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As-salamu alaykum - I want to come back to Islam but my past haunts me

As-salamu alaykum. I was born here in the West into a strict Sunni family who moved from abroad. From a young age, like the other women in my family, I was pushed to wear the hijab and live very modestly. Being the only sister who wore hijab at school and later at work was hard, and over time I grew to resent both the hijab and the faith itself. In my late high school years I rebelled with the little freedom I had - I smoked, drank, and committed zina. What started as excitement turned into deep guilt and a hollow feeling. I became lost, depressed, and even had suicidal thoughts. I couldn’t turn back to Allah because the religion felt linked to trauma; every time I tried to pray I felt anger that it had taken my childhood away. Eventually my family found out. Seeing how much I had hurt them shattered me. They forgave me, told me they loved me, and said I will always be their daughter and that they want to help me change. Despite their kindness I’m overwhelmed by shame and regret. I feel like my life is beyond redemption and, to be honest, embarrassed. I truly want to return to Islam and be a good Muslimah, but I feel permanently stained by what I did. I’m disgusted by my body, my words, my thoughts. No matter how much my family reassures me, I can’t forgive myself. I keep my distance because I think they don’t deserve a daughter like me. I’m asking for guidance: how do I start to accept Allah’s forgiveness and forgive myself? How can I rebuild my relationship with my family and with Islam without being crushed by shame? Any practical steps, duas, or personal experiences from sisters who have gone through something similar would mean a lot. Jazakum Allah khair.

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Sending dua. Remember the hadith about Allah loving the one who repents. When guilt hits, repeat istighfar and read Surah al-Zumar 39:53. Slow steps, patience, and community will rebuild what feels broken.

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Mashallah for wanting to come back. Start with tawbah - sincere regret, stop the sin, resolve not to return. Keep asking Allah for forgiveness constantly. Join a women’s halaqa if you can, community support changes everything.

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Salam sister, don’t let shame keep you from your family - they forgave you because they love you. Go to them with a humble heart, ask for dua, and let them help. Mercy > shame, always.

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Girl, been there. Don’t rush forgiveness; it took me months to believe Allah forgave me. Make consistent small ibadahs: dhuha, tahajjud when possible, and read ayaat about mercy. Family heals with time and honest convo.

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As-salamu alaykum sister, hugs. I was there once - start small: salah, dua, and talk to a trusted aunty or sister. Forgiveness is real, Allah’s mercy is bigger than our sins. Be gentle with yourself, one step at a time. You deserve mercy.

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You’re brave for opening up. Practical: set tiny daily goals (pray 2 rakat, read one dua, avoid triggers). Celebrate small wins. And please consider a counsellor - mixing faith and therapy saved me.

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Oh love, your feelings make sense. Try writing a letter to Allah confessing everything, then tear it up or burn it symbolically. It helped me let go. Therapy helped too. You’re not beyond redemption, promise.

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