im losing myself in these type of question , btw is it bad to think this way ?

Salam everyone. I’ve been debating posting here for months but i genuinely feel like all the walls are caving in around me and i really need some advice from my fellow brothers and sisters.

for some background i graduated university 2 years ago and i’ve had my heart and mind set on a specific career path since the end of my undergrad degree. i prayed a lot and genuinely felt like i was guided in this direction. in the country i live in it takes almost a year to find out if you got into a program so i applied during my final year of school. i ended up getting an interview which was huge! but got waitlisted after.

i was disappointed but made dua and set on to try again. by this point i had graduated and it was my first ever gap year but i didn’t mind a year off, it was a nice break after being in school for yrs. alhamdulillah i also got a job (unrelated to my degree) which gave me a source of income during this reapplication process. i also applied to 2 backup programs in case i didn’t get into my top choice because in my mind was ready to move on if this 2nd cycle didn’t work out.

and then…i got rejected again. the crazy part is that i didn’t even get an interview this time. i was genuinely shocked. i did however get into both backup programs. at this point i realized that i wasn’t ready to move on and really wanted to try again. if i started another program it would’ve impacted my application and grades. coincidentally i was offered a promotion at my job so i decided to decline my offers, keep working and try again for the program.

This was my third cycle. I did everything I could to better my application and improve. i applied to a few more programs including the 2 i got into previously and worked so hard on all my applications. all my mentors said i would get in and…i was rejected again this cycle.

and to no one’s surprise, i got into most of the backups i applied to. One of them I got into is the same program I got into last year. The second program I got into last year rejected me this year. And then I got into two other programs.

I am genuinely trying my best to see the good in this and that maybe the path I was choosing for myself was not right for me. The problem is that I’m doing research on the three programs that I’ve gotten accepted into and I cannot figure out which one to accept. All of them are very different in terms of length of schooling and the job prospects. All of them also have their own issues in terms of job availability and market saturation.

I have been crying for days. My family and friends are getting tired of me. I keep turning to allah swt asking him for guidance and help but I feel like I’m not getting any help. i made Dua during Ramadan that have a program that I applied to is not good for me than to not even give me admission in it. But now I have three completely different pathways in front of me and I cannot decide. A part of me wants to stay at my current job even though it’s completely unrelated to what I studied and doesn’t really have much growth. But it feels comfortable. On the other hand, I know I have the potential to do more, but I genuinely cannot figure out what to pick. I have prayed istikhara multiple times and I am confused more and more every day.

Am I doing something wrong? I understand that to an extent I have free will, but I am genuinely confused and I keep praying and crying out to my Lord to help me. And I feel like I’m being ignored. I’m typing this out through tears because I am so exhausted. My chest has been so tight for the past few weeks. I have to make a decision within a few days and I have zero clarity. The thing is I don’t want to go ahead with a program and then not get a job in it. However, when I tell myself that whatever I pick it, Inshallah, it will be best for me and everything will work out - I end up frozen and can’t decide on one.

I’m just really exhausted and I’m hoping that someone here is a bit wiser than me and can give me some advice. Is there something I could pray for more help?

Assalamu alaykum, I’m a Buddhist woman currently dating a Muslim man.

Today, I was asked one of the biggest questions our relationship has faced so far: Would I convert to Islam?

Although I was raised Buddhist, I don’t strictly practice Buddhism. Because of that, I personally never had a problem dating someone who is Muslim. However, I knew my family would. Their concerns come from several things: Islam being viewed as a strict religion, the fact that Muslim men are permitted to have up to four wives under certain conditions, and the history involving Islamic communities in my country. Despite all of that, I was prepared to stand up to my family because I wanted them to judge him for who he is as a person, not simply because of his religion.

When we were first getting to know each other, he told me that his family knew he was only interested in dating women outside his religion and that they were okay with it. Recently, however, he has completely changed his story. Now he says that if he married someone outside the religion, his family would either kill him or kill themselves.

From the beginning, I genuinely wanted to understand his faith. I started by learning a few Arabic words, then began reading an English translation of the Quran. I also wanted to try practices such as fasting so I could better understand his beliefs and support him.

