Drowning in Regret and Fear: Can I Still Find Hope?
Salam. I feel like my life’s a mess and my mind won’t stop racing with thoughts about all the wrong I’ve done and what’s ahead. I was born into a Muslim family, but we lived in a non-Muslim country and honestly, Islam wasn’t really practiced at home-barely anyone prayed or fasted, and I wasn’t taught the basics. Growing up, my friends weren’t religious at all, and some even made fun of faith, so I drifted far away (may Allah forgive me). After a painful life event, Alhamdulillah, I started coming back around the age of 20, with better company. I believe in Allah now and I fast, even if I’m not perfect, and I pray a bit-but I still fell into major sins. Lately, I’ve been trying to sincerely repent and keep up my prayers, but the guilt from my past is crushing me. I have terrible anxiety, fear of death, and I get obsessed with my health. I’ve got a medical test coming up that might show something serious, and I’m falling apart. I regret everything and feel like I’ve ruined my life-like there’s no way to fix it. I’m so scared and can’t talk to anyone. How do I not lose hope? I know Allah’s mercy is huge, but I’m terrified He’s angry with me, and I just want to be perfect for Him. I’m really scared. Please, any advice would mean so much. May Allah bless you and accept all our repentance, ameen.