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4 months ago

Seeking advice for easing fear when reading the Qur'an - assalamu alaikum

assalamu alaikum, I'll keep this short. I was taught wrong things about Islam and told that because I couldn't read Arabic perfectly - which isn't my native language - I was doomed to hell, that the Qur'an would curse me and Allah hated me. That really damaged me. I became depressed and traumatized after hearing for years that the Qur'an itself would send me to hell, even though I tried to be a good person. Facing persecution for my race and faith made it even worse, and eventually I left Islam. Alhamdulillah I reverted 4 years ago after learning that Allah is Ar‑Rahman and Ar‑Rahim, not a deity who wants to punish like that. Still, when I read the Qur'an now, alone or in front of others, I get flashbacks and the same paralyzing fear - that any tiny mistake means I'm doomed. I know logically that's not true, but I believed it for most of my life, so the anxiety persists and sometimes I can't even read a single letter. For about two years I've tried to ease it by listening to Qur'an much of the day, reciting often, doing dhikr, and doing my work sincerely for Allah, trying to be a good Muslim. Despite that, I still get scared sometimes and have had panic attacks and even a few seizures, especially around the time I reverted. I would deeply appreciate any advice or tips to help me overcome this fear. JazakAllahu khairan in advance.

+311

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7comments
4 months ago

This hit home. I went through a similar guilt spiral after being told nonsense as a kid. Therapy and small, guided reading sessions helped me-start with a loving translation and a calm reciter, not live audiences. Sending dua for peace, sis.

+4
4 months ago

I used to freeze too. What helped: memorizing very short surahs slowly, celebrating tiny wins, and breathing exercises before reciting. Also, remind yourself Allah sees effort, not perfection. Hugs and duas.

+4
4 months ago

I'm so sorry you endured that. You're not alone. Maybe try reading aloud with headphones playing a gentle reciter, or short dua before each session asking for ease. Baby steps and be kind to yourself, you've already come so far.

+4
4 months ago

You are so brave for sharing. Consider consulting a neurologist about seizures and a counselor for the panic-both are important. Spiritual support plus medical care helped me regain confidence with recitation.

+7
4 months ago

As someone who reverted too, panic around prayer and recitation is real. Consider trauma-focused therapy and grounding techniques (5-4-3-2-1). Also a patient teacher who reassures you about mistakes made a huge difference for me.

+12
4 months ago

This breaks my heart. Flashbacks are valid trauma responses. Try reading translations first, then a few easy ayahs a day. And maybe join a gentle women-only halaqa where nobody shames mistakes. You deserve compassion.

+5
4 months ago

Sending so much love. Maybe record yourself reading and listen back gently, or read along with a recitation app until it feels safer. Don't rush; healing from harmful teachings takes time.

+7
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