The questioner says: In the early days of my youth, I began to truly be consistent with prayer, fasting, and going to the mosque at all times.
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The questioner : In the early days of my youth, I began to truly be consistent with prayer, fasting, and going to the mosque at all times. I used to find a great flavor in my prayer and fasting, such as humility and a love for worship, and I would eagerly engage in whatever pleases Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) continuously. I maintained this pattern for a period of two years, or less, or more. However, what happened during this period is that I faced various problems and difficulties from people, or rather from those who harbor hatred toward Islam, in addition to sexual desire which affected me while I was young. All these influences and others began to gnaw at my heart and demolish what the light, or the light of truth, had built. The essence of worship—prayer, fasting, humility, sincerity to Allah, and the love that was rooted in my soul—disappeared from me. At the same time, I did not want, and I confirm to you that I did not want, to abandon prayer and fasting. At the same time, I began to criticize myself: why am I like this? Why is this negligence regarding the obligatory duties? My main concern and supplication is steadfastness upon the religion of truth and that I remain a righteous man. But righteousness, as you know, is through the righteousness of the heart. I ask you, or I ask your eminence, to find a solution for this problem, to guide me to the correct action, and to tell me which books I should read to guide me. May Allah protect you and preserve you?
The Shaykh : We advise this man who has been struck by this setback to be patient and to persevere in what he was doing in the early part of his life: uprightness, humility in prayer, turning to Allah (Mighty and Majestic), and loving Him. For as Allah the Exalted said:[As-Sajdah 32:24].
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : It is through patience and certainty that the leadership of religion is attained. A person may encounter such circumstances, but if he is patient, perseveres, and seeks refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan, in accordance with His saying the Exalted:[Fussilat 41:36], then the outcome will be for him.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : First, we advise him to persevere in righteous deeds and to strive for humility and the presence of the heart.
Second, to increase in reciting the Book of Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He), reflecting on its meanings, and studying the reliable tafsirs (exegeses) for interpreting the meanings of the noble verses.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : Third, to increase in the remembrance of Allah (Mighty and Majestic), for Allah the Exalted says:[Ar-Ra'd 13:28].
Fourth, to study the reliable books of hadith, and to understand what has been reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) of authentic Sunnah, and to strive to implement it.
And fifth, that he should choose from among his companions those who will help him in this matter, from among the people of knowledge, insight, and competence. By doing the causes, Allah will prepare the matter for him, along with seeking help from Allah the Exalted and intense turning to Him.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : Very well.
The Shaykh : We advise this man who has been struck by this setback to be patient and to persevere in what he was doing in the early part of his life: uprightness, humility in prayer, turning to Allah (Mighty and Majestic), and loving Him. For as Allah the Exalted said:
And We made from among them leaders guiding by Our command when they were patient and [when] they were certain of Our signs.
وجعلناهم أئمة يهدون بأمرنا لما صبروا وكانوا بأياتنا يوقنونThe questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : It is through patience and certainty that the leadership of religion is attained. A person may encounter such circumstances, but if he is patient, perseveres, and seeks refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan, in accordance with His saying the Exalted:
And if there comes to you from Satan an evil suggestion, then seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Knowing.
وإما ينزغنك من الشيطان نزغ فاستعذ بالله إنه هو السميع العليمThe questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : First, we advise him to persevere in righteous deeds and to strive for humility and the presence of the heart.
Second, to increase in reciting the Book of Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He), reflecting on its meanings, and studying the reliable tafsirs (exegeses) for interpreting the meanings of the noble verses.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : Third, to increase in the remembrance of Allah (Mighty and Majestic), for Allah the Exalted says:
Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured."
الذين ءامنوا وتطمئن قلوبهم بذكر الله ألا بذكر الله تطمئن القلوبFourth, to study the reliable books of hadith, and to understand what has been reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) of authentic Sunnah, and to strive to implement it.
And fifth, that he should choose from among his companions those who will help him in this matter, from among the people of knowledge, insight, and competence. By doing the causes, Allah will prepare the matter for him, along with seeking help from Allah the Exalted and intense turning to Him.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : Very well.