Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
I am a UK born Muslim, and I am trying to practice Islam. I have been ”semi” practicing for many years now. I manage a few months on the straight path before lapsing back into my old ways of music, women, drugs etc…I then hit rock bottom and again try to practice deen. This vicious cycle has been going on for too long. I recently performed Umra in the hope that it would put me firmly onto the path, but once again I have relapsed. I have good company, I know many practicing brothers but I find that I cannot live like them, and indeed I prefer company with those who are not on the oath, as with them anything goes…I truly do fear Allah, and I live in constant regret, yet my repentance is obviously not sincere as I quickly fall back again….
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful & Compassionate
Wa Alaykum Assalam wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuhu,
The key to change is sincere, true repentanceto realize that the Next Life is better, and most lasting than this life, and to take the means to distance oneself from the ways of harm. This requires seeking good company and leaving bad company; busying oneself with good, wholesome activities and leaving harmful activities; and to keep turning to Allah through worship and yearning.
And Allah alone gives success.
Faraz Rabbani
Sheikh `Abd al-Qadir’s Allegory: The Fortress of Iman
Does faith increase or decrease? Are actions part of faith?
What is Sincere Repentance
Repentance, Talking About Past Sin, and Avoiding That Which Does Not Concern One
Past Sins
How Does One Repent?
Prayer of Repentance: Salat al-Tawba
Chapter on Repentance: From Imam Nawawi’s Gardens of the Righteous
May Allah Azza wa Jall guide us all to the ways most beloved to Him, ameen.
Wassalam,
SunniPath Fiqh Team