good shape and you will find the strength and resouces to face life with dignity and faith in Allah. There is a really good book you can find in Islamic bookshops inshaa Allah, called 'Purification of the Soul'.
The first things to do are:
1.Do your prayers and all basic obligations.
2.Keep good company.
3.Keep away from bad, empty talk.
4.Don't overeat or over sleep
(This may sound strange, but think of how high you feel in Ramadan!)
5.Be satisfied with what you have but at the same time, strive to develop yourself.
6.Keep making du'a and asking Allah for whatever you need.
7.Try to read a bit Qur'an everyday.
Also, you can come onto the round table on the Volunteer-Youth Resource Network and share your feelings and ideas with other young people who are facing the same problems. We need to help each other. May Allah grant you strength and strong Iman.
Name
cookie!!!
-
Profession
Question
Salam, people keep telling me that I should be trying to find a way to leave this country as a muslim but others are telling me to finish my studies, where i am in a mixed environment, constantly surrounded by things which are displeasing to Allah, but they are considered normal. I have another 3-4 years of this studying before i gain any qualification and I know I am speaking on behalf of many many muslims out there, I feel as if my deen is slipping. If you could shed some light on this for me and a lot of muslim brothers and sisters out there in the same position as me, what do I do? Shall I continue or make hijrah (migration) for the sake of Allah and leave my trust in his hands?
Jazaka Allah
Answer
Assalam alaikum, this is indeed a dilemma because the world is tough and we need an education to not only survive but also to contribute to the Muslims and the world at large. However, this is an issue which cannot have one answer. Every individual has to ask their own heart, ask Allah and make istiqara (prayer before making a decision). We all know our strengths and weakness and certainly the first priority is to save our deen, but don't be weak. Try to strengthen yourself. There is no place in the world that is free of haram. There is no ideal place. We have to stand strong. If we are strong in our faith and obedience to Allah, inshaa Allah, we will be able to face any obstacle or challenge.
Perhaps you could plan to migrate (with your degree) to a more Islamic environment. Or you could take a break from your studies for one year and come to a Muslim country to learn Arabic and then return and finish your deen.
It's a matter of recharging your spiritual batteries. Find the best way to do that and i'm sure that inshaa Allah, you will be strong enough to finish your schooling. Try to make a group of people who are facing the same challenges as yourself and support each other. May Allah bless and uplift your heart.
Name
cookie
-
Profession
Question
Salam.
What advice can you give about the youth nowadays that do not enjoy reading. Indeed we know that reading is probably one of the best ways of learning about our deen. Yet, a lot of the youth now find it hard to even open up a book, due to the lack of time after school and homework and MAINLY.... the ease of switching the T.V. on for instant entertainment. We know that as our knowledge of Allah increases, we are able to worship Him better and Fear Him more. How can we encourage our children to learn and put the love of learning BACK into their heart? Shukran. I'm off to work now, salam.
Answer
Yes, TV and other forms of entertainment are BIG problems for our youth. Plus the stereotype of reading for "Nerds", is also a problem. I sugguest looking for local camps and Muslim youth centres, insha'Allah. There are many activities going on nowadays, masha'Allah. You just need to search.
Spending time with the youth is very important too. You could try to make a campaign promoting 'reading' - like a 'read-a thon' and prizes, sponsors and all that. Have a variety of Islamic books available for the youth to read.
But basically the problem comes down to peer group pressure and the fact that the youth ARE affected by what the others say and how they think. So the key is to teach the youth how to have an individual identity that thinks for itself, makes up its mind and dares to be different. You could do a campaign about 'dare to be different'. It has been done with great success. This is a good way to keep the youth busy in summer too and they will be doing something beneificial. May Allah bless you for your efforts to help the youth. You sound like you are active and concerned.
Name
Kareem
-
Profession
Driver
Question
As-salamu alaykum,
My friend who has been taught to praise and worship Jesus throughout her whole childhood, has been muslim for about a year now. She has told me that she hears voices telling her that she must keep on praising Jesus although she knows that ALLAH is the only one worthy of praise. This troubles her heart to no end. Is there anything that can be suggested for her to do in the hopes of coping with or most prefferably eliminating this problem completely. I thank you in advance for any help that is given. Walaykum asalam.
Answer
Assalam alaikum, thanks for your question. There are many people who are affected in this way. The first attempt to overcome this problem could be to develop her closeness to Allah. Satan whispers into the hearts of mankind. This is a part of our existence. Our strength of worship and closeness to Allah acts like a kind of 'force field' against satan and his allies. Tell your friend to do her prayers on time and keep wu'du at all times, read Qur'an everyday and keep making a lot of du'a. If she can't read the Qur'an in Arabic help her to learn how. This is really important. In the meantime she can listen to a cassette recording of the Qur'an , especially Surat Al-Baqarah.