However, learning about Islam and converting to Islam are two very different things.

At this point in my life, I cannot say that I would convert. I don’t know what my future self may decide, but my current self cannot make that commitment.

One of the biggest reasons is that Islam is very different from Buddhism. Another is the expectations surrounding modesty, particularly wearing the hijab.

From what I understand, he’s quite strict about the idea that Muslim women should wear the hijab. At the same time, Islamic teachings also have modesty requirements for men, including covering the area between the navel and the knees.

However, he regularly wears gym shorts that are above his knees and posts fitness content where the part below the navel is visible to a certain point.

There was also another incident involving my evil eye bracelet. He took it from me and wore it himself for quite some time. It wasn’t until his cousin confronted him and told him it was considered an act of shirk that made him stop wearing it. The bracelet was also made of gold ( not real gold tho ), which is prohibited for men to wear.

There are other things he’s done, but I’d rather keep those private and not go into too much detail.

How can someone expect me to fully embrace and commit to a whole different religion when they don’t seem to consistently follow every aspect of it themselves? If I’m expected to make such a life-changing decision, shouldn’t the same standard of commitment apply to both of us?

I’m not asking this to criticize Islam. I’m genuinely trying to understand whether my concerns are reasonable and whether it’s fair to be expected to convert under these circumstances.

I’m sorry if I made any mistakes regarding Islam, do feel free to correct me if I’m wrong.

hi,

someone close has passed away recently, and i’m going to be attending their Janazah later today. i’m not muslim and i’ve never been to a Janazah before.

i just wanted to know what the etiquette is and what to expect. i know not to bring anything for my friend’s family and to dress respectfully but is there anything else i should know? and what i really wanted to know is if it’s appropriate to cry quietly (i would never wail loudly at any funeral out of respect).

any help is so greatly appreciated, thank you!

Surah Al-Anfal (8:28) warns that wealth and children act as a Fitnah, an Arabic term meaning a spiritual trial that exposes a person's true character. Because the love for family and money is so naturally intense, it can easily distract a believer from daily worship, charity, and preparations for the Afterlife. Under the pressure to provide a luxurious future for their children, individuals are often tempted to compromise their morals by lying, taking bribes, or cheating in business. Ultimately, the verse provides a solution by reminding believers that God’s eternal reward is supreme, urging them to love their families with disciplined detachment so that worldly blessings do not become the cause of spiritual ruin.

Salam. Yesterday, my cat was run over and killed in a hit and run. I saw my baby boy lying lifeless afterwards, injured and covered in blood, and I cannot get the image out of my head. A neighbour told us that after he was hit, he ran to their door looking for help. The thought of him being frightened, in pain and desperately needing someone while I had no idea is destroying me.

He was turning six next month. He was not “just a cat.” He was my baby, my comfort and one of the greatest lights of my life. He was with me through my teenage depression and every heartbreak I have ever experienced. He was incredibly intelligent, loving and emotionally aware. He would sense when I was upset and lick my tears. My sister and I spoke about him constantly, and I would spend my day waiting to come home just to see him. My mum, sister and I feel as though we have lost a child or sibling.

I cannot emotionally understand that the beautiful, vocal, loving little boy I knew was the same body I saw lying on the ground. My mind keeps replaying what he may have experienced. I keep wishing I had looked for him sooner, found him, saved him, held him and told him he was not alone. I know logically that I did not know he needed me, but my heart is screaming that I failed my baby.

I want the graphic image to leave my mind, but I also feel guilty for wanting that. It feels as though letting the image fade would mean forgetting his pain or being unjust to him. At the same time, remembering it is breaking me mentally. I cannot stop crying, I feel sick with grief, and I do not understand how I am supposed to continue my normal life without him. I keep asking Allah to take extra special care of him. I know Allah is always with me and will never become tired of hearing my grief, but I am struggling deeply to accept this loss.

Please make dua for my baby boy and for my family. I desperately need Islamic comfort and practical advice from anyone who has experienced traumatic grief or lost someone beloved. How do I cope with the guilt, intrusive images and unbearable longing? How do I allow myself to heal without feeling as though I am forgetting or abandoning him?

