Assalamualaikum - Feeling Distant from My Faith
Assalamualaikum everyone. Sorry if this gets a bit long. For some background, I grew up Sunni and my family is religious but not extreme. People used to tell me how well my parents raised me - how I prayed, read Quran, and showed respect. I chose to wear the hijab around 12–13 because it felt right, no one forced me. Lately though, that closeness is slipping. It started with not wanting to read Quran; I kept praying and eating halal, but over time I’ve lost energy for prayer and Quran. I see friends drinking, smoking, and partying and they seem to be having so much fun. When they invite me it gets harder to refuse. I tell myself to resist, that Jannah will be worth it, but it still feels heavy. The connection with Allah feels weak. I don’t even always feel like wearing the hijab anymore - only for special occasions. People say the hijab represents Islam, and I worry: what good is it if I wear it but I’m Muslim only in name? I feel pressured to meet others’ expectations and ashamed when people ask me about religious things. It often feels like I’m acting, keeping up an appearance of the girl I used to be, but I don’t feel the same inside. The faith I had in my heart feels shattered. Don’t get me wrong - I still want to be Muslim and I want that bond back. I’ve tried reading the English translation of the Quran; even a few pages touched me and seemed to describe what I’m going through. I still struggle to pray, but sometimes I make dua at night asking Allah to bring that feeling back. I’m asking for advice and some reassurance that I’m not a bad person, that it’s possible to rebuild this connection even if it seems impossible, and that I’m not alone. I haven’t had much luck with lectures - they often feel unfair or like there’s no real choice, and I shut down. If you can, please make dua for me.