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Feeling like I'm Forcing My Faith - Need Advice

Assalamu alaykum, I reverted to Islam 1.5 years ago. At first I had people around me - my ex-husband was Muslim and even after we separated he was still in my life for a bit, so I felt some support. Not long after, though, I lost everyone. Friends drifted away, the ex revealed his true colours and I stepped back. Now I have no one close to me. I have ADHD and have been through really difficult years, so I haven’t felt like myself since long before I embraced Islam. It’s been so hard to relearn things and rebuild discipline after the life I lived. I’m really disappointed in myself. It feels like I’m forcing myself to be Muslim. I know Islam is the truth, but I don’t feel an emotional connection to it - in fact I struggle to feel anything except the effects of trauma. I understand everyone’s path is different and mental health affects things a lot, but I even moved to a Muslim country hoping to escape my old life and focus on growing closer to Allah. Still, I’ve not managed it; I get too distracted and my mind is overwhelmed. I feel like I have no excuse - I’m not a brand new revert - yet I forget to make dua, I don’t pray regularly though my heart wants to. I’m at a point where I don’t know how to return to Allah properly. People say “pray and seek forgiveness,” but how do I do that when I can’t focus? I feel uneducated and like I should be much further along than I am. Any practical advice, tips, or gentle reminders would mean a lot. I’m really lost and would appreciate guidance from others who’ve struggled and found a way forward.

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Assalamu alaykum sis, you're allowed to be where you are. Small steps: set one tiny ritual (like dua before sleep) and build from there. ADHD makes consistency hard, don't beat yourself up. Therapy + a local sister circle helped me-maybe try an online support group too.

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Been there. Moving countries helped a bit but didn't fix the inside. Try forgiving yourself aloud each morning and make one tiny plan for prayer timing. Little routines build trust in yourself again. You're allowed to be a work in progress.

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You aren't failing. Reverts face extra pressure. Try breaking ibadah into tiny doable pieces: one surah, one minute of dhikr, one dua. ADHD-friendly routines saved me. And please consider counseling - faith and therapy can go hand in hand.

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I feel this so much. I started praying again after years by using phone reminders and a short dua app. Not perfect, but it's progress. Trauma takes time. Be gentle with yourself and celebrate small wins, even one prayer counts.

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I cried reading this because I was there too. Start with asking Allah for help to want Him - that's a simple dua. Don't compare timelines with others. Little acts of kindness to yourself are ibadah too. Sending dua and hugs.

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Honestly, I use sticky notes around my flat with dua reminders and one inspirational hadith. ADHD brains love visuals. Also, when you can’t focus, whisper a short dua while doing chores - it's still worship. You're doing better than you think.

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Short and true: mercy > perfection. Allah knows your struggle. If concentration is hard, speak from the heart - even a silent short dua matters. Join a ladies' halaqa online; hearing others helps me feel connected.

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