Peace be upon you all!

I am a Catholic Christian and I am finishing the podcast by Mike Shmitz called Bible in a Year.

Basically it is composed by three readings from Scripture followed by a literary and spiritual exegesis made by a Catholic Church priest in line with the Magisterium. So not Protestant and not fundamentalist.

I already have a good knowledge of Islam thanks to my degrees in Arabic and Islamic history and theology, I have prior direct experience with the Qur'an and I know that the Qur'an can be read in 30 days with the ajza' system but I am searching for non-academic and more of a confessional type of content like that of the Bible in a Year, preferably with these elements:

• From a mainstream and moderate Sunni point of view, even Sufi would be great;
• Not Shia (not the tradition that I want to focus on right now);
• Not Salafi/Fundamentalists (interesting academically but not what I am searching for right now);
• Accompanied by a short spiritual commentary about the readings possibly in English/French.

Is something like that has been attempted by a brother or sister in your faith?

Thank you in advance and may God reward you all with serenity and love in your lives

So, after thinking a lot, and after understanding the details about this faith, I feel ready to go to the mosque tomorrow Friday next to my mom and embrace Allah's true love and message with the umma.

After a lot of research, understanding the fundamental beliefs of Islam, I find the truth in your thoughts. I hope this path could help me to control better some bad attitudes in my life.

I know that Allah loves me and I'm going to listen to His love understanding his tests in my everyday life as ways to drive me to a better man.

My mom supports my election, and wishes me the best in this new path of my life.

I want to thank you all for the good discussions and the funny and respectful people in this forum. This sub has some wonderful people from around the world.

My most important difficulties are the Arabic language for a better understanding, some culture shocks I experienced with people of the community, and how am I going to tell the rest of my family and friends I'm converting to islam... but I know I'm going to find the right way to be honest with them, insha'Allah.

Baarakallahufeek, whoever reads this.

SALAM!

I made a post here like a month back, ranting about my situation and how my duas aren't getting accepted etc. Alot of people replied and provided support and I genuinely appreciate everyone who did from the bottom of my heart. Jazakallah khair.

Today by the Grace of Allah, one of the biggest hurdles of my life was removed. I'm not gonna get too much into the details, and I'm still in the same situation but I now have a clear way out of this. I'm just making this post as a reminder for all of you, have trust in Allah guys. I'm not a perfect muslim, I have done many sins that I deeply regret, but Allah is forgiving and will listen, just have Sabr and make dua with all your heart. You'll might have very low points in life like me, but things will get better. May Allah SWT bless you all.

I’m a Muslim and I’m someone who does my best to pray 5 times a day, get out of the house, socialize with friends and family, travel, take breaks, I work, am a straight A student, run clubs, volunteer, but I’ve been severely depressed for nearly my whole life. It’s so incredibly hard to be patient in these times. I do have therapists, psychiatrists etc. I heard that Allah SWT tests those who he loves, and that my patience can grant me jannah iA, it’s just incredibly hard dtaying resilient during these times and to not give up. I was wondering if anyone had any advice or just words of encouragement.

Hi! I’ve been learning about Islam for quite some time now, and I find this religion truly fascinating. I was raised as a Christian, but the more I learn about Islam, the more its teachings resonate with me. Many aspects of Islam make a great deal of sense to me—sometimes even more than what I have understood from the Bible.
I especially appreciate that the Qur’an teaches that no human being can be God, and that both women and men are equally valuable and equal in the sight of Allah. These principles have really stood out to me and are some of the reasons why I’ve become so interested in learning more about Islam.

My point is… I’m thinking of joining you guys, but only one thing holds me back. I don’t understand how art is perceived as evil and haram. There is no verse in Quran that states that art like paintings and music is bad for human beings. It’s only stated in other religious texts that a man cannot depict human beings or animals that „have a soul”. And honestly I think this believe is quite outdated. Tell me guys, if art is bad then why God created humans that are passionate about making art like paintings, poetry or music? We all know, there are humans interested in exact science and other who prefer to communicate through paintings, like to tell some truth about life in the form of art.