Keep in mind that hearing voices is also a sympton of schizophrenia and if this continues you should seek medical advice. May Allah bless you both and free her of this problem.
Name
a muslim`
-
Profession
Question
Assalamu Alykum,
How do I discipline myself to achieve success in the hereafter and in this dunya?
jazak ALLAH khairan.
Answer
Assalam alaikum, thanks for your question. This is something we all need to develop. Personally, i find that remembering death gets me out of bed for fajr! It also helps me control my speech and anger. In fact, it is a good thing to keep in mind to motivate ourselves to keep away from evil. The Prophet (pbuh) said that the most intelligent of people are those who remember death the most often. So i suggest you count yourself as one of them.
Performing prayers on time is a good form of self-discipline because it means we have to leave what we are doing and turn to Allah in body, mind and soul. Also, practice thikr of the Prophet (pbuh) (remembrance of Allah) to keep the heart soft and pure. With pure innner sight, we will be able to see through the transience of the world and do our duties with discipline and consistency. Remember, that if you want anything you have to turn to the One who can grant it and that is only Allah. So ask Him to make you more self-disciplined, but keep in mind that Allah answers our du'a in His own way. You might find yourself facing obstacles and challenges etc.., but the end result will be greater self-discipline. Read the story of Musa (pbuh) and Khidr (pbuh) in surat al Kahf as this is an excellent example of this issue. Take care.
Name
Yusuf Hagi
- Somalia
Profession
Airport Screener
Question
Salama Aleykum.
I do have a brother-in-law who lives with me now in an appartment. He drinks everynight alcohol. It's annoying to me to live with someone who uses to drink as Allah has forbidden us to drink. I have given several time piece of adive to stay away for drinking and he didn't pay any attention what I told him. My question is should I keep quiet and say nothing or should I move out. I belive it's not good to live with someone who's doing wrong.
Answer
Assalam alaikum, thanks for your question. You said that you have advised him and that is really important. And it is something that you should continue to do, whether or not you are staying with him.
You are the best one to know that if, by staying him, it will negatively affect your iman, then leave. If you feel you can perservere with him and help him overcome this problem then stay a bit more. But even if you move out, keep contact with him and keep advising and encouraging him. Take care.
Name
Saima
- United States
Profession
Student
Question
Assalam alaikum!
Thanks for your time and the advise. My question is that I recently started hijab alhumdolellah. My freinds, teenagers also, look down upon it. Please, don't get me wrong. They are also God fearing. But they say we have to either do full hijab( like wearing extremely loose clothes, no jeans, no make-up etc.) or do not do it at all.
I wear my normal jean and t-shirt and wear hijab and I also use some make-up. My t-shirts cover everything. They criticize saying that I am doing hijab as a fad.
I feel very guilty about all this. Should I discontinue wearing hijab till I am fully prepared to do it 100%?
They think I am a hypocrite. What is your advice? Please, help.
Answer
Assalam alaikum, i wish i could talk to your friends! We all have to start somewhere. The first thing is that whatever you do , make the intention that you are doing so for the sake of Allah. Keep asking Him to help and strengthen you and beware that satan will not stop until you give up! So , don't give up! Why on earth would you want to do something that would please satan. He wants you to fail.
There are lots of books on hijab and i sincerely advise you to get hold of them and get some knowledge about this vital issue.
There are conditions for hijab and the more we fulfill those conditions, the better for us and the more we'll please Allah. So you've started. You've taken the first step. But this is not the final step. Life is a journey. There are lots of steps to take. So if you keep this in mind, and have a firm intention that you want to do everything that Allah has ordered, the day will come (and i'd like to know when it does) that you will be wearing full hijab and happy and strong and confident along with it, with a special kind of inner beauty that will shine forth to all around you. We are proud of you sister, and ask Allah to bless you and make you firm in His way. Many of us have walked the path you are now walking. So keep to it and never ever give up!
Name
ABDULRAHMAN
- Nigeria
Profession
STUDENT
Question
The question i have is that there is a problem in Nigeria which is that people don't know who are extremist. And the people practising the sunnah are wrongly called the fanatics. But i think this has to do with the problem of foundations laid by ealry propagators, who i think credit still goes to them. But they did not present, and we are just knowing it now. The problem now goes down to family as in muslims who practise the sunnah are called fanatics by parents and also outcast. And the one i'm facing is that of HISBAL mu mu converted into christianity and she is told that muslims are evil and she is always angry at me when she sees me walking with brothers.
PLEASE HELP US IN NIGERIA.
