[AnonymousPoster]

Dear brothers and sisters, I'm going through a difficult time right now with my faith. Sometimes I feel maybe I jumped into islam too soon, everything is a struggle for me. From my understanding the religion is not suppose to be difficult but I feel like I can't do anything right in Islam.

I will give you some background info on me. I was born into the Christian faith and baptized, however my family was not religious we did not attend church. When I was a teenager I converted to a pagan religion and practiced that for almost 10 years. My father passed away suddenly when I was 18. I was traumatized. One day when I was in a state of absolute agony I had a vision of angels by the 1000s swarming me in the room I was in. They pulled me upstairs and had me open a drawer in a dresser (which I never look in) which had a bible. Prior to this I never really looked at a bible and shortly after I converted back to Christianity.

When I was in university my high-school friend from back home discovered Islam. For years I thought she had lost her mind. She spent a lot of time attempting to convert me. After while I became obsessed with Islam. I spent all my time studying and reading about it. After sometime I converted myself. This original friend who brought me to Islam no longer practices now, but last I talked to her about it she tells me she's still a believer.

The problem I'm having now is I feel a tug in my heart to go back to Christianity. Christians tell me I'm doing all this work to please God for nothing and I will be doomed to the hell-fire unless I accept back their 'free gift' from God. I never viewed Jesus pbuh as God when I was christian, but as a 'path to God'.

Then on the other hand if I was to leave Islam to go back to Christianity I am surely doomed in that respect as well. I don't want to go to hell brothers and sisters.

I prayed to Allah to give me a sign. I saw behind my eyelids a vision of Jesus pbuh. Is this the work of shayton? I'm so confused. I'm constantly ask Allah to guide me to the right faith but I'm afraid I am not seeing His signs.

I won't go into too many details because I know muslims get upset when you talk about your sins. Please forgive me if I've upset anyone thus far with what I've said already. But to be a 'perfect muslim' I have to give up everything in my life. Where I live, my friends, my spouse. I'm terrified and not ready to do such things.

Please be gentle with me brothers and sisters, you all are the only ummah I have in my life.

 

[جوري]

Jesus PBUH came to a guy in a dream and he converted to Islam, I am trying to find his story, it was actually posted on here.. you can have dreams about any of the messengers but you really should listen to what they are trying to say.

I know someone who was really in love with prophet Joseph and had a dream of him, does that denote that he should convert to Judaism?

God doesn't visit people in dreams, and Jesus brought no gifts to people, he brought a message of oneness and monotheism, which Christianity is far divorced from. I don't usually like to engage in topics such as these, because I believe faith is an issue between one and God, but just wanted to let you know that having a dream about Jesus shouldn't be interpreted in the way your friends assume..

 

[جوري]

http://www.islamfortoday.com/converts.htm#COTW

you might find re-inspiration in the stories here:

http://www.islamicboard.com/new-muslims/4914-stories-muslim-reverts-post-yours-here.html

 

[syilla]

From my understanding the religion is not suppose to be difficult but I feel like I can't do anything right in Islam.

Salams... maybe you can explain more it what is the thing you can't do it right?

Whatever it is... you should try to do it step by step...and have sincerity in your heart, whether you do it for Allah swt or for the sake of other people who is watching you.

If you do it sincerely...you will try to do it step by step and not so worried on how others will judge you.

 

[AnonymousPoster]

Thank you sisters for your replies, I am going to go through the suggested links, inshallah.

I have a really hard time with prayers and fasting as an example. I know one is suppose to look at these requirements with joy. I find them to be a burden. I feel remorseful for feeling this way. I guess this is a sign of my weak faith? Maybe the more I study Islam the stronger my faith will grow? Inshallah.

 

[syilla]

It takes practices to be able to do it with joy. Now the time is for learning... before you are able to do it with ease. Just remind yourself like a children who is start learning.

Furthermore to do fastings you need to do in a proper way, you have to wake up for sahr ...and should practice beforehand. Start fasting for a half day.

 

[جوري]

pls.. I lived in Saudi Arabia and found it a burden to pray.. it really came to me after a long while, and I learned why my parents and siblings used to nag me.. they really wanted me to get into the habit of shedding laziness.. having sincere prayer, really comes after a while for many (myself included) keeping up with the rituals amongst other things enables you to overcome the doubt that has overtaken you..

sort of like if you were depressed and then you succumb to depression by falling asleep and never getting out of bed.. but when people force you to work and play, your heart might not really be into it, but you develop a habit of being lively until the spirit and the soul catch up with the body in perfect harmony..

I'll keep you in my du3... it is really all I can offer you for now, as well, I ask you to make so many supplications..

I just read this hadith today, I love it..