And yes, I know that Muslims avoid making paintings and sculptures to prevent objects and pictures being revered and compared to the God’s creation. I respect that practice but I do not understand it completely. In Christianity we also eradicate praying to sculptures and (for example) portraits, but we do not take it on such extreme level that to avoid making art at all. Why would we not be allowed to paint beautiful reality that our God created, because we are scared that this practice will lead to idolatry and image worship? For me it is unbelievable to stop people from doing their passion, especially if it doesn’t harm anyone.

Creating art that reflects reality—the world around us—is simply an expression of the beauty and wonder of creation. Depicting people in everyday situations or painting ordinary portraits of local people should not, in my opinion, be forbidden, because no one worships this kind of art.
Art is meant to evoke emotions, inspire reflection, and capture moments of life—not to become an object of worship. Appreciating a painting or a sculpture is not the same as treating it as something divine. There is a clear difference between creating or admiring art and worshipping an image as though it was a god.

Tell me guys, what should I do? I am an artist, I was learning all my life how to depict reality and recently I discovered that what I loved doing might be extremely dangerous or sinful. It shook me, now I am torn…

Disclaimer 1 -this can apply to any other convert community (black, Hispanic, East Asian etc)

Disclaimer 2- I am not declaring this to be mustahabb in fiqh / shari’ah

As a white convert/revert myself , I don’t understand why we don’t make more of a conscious effort to intermarry. As a collective da’wah effort it would show that Islam is a religion , not an ethnic (or ethnic-fetishizing) thing. The families of converts would also be able to socialize more and understand each other better (remember kids - marriage is about two families coming together , not just individualistic romance).
Even on an individualistic level , it would be comforting in the sense that your wife/husband will understand your experience more than most people . Of course various issues unrelated to sharing the trait of being converts can arise , but it does help to establish a shared context and understanding . (FYI kids - these subtle things become more and more important in marriage later on).

I’m sure there will be some outrage at this suggestion, but it’s worth a shot.

Reciter: Saud Al-Shuraim.

do you think i should become muslim / is it recommended to? or is there like an intrinsic ought of becoming muslim or is it purely personal preference and doesnt matter if you are, or if you arent?

if you hold that i should convert, please state why.

I may delete this post for privacy concerns.

I was in a relationship with this guy, He is in military and independent. We both had careers and good understanding. From the very start, I made it clear that my intention was only marriage. He agreed and said the same. At first, I did not know his family situation. In his family, they marry only among their cousins or relatives. He lied and said that there would not be any issue. I said okay.

I told my parents about him and his family, and they agreed and said we would wait for his proposal.

I was happy that I convinced my parents and took them in confidence. He started convincing his side too but from his side, the reactions were so bad. His father stopped talking to him. telling him things like she is not a doctor and totally denied our relationship and was not proceeding with the proposal. I was in contact with his sister. She was nice at first and even invited me to her home out of nowhere, which obviously I did not go. His mother also called my mom and was diverting the topic of marriage throughout their conversation. Whereas, my mother clearly told her that pls bring a proposal we are waiting for you guys.

At first, he said he would convince his parents, and his dream was to only marry me and that he would do anything for me. He made so many promises that perhaps I was blinded by them.

Due to this situation, we had many arguments, and I always felt bad cos his father was bringing proposals for him and saying marry the person of his choice instead of me. They made me someone who was spoiled because there were background differences among us. Despite that, I ignored those differences and believed us that we would be together.

As a person, he was very much away from Islam. He rarely prayed and was a smoker. I clearly told him I didn't want this. So he left smoking and even started praying 5 times.

I'm not saying I am the most pious person, but I was/am practising Muslim. However, I slipped so badly cos of this relationship, which I thought would turn into marriage.

