sister
Auto-translated

My lifelong struggle with religious OCD made me stop practicing-how can I return to faith without fear?

Assalamu alaikum. Since I was a young teenager, I’ve been dealing with intense religious OCD. Now that I’m in university, I’ve actually stopped practicing for years. Every time I tried, my mind would flood with intrusive thoughts that I might be sinning-like, what if my whole life is haram? What if, as a Muslim woman, exercising is haram? Or studying computer science? So many irrational worries would come up, and I’d end up avoiding anything related to deen completely, which honestly is probably one of the worst things I could do. I feel a pull from Allah to come back, but I’m so hesitant because my OCD triggers really disturbing feelings and thoughts. How can I approach this in a way that’s safe and halal? Alhamdulillah, I’m already in therapy and taking medication, but it’s a long road ahead before I feel more stable. Jazakum Allahu khairan for any advice.

Comments

Share your perspective with the community.

sister
Auto-translated

Walikum assalam. Your therapy is part of Allah’s mercy-keep going. Maybe start with just dhikr, like ‘SubhanAllah’ when anxious. No rulings to obsess over, just love. You’ll get there, habibti.

sister
Auto-translated

I feel this so deeply. My OCD attacked my wudu’ and I’d repeat it obsessively. A scholar told me: the Sharia has limits, don’t follow whispers. Now I set a timer and stop after one wash. Small steps, sister.

Add a new comment

Log in to leave a comment