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Allah (mighty and sublime be He) said:

​

“Whosoever shows enmity to someone devoted to Me, I shall be at war with him. My servant draws not near to Me with anything more loved by Me than the religious duties I have enjoined upon him, and My servant continues to draw near to Me with supererogatory (extra) works so that I shall love him. When I love him I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely give it to him, and were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant him it. I do not hesitate about anything as much as I hesitate about [seizing] the soul of My faithful servant: he hates death and I hate hurting him.”

It was related by al-Bukhari.

 

[Donia]

Thank you sisters for your replies, I am going to go through the suggested links, inshallah.

I have a really hard time with prayers and fasting as an example. I know one is suppose to look at these requirements with joy. I find them to be a burden. I feel remorseful for feeling this way. I guess this is a sign of my weak faith? Maybe the more I study Islam the stronger my faith will grow? Inshallah.

:wa:
Actually sis, I believe it a direct sign of "true faith" rather than weak faith. You feel bad about doing something that you know you should be doing. That is because you believe in Allah and have accepted Islam and you seem to want to follow and practice it to the best of your ability and you feel remorseful when you fall short.
That doesn't sound weak to me.
We all have our struggles and things that we find difficult. It is different for everybody. I don't know how long you have been a Muslim but try to do things slowly and at a comfortable pace for you. Work on the praying and try to build yourself up to doing the five farhd prayers insh'Allah. I am sure you are not the only one who find it difficult to fast at first. It takes time to get used to it but just remember why. Sometimes if you research the reasons why you are doing things other than the obvious of pleasing Allah ta'aala, it makes it a lot easier.

Verily after every trial there is ease.
That is repeated 3 times in the Quran.



Sis Skye,
That was a beautiful hadith. It actually brought tears to my eyes. SubhanAllah. Thank you for posting it.

 

[Snowflake]

Assalamu alaykum,

I can see why Christianity appeals sis. There are no restrictions, no hard work yet it promises salvation. There was a time when I was an ignorant muslim, and it appealed to me too. I know there are a great deal of restrictions in Islams, and a 1/100 part of me sometimes wishes it wasn't so. But then I can see the logic in prevention being better than cure, and I can't fault Islam even if I tried.

Now though, I feel sorry for followers of the Christian faith. Why, you might ask? I've come to know what the Bible teaches and ask myself how any sane person can follow a Book that has become a ghostly resemblance to the Original Message it once was. I would not even be able to operate a machinery whose manual had been changed to instruct opposite to the genuine instructions, then how could a person live their life by a Book which has lost the original message it once contained? I can give you proof that the Bible contains some of the most vulgar phrases you could imagine. For that reason I can't post them here. Am I trying to show the flaws todays Bible has? Yes of course I am. I would never want a sister in Islam to lose her way after finding herself on the right Path.


About finding it hard to practice Islam. I think almost every one of us will tell you, we also struggle at times. When I'm tired and feel as if I don't want to pray, I think Allah gave me food today. He gave me clothes. He gave me a roof over my head. He gave me mine, and the health and the wellbeing and safety of those close to me. If my neighbour brought around a plate of food, I would thank her. Would I not thank my Lord for all the blessings He has bestowed on me? And I didn't even ask? Don't I feel ashamed stuffing my face with what He provided and not spend 5-10 minutes thanking and worshipping Him because He is worthy of it? Shame on me, shame on me, shame on me! So when I am feeling weak, that is how I chide myself and fight my nafs. And I know my Lord, Allah, doesn't expect me to be a perfect muslim. He only wants me to try my best.


The reward for making an effort..

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Those who recite the Qur’an beautifully are like the noble scribes (angels); but as for those who are struggling to read it with hardship will merit double rewards” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

So you see sis, Allah wants us to try our best. Outward perfection needn't mean the intentions are perfect too. We need to have good intentions and do our best. That is the most important thing. The minutes we spend on salah adds up to just over an hour a day - out of 24 hours. It's nothing. You needn't pray the whole sunnah and nafil rakahs. First get used to praying fardhs regularly inshaAllah. You can also wear socks so as not having to wash your feet each time you make wudhu. In travel/difficulty, you can also combine Duhr prayer with Asr, and Maghrib with Isha. Allah has made Islam easy for us sis.

Also remember, Allah did not bestow prophethood on our blessed Prophet (saw) until he had reached the age of 40. He could've made him a Prophet at the age of 18. But no the Almighty and Merciful Lord, gave him time to mature to handle the responsibility of his mission. Allah didn't send the Quran down in one go. He revealed it over 23 years. People implemented islamic teachings slowly into their lives. No one was expected to change their life overnight. No doubt Allah's wisdom is unlimited and He never burdens a soul more than it's ability. Then would Allah not be patient with you sis?

