How Do I Renew My Commitment to Islam?
Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Question
I keep falling into the same sins; my mind wanders during prayer; I struggle to pray Fajr and Isha on time; I battle showing off; and I have little supportive company. I feel I have failed. What should I do?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Benevolent, the Merciful.
May Allah’s blessings and peace be upon His Beloved Messenger, his companions, and his folk.
May Allah reward you for your concern. This concern is itself a sign of living faith. True loss is only in giving up. As long as you keep returning to Allah, you are on the path to Him.
Let Go of the Word ‘Failure’: Believers Seek Success with Allah
Begin by letting go of the word ‘failure.’ Allah does not ask us for perfection. He asks us to strive sincerely and to keep returning to Him. “Despair not of the mercy of Allah; verily Allah forgives all sins.” [Quran 39:53]
And, “Repent to Allah from the utter depths of your conscience.” [Quran 66:8] Repentance is not a single event that is missed. The door of repentance remains open every time you turn back to Allah.
Take small, steady steps rather than trying to do everything at once. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) taught that the most beloved actions to Allah are those done consistently, even if they are few. [Bukhari; Muslim]
Choose a small act you can maintain. Guard the time of one prayer well before moving to the next. Sit for a few minutes in the morning and evening for remembrance. Read a few lines of the Quran each day.
If your mind wanders in prayer, know that this does not invalidate it. Gently bring your attention back each time it drifts. This return is itself an act of worship.
What about Showing Off and Fear of Insincerity?
If you worry about showing off, do not leave good deeds. Instead, keep doing them and quietly renew your intention for Allah. The fact that this concerns you is a sign of faith, not its absence.
As for the company, ask Allah to grant you righteous friends. Seek a trustworthy teacher or join a study circle, even online if needed. Remember that Allah’s nearness is always available to those who seek Him. “Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.” [Quran 2:286] Take a step today, and trust that Allah will help you with the rest.
[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani
Related SeekersGuidance Answers
- Trying to Practice but Feel Like a Failure: What Should I Do? — Reassurance for one who feels like a failure in practice: build prayer gradually, make dua, and seek righteous company.
- How to Turn Back to Allah after Repeating the Same Sin? — Turning back to Allah despite repeated sin: brokenness can bring nearness, intentions sanctify daily life, and never despair of mercy.
- Can I Turn to Allah Even if I Can’t Stop Sinning? — Keep repenting and returning to Allah even while struggling to leave a sin, taking active means alongside sincere repentance
Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.
Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan.
In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era.
Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs.
Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School.” This book, published by White Thread Press in 2004, is a significant contribution to Islamic literature.
His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse.
Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.
