Feeling Abandoned - Why Won’t Allah Answer Me?
Assalamu alaikum. I didn’t really grow up in a practising household, but I always believed in Islam. I wasn’t consistent with my prayers until about three years ago, and Alhamdulillah I’ve tried to stick with it since then. Still, I’ve battled depression for as long as I can remember, and it’s made even normal things like passing classes really hard. I’ve made dua after dua asking Allah for strength to do better at school, for help fighting this depression, and for healing. It feels like none of my duas have been answered. When I tell my mum how I feel she gets upset and says I shouldn’t think like that. I don’t mean to be ungrateful - my heart really is open to Islam and to Allah - but I can’t understand why He won’t help me. I’ve cried while making dua, begging Allah to lift this burden, and yet I still feel just as miserable. Getting closer to my faith these past years hasn’t seemed to change anything. I’m sorry if this sounds harsh, but I’m tired of being told to just have sabr or that Allah only gives tests we can bear. I’ve had so much sabr, and I’m running out of strength. My depression gives me harmful thoughts sometimes, and I pray for Allah to remove them. I’m scared for my akhira when my life feels like this. It sometimes seems like other people have it easier, even though I’m trying to stay pure and keep up my prayers. I’ve prayed tahajjud, made istikhara for big choices, and observed extra acts of worship during laylatul qadr - so why does it feel like Allah isn’t listening? I really do apologise if any of this sounds rude. I’m just so lost and upset and don’t know what to do next. Please make dua for me, and if anyone has gentle advice or ways to cope from an Islamic perspective, I’d appreciate it.