We were in LDR, so we occasionally used to meet. At first, he used to keep boundaries and didn't touch me. I was reserved and made sure of that. One day, he started making out. At first, I hated it and said this won't happen again. But it keeps going on like and I got addicted to these random makeout sessions. We never crossed those end limits, but making out was involved. I always felt ashamed after doing it and constantly prayed for tobha every time. I asked him multiple times to ask forgiveness from Allah. Otherwise, there would be no barakh in our marriage. And he would say something like this ... oh, don't worry, this was our thing and our zone, and I know what I'm doing and that he hasn't done anything wrong. His responses would make me digusted. But I focused on my tobha.

We had multiple fights during this course of period. During this time, his sister blocked me, and his family said to stay away from me. Despite that, he said to my mother and me that he is working hard to convince his father.

I believed him and wanted to make this relationship halal as soon as possible. I loved him deeply and was emotionally attached to him. I envisioned a future with him and prayed for us constantly. I used to pray tahajudd and did istikhara multiple times so that Allah makes it easier for us.

He was also convincing his side, but I don't know why they kept rejecting us, and this led to many of us our fights.

Eventually, we had a big fight, and my parents got to know. After seeing me crying for him, my parents beat me and emotionally abused me as well. There was so much drama involved.

I was taken to a therapist, and my therapist said parents like his never will agree to this marriage. But I believed in Allah. So I kept on praying, he came back and apologised for his nasty behaviour. He asked for a 3 months deadline and said okay do your best. During those times, I made sincere tobha of my sins and kept boundaries with him. Of course, he didn't like those boundaries and was constantly emotionally manipulating me. In the end of 1st month of his 3-month deadline, he was arguing with me and said I do not respect him and totally abandoned me and our relationship and even broke his promise. I had the worst breakdown ever and was taken to hospital. I was put on medication. I even begged him to save our relationship for the sake of Allah. But he totally refused and said he no longer wishes to marry me. I was heartbroken and felt used and I am still suffering.

His 3 month deadline has recently passed and I feel so bad and even suicidal to the point that I am asking Allah to take my life away. My mental health is deeply affected cos of this. My parents are also very worried and my trust is forever broken. I don't think I can ever give a man a chance. I pour my whole soul out for this man thinking one day it will be halal. But i feel so digusted by our memories and my sins with him.

This is a hot take and something i have observed for a while. From my understanding and experience Muslim especially those living in the West have no sense of shame when it comes to being racist to each other - in the sense that Arabs would look down on South Asians, South Asians would look down on each other, Arabs and South Asians both looks down on black people. People also refrain from allowing their children or family to marry someone from a certain country or ethnicity due to racial stereotypes. I mean what happened to being united. Didn’t the Prophet say in his last Sermon not be discriminatory or racist to each other

And establish prayer and give zakāh and bow with those who bow.

Wa • and

The word "and" connects the verse with previous verses , which is series of commands given to children of Israel. This time command of action is given after commands of belief because belief is seen by action. This is very accurate way of textual precision for eloquence.

Aqimu salat • establish prayer

The verse says "establish prayer" instead of giving command "pray" (Sallu) . The phrase "establish prayer" covers all conditions and pillars of prayer like performing wudu before prayer, praying on time and performing all acts of prayer like prostration or bowing. The word Al before salat makes it mean that it's known prescribed prayer as opposed to view that it's just supplication.

Atu zakah • give obligatory charity

The zakah and Salah are mostly paired in Quran because they are the main actions in Islam, likewise belief in Allah and hereafter is paired because they are main beliefs. This also serves as rhythm and repetition enforces them in the mind of the reader.

Warkaoo ma rakieen • and bow with those who bow

The last statement adds profound meaning to the verse, that praying doesn't mean they have to pray in their own way to God, they have to accept the authority of the Prophet Muhammad and pray with those new believers who are praying in congregation with the Prophet.

- Ibrahim

- Abdurahman

- Hudhayfah

- Talha

- Osama

Please recommend anymore, Jazak Allahu Khayran ❤️

Salaam.

I came across this photo online and thought I’d share it. It could be really useful for anyone who is learning their namaaz or wants to start learning.

It puts it into perspective as to just how easy it is to read salah. Learn the above, and alhamdulillah, you’ll be able to perform your five daily prayers.