Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Question
I feel like I’m stuck in past good memories. I always find myself wishing to go back in the past and live that specific time over again. I also feel like my life now is never and will never be as amazing as it once was.
These feelings are making me depressed to the point that I feel paralyzed and unable to do anything and it is very negatively impacting my prayers. What should I do?
Answer
I pray you are well.
You should look to the future! As a Believer, you are one of the special, fortunate people whom Allah has promised a tremendous gift to: Paradise!
“Allah has promised the believers, both men, and women, Gardens under which rivers flow, to stay there forever, and splendid homes in the Gardens of Eternity, and—above all—the pleasure of Allah. That is (truly) the ultimate triumph.“ [Quran, 9:72]
You should look at the happy days you had and thank Allah for them. Reflect on the happiness you felt and realize that Allah has promised the Believers unending rewards and delights in the place He has made for them.
Those happy days will return – but infinitely better. Look forward to them. Inspire yourself and remind yourself of them through the recitation of the Quran, listening to tafsir classes, reading about Paradise.
Use your prayers as moments in the day when you thank Allah for making you one of those fortunate people. There are literally billions of people who don’t have this gift. Thank Allah for it, and you’ll end up with more than the happiness you feel has left.
May Allah grant you every happiness through serving and loving Him.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani