Finding Strength After Setbacks in Faith
Assalamu alaykum everyone, I'm sharing this because I really feel I need some support-and I want to be clear that this isn't about the deen; the struggle is within myself. Lately, every time I try to reconnect with Allah SWT after my iman dips, something really unsettling happens, either in my dreams or in real life. For instance, last night I made a point to pray 'Isha on time, which is tough for me, hoping to get back on track. But then I had a terrible nightmare about being caught in the tragedies in Palestine, witnessing horrific violence against innocent people, including myself. I haven't been following the news much lately, so it shocked me why it came up now. A few months back, I felt motivated to pray Fajr on time-even harder for me-and after making dua, I fell back asleep and dreamed I was completely paralyzed, unable to move or speak. It was shorter but just as scary. And before that, I made sincere dua for companionship, asking Allah for a good Muslim sister to share life's journey with as a friend. I did meet someone amazing who had been through a lot, but over time, she started only leaning on me emotionally without respecting my own feelings. Things got worse when she admitted romantic feelings, which I know is haram, and she even tried to persuade me into wrongdoing. After many arguments, we cut ties, and it's been silent for nearly three years. It feels like whenever I try to do better, something pushes me back. I've lost a friend, I'm carrying this fear, and sometimes it makes me wonder if Allah is pushing me away from Islam. I'm not claiming to be pious-I make mistakes constantly, acknowledging my weakness and need for guidance. Sorry if this sounds like I'm playing the victim, but honestly, is there something off with me?