Seeking clarity after a mistake
As-Salaamu-Alaikum, brothers and sisters. I'm a Muslim who recently made a mistake and I'm feeling really anxious about it. I thought the teaching about prayers not being accepted for 40 days only applied to specific things, and honestly, I avoided looking deeply into it to understand the full consequences. I realize now I was wrong and should have sought proper knowledge. Afterward, I learned that some people say this ruling can apply to other things that affect the mind, which has made me very worried. I'm not trying to make excuses for my action. I take full responsibility, but I also genuinely didn't fully understand the ruling at the time. Now I'm left with some heavy questions on my heart: • Is it true that my prayers won't be accepted for such a period? • Does my lack of complete knowledge make any difference in this situation? I would be so grateful for sincere, knowledgeable answers based on proper Islamic rulings, not just personal opinions. JazakAllah Khair.