Good advice would be welcomed

[18072007]

Assalamou alaykoum wa rahmat Allahi wa barakatu

I am a British Muslim sister of Arab descent, but my parents didn't educate me about Islam at all. I became interested in religion about a year ago, decided that Islam was right for me and I've been praying since then alhamdoulilah. I discovered Islam in a Muslim country where I have family and whilst there I was really able to learn a lot and to practice Islam to the best of my ability. However, since returning to the UK, I feel really lost. I live in a small town, I don't know any other practicing Muslims and the family I have here is not religious at all. I haven't stopped praying since I started almost 12 months ago, but sometimes I'm tempted just to give it up and I wonder what the point in carrying on is. I have a brother who argues a lot with me and the atmosphere at home is not a happy one. Also, I suffer from IBS and flatulence which really makes praying difficult for me. I try to be a good Muslim but I'm still learning and I feel that there's nobody to guide me and to help me progress. Sometimes I get depressed when I worry about God, and I wonder if he's forgotten me. What can I do to motivate myself? I feels so unhappy :(:(

Many thanks for taking the time to read this. May Allah bless you all.

[*IslamicGirl*]

:start:

:salams

Let me psot something so so comforting and beautiful from the Quraan dear sis :inlove:

:love: Sūra 93: Dhuā, or The Glorious Morning Light :love:



:love: 1. By the Glorious Morning Light,
2. And by the Night when it is still,-
3. Thy Guardian-Lord hath not forsaken thee, nor is He displeased.
4. And verily the Hereafter will be better for thee than the present.
5. And soon will thy Guardian-Lord give thee (that wherewith) thou shalt be well-pleased.
6. Did He not find thee an orphan and give thee shelter (and care)?
7. And He found thee wandering, and He gave thee guidance.
8. And He found thee in need, and made thee independent.
9. Therefore, treat not the orphan with harshness,
10. Nor repulse the petitioner (unheard);
11. But the bounty of the Lord - rehearse and proclaim! :love:

:wswrwb:

[ADZ w3]

:salams

for the Muslim believer, there is an awakening - one that leads him from sin to repentance, from various forms of hypocrisy to sincerity, from neglect to responsibility, or from self-satisfaction to higher aspiration. Often it comes gradually as an uneasy feeling - a discomfort of the soul. Then this uneasiness develops into apprehension and finally into the awareness that one is certainly not prepared for death. Facing an undeniable truth, the servant realizes that no excuse will suffice on the Day of Judgement. Through neglect and worldly distractions, he has placed his soul in danger. Frightened by the thought of punishment, he is at once moved to long and strive for that special mercy reserved for those who have earned the acceptance of their Creator in the greater life to come. But in his present state, would he be accepted? Those diseases of the heart15 so carefully concealed from his fellow men will certainly be uncovered on that Day... unless they are truly cured. A wise and prudent servant will therefore hasten to grasp the opportunity in his remaining days or hours - an extension granted to him out of mercy from Allah. For when these have expired, there will be no further respite or chance for amendment...

"Has the time not come for those who have believed that their hearts should become humbly submissive at the remembrance of Allah and what has been revealed of the truth? And [let them] not be like those who were given the Scripture before— then a long period passed over them, and their hearts hardened. And many of them are transgressors. "

[mom2joseph2004]

I'm kindof in the same boat. my parents didn't teach me a lot about islam - the basic stuff more or less. I've recently rediscovered islam and am trying to learn more about it. I agree that it's hard when you're in a non-muslim town without other muslims to support you and encourage you to learn more about your faith. I've recently started going to classes at a mosque every few weeks that has helped me feel not so alone in my faith. It might not be a realistic option but could you consider moving to a bigger city where there is that support system. Probably the thing that's been the biggest help for me lately is listening to good CDs by Anwar Al-awlaki that educate and encourage me more about islam (hear it during my drive to and from work). I think you can order these online - I just finished the CD set by Anwar Al-Awlaki called Lives Of The Prophets. I guess what's helped me is trying to surround myself with positive influences that reflect a tolerant but accurate understanding of islam. I don't know about you but I don't like attending lectures where the lecturer has a we-they attitude and condemns the culture we live in. I want to be able to be at peace with the Canadian people around me (especially since I'm married to a canadian).

Sorry for the ramblings but keep up the good work and hang in there!

[Cartman]

allah will not punish someone for something he put on them that they can't help, so your flatulance is not your fault.

Just bear in mind, that allah provides for the believers in this world and the next if they just are patient, and good things happen to those who wait