Have faith in His Kindness and Mercy sis. Allah hand-picked you to be one of the guided ones. Just do your best. That is all Allah wants. imsad


:wa:

 

[Raaina]

Wow, I read that and it sounded just like my journey to Islam. Very strange.

Anyway, sister.
The other sisters have given alot of good advice here. Keep studying Islam but slowly. Don't get so hepted up trying to do everything, everything becomes easier with time.

Also, if you feel the desire to follow the Christian faith, then follow it. Religion is between you and god or whatever you happen to believe. If you think religion should be easy and the one you are trying to follow isn't and you think another religion would, then personally I think, you should do what is right for you.

This is how I ended up in Islam, but i'm sure it's also how other people end up following their own faith.

 

[zakirs]

Many great sisters have given you some advice so ill keep it short.


This is what you need to watch ( please watch this .. please )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFFGYendf-Q&feature=related (part 1 )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9yaxDn1_MQ&feature=related (part 2 )

Sister Do you really believe in 1 god who has no equals ( neither prophets nor idols ).. then yes you are a muslim. Remember the shahadah Lailaha illallah wa ashadu anna muhammadan rasulallah.

There is no god but Allah and Prophet muhammed (pbuh) is his messenger.

118. Say those without knowledge: "Why speaketh not Allah unto us? or why cometh not unto us a Sign?" So said the people before them words of similar import. Their hearts are alike. We have indeed made clear the Signs unto any people who hold firmly to Faith (in their hearts).

Surah Al-Baqarah

 

[zakirs]

One reason you are feeling burden is may be you are feeling alone.Don't you have any practising friends.Don't worry there comes a time of life when we all feel burden some times . Please bear with you innerself and don't choose the EASY path but choose the right path

 

[glo]

How long have you been a Muslim, Anonymous?

Draw closer to God, and I am sure He will guide you and not abandon you!

 

[AnonymousPoster]

I cannot express how thankful to Allah I am for all of you and your kindness.

Your words have encouraged me, I know now I'm not alone with what I struggle with.

Sister Skye you are right on the mark about shedding laziness. It is my own laziness that creates the burden on me. The same applies in other aspects of my life as well.

Sister Syilla and Sister Donia your kind replies have given me direction on how to go forward from here.

Sister Scents of Jannah - you are right, when laziness creeps up on me I have to focus on what Allah as provided me. He has given me so much and blessed me so often. You have given me perspective - thank you. Regarding the Bible I understand the contradictions are numerous and its appeal to me is the fact it seems to be the easier path to take. Again I think this comes back to my needing to over come laziness.

Sister Mystical Moon, thank you for your kind reply, may Allah help us reverts through our struggles.

Brother Zakirs, yes I believe in the Oneness of God. I will watch these videos now, inshallah, thank you. And no I do not have any practicing Muslim friends right now. I believe Allah will bring them to me when the time is right if it is His will.

Sister Glo, I've been muslim since the summer of 2008. But I didn't practice the entire time. imsad ... Thank you for your kind words :statisfie

 

[AnonymousPoster]

Many great sisters have given you some advice so ill keep it short.


This is what you need to watch ( please watch this .. please )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFFGYendf-Q&feature=related (part 1 )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9yaxDn1_MQ&feature=related (part 2 )

Sister Do you really believe in 1 god who has no equals ( neither prophets nor idols ).. then yes you are a muslim. Remember the shahadah Lailaha illallah wa ashadu anna muhammadan rasulallah.

There is no god but Allah and Prophet muhammed (pbuh) is his messenger.

118. Say those without knowledge: "Why speaketh not Allah unto us? or why cometh not unto us a Sign?" So said the people before them words of similar import. Their hearts are alike. We have indeed made clear the Signs unto any people who hold firmly to Faith (in their hearts).

Surah Al-Baqarah

Brother I just watched the video, SubhanAllah - so funny, it lifted my spirit - alhamdillah, I now understand that I cannot expect a sign from Allah just for me but all of His creation is a sign. Thank you again.

 

[جوري]

Brother I just watched the video, SubhanAllah - so funny, it lifted my spirit - alhamdillah, I now understand that I cannot expect a sign from Allah just for me but all of His creation is a sign. Thank you again.

sis

this is a personal experience, but only happens when I am in a very elevated spiritual plane and not when I am a sinner, and I believe that I sin daily.. nonetheless, when I cut myself off from the world for a while (usually during the last ten of Ramadan) I ask then Allah swt for signs and he gives them to me.