Answer
Assalam alaikum, so sorry to hear about your problem. It is a problem that faces Muslims all over the world. But feel honored! The Prophet (pbuh) said that the believers are 'strangers' (in their community in this life) and he added, "give glad tidings to the strangers." I love this hadith. It reminds us that this life is full of hardship and we shouldn't be surprised or down-hearted when we face trials. It means that you're on the right track. The key is to turn to Allah, be sure that we are doing what Allah has commanded and, then, persevere.
If your friend left Islam and became a Christian, that is her problem. She will have to face Allah on the day of Judgement. If you have the chance to advise her, do so but don't be affected by what people say and do. Like i say, you can never please everyone. There will always be someone who doesn't like what we say or do, or how we look etc. So only try to please Allah. You can remind yourself and those around you, including this new Christian convert, about the thousands of people all over the world who are becoming Muslims every single day! Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world, including America and the UK. Take care.
We will never please everyone.
Name
md atif uddin
- India
Profession
student
Question
Asslamu alaikum, I AM MD ATIF UDDIN . MY NON MUSLIM FRIEND TOLD ME TO PROVE FOLLOWING THINGS 1)EXISTENCE OF GOD 2)IS QURAN WORD OF GOD 3)AND WHO CREATED ALLAH ( S.W.T )
Answer
Assalam alaikum, thanks for your question. If you are walking in the desert and you find a palace filled with exclusive furniture, fountains, food, everything you need. And you see someone there and ask him, 'where did this come from?' and he says, 'it just happened, no one made it, no one designed it, no one maintains it.' Would you believe him? Of course not! The universe is far more complicated and intricate than a palace. There is harmony and order in everything in creation , except for man's actions (which wreak havoc in this world).
Can an explosion in a paint factory bring about the Encyclopedia Britanica? Of course not! Likewise, this world is created and maintained by Allah who does all things as He wills.
Some of the miracles of the Qu'ran are:
Embryology: which is explained clearly in the Qur'an, over 1400 years ago, and which has only been discovered in recent years by scientists.
Also Allah's challenge in the Qur'an for mankind to rewrite one sura of Qur'an that equals its meaning and significance. Until now that challenge has not been met. There are many books available about the miracles of the Qur'an.
Allah is the creator, not created. Why do human beings always try to conceive of things according to their puny mentality. We cannot even control our breathing or the blinking of our eyes, yet, we question the creator who made us? If the creator said He is not created, then that is enough. Take care.
Name
Latifa
- United States
Profession
student
Question
Assalam Aleikum
My question is about discipline one self.I am new coming to this country which majority are non-muslims. I came here for atudies and everything looked beutiful then. Once i came here i realize that things are not the way they seemed to appear in what i had visualized my life would be like. First, i have started loosing my strong act of worship, which is swallah. I used to be very regular, now i feel such burden whenever i think of taking wudhu and going to pray. Not only that, but also reading Quran, or saying little things like dua or even trying to change myself when deep down in my heart i know i want to. Lately i have nothing to do. I have no friends i could call them close friends i can visit. I dont know anywhere to go, I am even scared to venture out on my own. I have nothing to do than sit at home and do nothing but watch TV. I want to invest my time doing something valid and important, but i cant beacuse i wouldnt know how to. I sit at home even for weeks without getting out, but that's because i dont know any one and i wouldnt know where to go. Especially being a girl i think twice before going anywhere, which at the end i end up going nowhere. I am really fed up with this life i lead, i feel empty and i feel like if today i were to die then i would definitely go jahanam. Instead of using that threat to bettr myself, i feel to hollow and i just end up saying aaahhhh am tired of everything! I have become home sick, my classes would take at least months before i start due to some problem i have faced, so i just sit at home being consumed with emptyness. I feel so useless. Please help. If this is a problem faced by many youths then at least i would know i am not going crazy. Thank you
Answer
Assalam alaikum sister, so sorry to hear you are going through this great difficulty but you know, there are many people going through the same thing.
The first thing is to contact an Islamic center and get involved in acitivities there. satan comes to the people who isolate themselves, so that's the first thing to do, take the first step and don't stay alone. Have you tried to get up during the night and pray? Make the effort and tell yourself you will just do it this one time. And when you are in sujood open your heart to Allah and tell Him how you feel and that you want to be better and ask Him to show you the way out. You must be patient and be sure that ALlah is there and nearer to you than your jugular vein! He has granted you Islam - the greatest gift! Hold onto it like the Prophet (pbuh) said, even with your molar teeth (hadith). These are difficult times but when the going gets tough the tough get going. Perhaps you're tougher than you think you are, because you are here asking this question and you want to be better even though all looks dark and hopeless. beware that satan wants you to fail. don't please him. Keep hope, find a way to do the things that would make you feel better. Take care.
