Answered by Ustadha Zaynab Ansari
Question: I recently took Shahada Jan. 2008. I have been struggling with the rules of being a muslimah and backslide a few times. Can I retake Shahada and will Allah accept?
Answer: Dear Sister,
Assalamu alaikum,
I pray you are well.
Unless your actions took you outside of Islam, which is unlikely, then I see no reason for you to restate your shahadah.
Remember, when you pray, you say your shahadah multiple times per day.
The point is: Every step you take toward Allah should be a reaffirmation of your original shahadah. If you find yourself slipping, then you should seek forgiveness and move on.
I cannot overemphasize the importance of having a support system in place. The number-one issue new Muslims face is that they lack the support structure of “born” Muslims: the family and kinship networks, cultural ties, etc.
So environment really is everything and it’s important to find Muslimah role models.
I would also not look at your new faith as a set of “rules.” Being a Muslimah is a state of mind, heart, and soul. It means being in loving communion with your Creator. It’s a lot more than a dress code or social strictures, although the latter have their significance.
May Allah reward you,
Zaynab