Feeling distant in faith and searching for a way back
Assalamu alaikum, I'm reaching out for some sincere advice because I really want to find my way back. Please be kind-I'm trying to help myself here. I'm not sure if I've crossed any lines or not, which is why I haven't shared this with anyone, but I truly need guidance. It's Ramadan, and I'm keeping up with my prayers, fasting, and making dua, but deep down I feel so disconnected. About two years ago, when I prayed, it felt like I was actually talking to Allah-there was this real sense of closeness. I've been chasing that feeling for a year now, but lately praying just feels empty, like a routine I'm going through without any heart in it. These last ten days, I've been making dua, but when some prayers are answered, I start wondering if it's just coincidence, not something beyond our control. The biggest struggle for me is this doubt creeping in: what if there's no real proof of a higher power? What if religion is just something humans created? On top of that, I've been dealing with some low feelings, and I don't know if that's affecting my thoughts or not. Please, if you can, offer some support beyond just saying 'pray more' or 'read Quran'-I need something that helps me believe in the truth of Islam again. My heart aches over this, and this Ramadan has been the toughest one for me so far. I really want to restore that strong faith and belief I once had.