Struggling to Fast this Ramadan: The Guilt is Real
As-salamu alaykum, everyone. I've been carrying this heavy guilt because I haven't been fasting during Ramadan, and I didn't even set the intention each night. It's honestly made me feel so ashamed and disconnected. Alhamdulillah, I fully believe in Allah's oneness and the core pillars of our faith, but I've been neglecting my prayers and Quran reading for a long time. This distance from my deen has me sometimes doubting if I even deserve to call myself Muslim anymore. That's why, during these blessed last ten days, I really want to renew my shahada and make a fresh start. I'm seeking sincere repentance and asking Allah to help me change for the better-to pray regularly, fast properly, and reconnect deeply with the Quran. InshaAllah, I aim to memorize it within a couple of years. There's a kind of mental block holding me back right now, and I'm turning to Allah for strength and discipline to get past it. If any of you have advice for coming back to Islam after a long lapse, I'd be so grateful. And please make dua that Allah strengthens my iman and keeps me steadfast on the straight path. Jazakum Allahu khair.