Once I had taken my state board exam and was worries about the results, and kept making du3a and salat, then asked Allah swt to give me a sign in an order and that being that he gives me a dream before fajr and then wakes me up at fajr without an alarm or anything and I swear to you he gave me a dream with my actual percentage grade and woke me up five minutes before fajr. I kept thinking it was my subconscious mind asked for the dream again, I had a similar dream not the same one of the same thing and again awakened for fajr and one more time for a total of three...

that is why I am asking you that even during the time when you feel your faith wavering to keep making du3a and requests from Allah swt.

[MEDIA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgGdAHraH0U[/MEDIA]

وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُواْ لِي وَلْيُؤْمِنُواْ بِي لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ {186}
[SIZE=-1][Yusufali 2:186] When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me: Let them also, with a will, Listen to My call, and believe in Me: That they may walk in the right way.[/SIZE]

:wa:
​

 

[CosmicPathos]

sis

this is a personal experience, but only happens when I am in a very elevated spiritual plane and not when I am a sinner, and I believe that I sin daily.. nonetheless, when I cut myself off from the world for a while (usually during the last ten of Ramadan) I ask then Allah swt for signs and he gives them to me.

Once I had taken my state board exam and was worries about the results, and kept making du3a and salat, then asked Allah swt to give me a sign in an order and that being that he gives me a dream before fajr and then wakes me up at fajr without an alarm or anything and I swear to you he gave me a dream with my actual percentage grade and woke me up five minutes before fajr. I kept thinking it was my subconscious mind asked for the dream again, I had a similar dream not the same one of the same thing and again awakened for fajr and one more time for a total of three...

that is why I am asking you that even during the time when you feel your faith wavering to keep making du3a and requests from Allah swt.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgGdAHraH0U



:wa:
​

were the percentage marks that you saw in dream exactly the same on the real thing which you got later?

 

[جوري]

were the percentage marks that you saw in dream exactly the same on the real thing which you got later?

yup!

sob7an Allah..

 

[CosmicPathos]

yup!

sob7an Allah..

Allah hu akbar. What a convincing sign for you to further strengthen your faith in His existence and mercy.

 

[Clover]

Dear brothers and sisters, I'm going through a difficult time right now with my faith. Sometimes I feel maybe I jumped into islam too soon, everything is a struggle for me. From my understanding the religion is not suppose to be difficult but I feel like I can't do anything right in Islam.

I will give you some background info on me. I was born into the Christian faith and baptized, however my family was not religious we did not attend church. When I was a teenager I converted to a pagan religion and practiced that for almost 10 years. My father passed away suddenly when I was 18. I was traumatized. One day when I was in a state of absolute agony I had a vision of angels by the 1000s swarming me in the room I was in. They pulled me upstairs and had me open a drawer in a dresser (which I never look in) which had a bible. Prior to this I never really looked at a bible and shortly after I converted back to Christianity.

When I was in university my high-school friend from back home discovered Islam. For years I thought she had lost her mind. She spent a lot of time attempting to convert me. After while I became obsessed with Islam. I spent all my time studying and reading about it. After sometime I converted myself. This original friend who brought me to Islam no longer practices now, but last I talked to her about it she tells me she's still a believer.

The problem I'm having now is I feel a tug in my heart to go back to Christianity. Christians tell me I'm doing all this work to please God for nothing and I will be doomed to the hell-fire unless I accept back their 'free gift' from God. I never viewed Jesus pbuh as God when I was christian, but as a 'path to God'.

Then on the other hand if I was to leave Islam to go back to Christianity I am surely doomed in that respect as well. I don't want to go to hell brothers and sisters.

I prayed to Allah to give me a sign. I saw behind my eyelids a vision of Jesus pbuh. Is this the work of shayton? I'm so confused. I'm constantly ask Allah to guide me to the right faith but I'm afraid I am not seeing His signs.

I won't go into too many details because I know muslims get upset when you talk about your sins. Please forgive me if I've upset anyone thus far with what I've said already. But to be a 'perfect muslim' I have to give up everything in my life. Where I live, my friends, my spouse. I'm terrified and not ready to do such things.

Please be gentle with me brothers and sisters, you all are the only ummah I have in my life.

Do not listen when people tell you, you will burn in hell. They are trying to scare you. I have had so many Christians tell me the same thing, and a decent amount of Muslims have said that. Personally, I would advise you talk to a spiritual leader if you can find one. (Pretty sure their called Imams? I hope I have that right.) and tell him your problem, see what he recommends. Pray, of course, and pray as much as you can, and try to find the answers through asking for help.

A friend of mine told me this "You have to roll with the punches" and she meant it. It has helped me with everything. I have survived a lot, and will survive a lot more cause of that. You can't let stuff knock you in the jaw, you have to twist with it, and let yourself deflect the hit. If you let yourself get hit, your going to be bruised and scarred. See what I mean friend?