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234 questions answered by Sh. Mustafa Umar. Search in your own words or pick a topic.
What do I do if I am not feeling a deep connection with Allah when I pray, fast, and in general?
Everyone has ups and downs in feeling connected with Allah and in the strength of their conviction in Islam. This afflicted the Companion Hanzalah and even Abu Bakr. This can be a test from Allah. Part of our purpose in life is to worship Allah: “I have not created the Jinn or Humans except to worship Me.” [Quran; 51:56] You might worship Allah with the ulterior motive of wanting to feel good, but that should not be the purpose. Allah may take away the good feeling when you worship in order to test you and help you raise your intention to a higher level. Keep doing what you are supposed to do and know that sometimes the feeling will be there and sometimes it won’t.
How do I stop looking at girls lustfully?
Avoid areas where there is a greater chance of you seeing women dressed inappropriately such as the beach or shopping malls. Turn your sight away from anything inappropriate such as billboard advertisements or online dating ads. The longer you stare at something attractive the more you will want to look and go further. It does not get out of your system by indulging in it, as some people claim. Actually, it is like a drug that gets into your system and you want to have more.
What do I do if I am losing hope in Allah?
Never give up hope. Everyone goes through difficult tests in life. Our reaction to these tests will determine whether we pass or fail. It is important to be careful what you say and how you react while you are in the most difficult part of the test. Once you get through it, you will look back and realize it wasn’t as difficult as it felt in the moment. Continue asking Allah for help and to not test you more than you can handle.
How do I avoid a toxic relationship if I cannot boycott a Muslim for more than three days?
Normally you cannot boycott another Muslim. It is even worse if this is a family member. People usually boycott others out of anger. However, you may boycott someone only when there is a legitimate fear that speaking to such a person and keeping in touch with them will harm you or others in some way. Therefore, if the situation is as you claim, it would be allowed to generally avoid the person, but try to at least respond to their greeting of as-salāmu ʿalaykum (peace be with you).
These answers are general guidance. For your own situation, ask a scholar.