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Converted Long Ago, But Islam Still Feels Overwhelming

04 September, 2017
Q I am a revert for several years now, but only recently starting to look deeper into the religion. And as has happened before I get overwhelmed with all the things that we must do and things we should do and things we are allowed to do....This happened before and I kind of ignored everything and live my religion on the lowest level possible. Now I feel like it is happening again and I don't know how to deal with it? I don't think I can implement every single thing as it is so much and the people around me aren't educated well in Islam too and living more cultural then religious. (I live in my husband’s country, in a family house).

Answer

Salam Dear Jasmin,

I want to thank you very much for sending us your question. We’re immensely grateful to receive it, and to do anything we can to help you.

The first thing that occurred to me while reading your question is Allah’s words:

…Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship. (Quran 2:185)

And Allah wants to lighten for you [your difficulties]; and mankind was created weak. (Quran 4:28)

So, please do not worry.

Let us look at what the beautiful Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) said:

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Religion is very easy and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists, but try to be near to perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded; and gain strength by worshiping in the mornings, the afternoons, and during the last hours of the nights. (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Didn’t he just describe your situation, peace be upon him?

This tells you to not worry.

Allah Wants Ease for You!

Know that every small effort you are doing is greatly rewarded by Allah (SWT). He knows your struggle and that you are trying as much as possible,so be patient:

for indeed, Allah does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good. (Quran 11:115)

Now, how about getting a brief and easy plan?

A man asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him):

“Do you think that if I perform the obligatory prayers, fast in Ramadan, treat as lawful that which is halal, and treat as forbidden that which is haram, and do not increase upon that [in voluntary good deeds], then I shall enter Paradise?” He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) replied, “Yes.” (Muslim)

Allah (SWT) does not burden a soul more than it can handle.

All you need to do in the time being is stop worrying or being overwhelmed. Know that every moment of distress you go through for the sake of Allah is actually rewarded:

“Never a believer is stricken with a discomfort, an illness, an anxiety, a grief or mental worry or even the pricking of a thorn but Allah will expiate his sins on account of his patience”.(Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Tips To Be Near to Allah

Say BismAllah before you do anything. This is you declaring that you begin in the Name of Allah before Whom everything in the heavens and the earth is humbled.

Seek Allah’s help by speaking to Him internally, and He will always be with you and relieve any distress in your chest and guide you.

Enjoy praying your daily prayers seeking to remain connected with Allah (SWT).

Tell Him everything that is burdening you and ask Him to guide you. Focus on your prayers and the quality of your prayers, that’s the most important thing of all.

Also, remember that unless something is obviously haram, it’s halal!

Enjoy everything that is pure and halal that you know clearly is halal, and stay away from what you know and feel is haram, impure or unlawful.

That’s it.

Remember Allah often, remember His Mercy and His Jannah and His infinite Rewards.

Know that He is with you, by your side, so close to you. He is the Most Important One. Focus on Him.

Every tiny act you do is so heavy in your scale if you’re intending to please Allah (SWT) and come close to Him.

Make Quran Your Friend

If you’re having difficulty because there aren’t any knowledgeable people around you, then try to be in the company of your Quran.

Also, get a tafsir (exegesis book) – you can find that online too- and learn what Allah (SWT) is saying in-depth. It is immensely fulfilling and satisfying.

You can make use of an initiative available online called Bayyinah, as it is an amazing resource. You can learn Arabic and learn the Quran easily through their channel.

There are short beautiful explanations of the Quran that will help transform you relationship with it completely. You can watch the ‘Amazed by the Quran’ series for example. Truly amazing and inspirational.

And sister, enjoy your deen!  It is meant to be enjoyed and loved:

Allah has endeared to you the faith and has made it pleasing in your hearts. (Quran 49:7)

Just spend some time checking out those Quranic resources.

It is in the remembrance of Allah through His words that hearts find rest and satisfaction.

Maintain your prayers. Think about Allah often and talk to Him. And insha’Allah everything will be just fine and beautiful.

Please keep us posted and come to us again and again with questions and anything you need.

I hope this helps answer your question.

Salam and please keep in touch.


(From AboutIslam’s Archives)

Read more…

 

Islam is Easy: Why Make it a Burden?

 

How Can Non-Arab Muslims Engage With the Quran?

 

3 Steps to a Deeper Relationship with the Quran

 

https://aboutislam.net/reading-islam/understanding-islam/5-practical-steps-understand-quran/