Assalamu Alaikum - Finding My Way Back to Islam After Time Away

Assalamu Alaikum everyone, I want to share my story of growing up Muslim in a secular place and how I found my way back - Kazakhstan has been my whole life. I was raised in a secular household, but Alhamdulillah my mother came back to practicing Islam. She’s 56 and has been praying regularly for about 5–6 years now. At university, maybe 35% of the girls wore hijab and about half prayed regularly even if they didn’t cover. I graduated this year. There was a period when I was consistent with salah - Fajr especially, and sometimes Tahajjud - but then I fell out of that routine for a while. Since childhood I dreamed of seeing America - sunsets, tall buildings, New York skyline in my mind. I applied for a 3-month student exchange twice. First time in 2022 my visa was denied. The second time in 2023 I tried again and, Alhamdulillah, I got it. Before the interview I was praying a lot and making dua, reciting Ayatul Kursi and Al-Fatiha that day. When I finally reached America, the dream came true - but slowly I drifted away from regular prayers and the consistency I’d had. I truly regret losing that. After I returned home things were hard - I couldn’t find work, felt very lost, and I injured my leg. Doctors suspected arthritis. While I couldn’t walk well, I turned back to Allah and asked for help, guidance, and forgiveness. That pain shook me and reminded me that Allah doesn’t abandon us even when we forget Him. Sometimes difficulties are a way He calls us back. Alhamdulillah my leg is improving, and I’ve bought a prayer rug set. InshaAllah I’m starting my prayers again today. I share this for myself and anyone else who needs to hear it - no matter how far we stray, Allah’s mercy is greater. He finds ways to remind us. May Allah guide us all and keep our hearts firm on His path. Ameen. 🤍