Salam,
The first step to getting back on track is to recognize that we have a problem and have a desire to turn it around before it gets worse. This is something you have already done, and will, God willing be the most difficult step in your path back to God.
Secondly, you must turn sincerely to God, seeking His Mercy and Forgiveness knowing that there is no one who can grant forgiveness except God. After that you must do your utmost to stop the sinful practices you have been engaged in. Remove yourself from the company of those who encourage you to sin, or remain silent accomplices along with you. Spend your time in the company of righteous people. Visit the mosque to pray more often and you will find many, many brothers and sisters seeking the same things as you, Mercy and Guidance from God.
Look for opportunities to do good for others and for yourself. If you want God to love you, serve the people around you. Be an asset to your community, a supporter of good causes, think of others before yourself and seek no thanks or reward from them. Seek your reward from God alone. Do not envy others for their material possessions, but envy those whose faith is strong and deeds are sincerely for the pleasure of God. Righteous people attribute their good qualities to God, and attribute their faults to themselves.
Do your best to read the Qur’an on a regular basis. The best time is after the Fajr prayer. Practice voluntary fasting outside of the month of Ramadan. This holy month is approaching soon. Prepare yourself for it by asking God to give you the ability to make it to witness it’s arrival once more so that your iman can really be re-charged “big time”.
Spend time with the scholars in your community. Sit in their study circles (halaqa) between prayers at your local mosque. Take time to reflect on God’s creation of the universe and everything in it. Reflect on the many blessings you have and thank God for them everyday. Spend time with your parents and relatives as much as you can so long as they are righteous people as well. Visit the sick to remember the blessing of your health. Visit the cemetery to pray for your deceased Muslim brothers and sisters and to remember that your turn will come someday. Like everyone, you will have to stand before God to answer for all you have done, and explain what you did with all the things with which you were blessed.
I hope this has been beneficial to you. May God guide us all to what pleases Him.
Salam.
DISCLAIMER
Views expressed by hosts/guests on this program (live dialogue, Facebook sessions, etc.) are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.
Views expressed by hosts/guests on this program (live dialogue, Facebook sessions, etc.) are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.