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Struggling to Return to Regular Prayer - Need Advice, Assalamu Alaikum

Assalamu Alaikum. I’m having a hard time getting back into a steady routine of salah. Over the past few years I’ve gone from praying a few times a day to sometimes missing prayers for days or even weeks. When I follow scholars or motivational Islamic accounts I get fired up and manage to pray all five for a while, but if I miss one I feel awful for a bit and then gradually become numb again. The last period I was consistent, I felt uplifted and I honestly thought I’d never stop praying. I even encouraged others to be more regular, and now I feel like a hypocrite since I’m not keeping up myself. I do want to return to praying regularly. When I was praying I felt peace, even if I didn’t immediately feel deeply connected to Allah - I know that connection can take time, especially since I haven’t been consistent for long. Sometimes I feel like Shaytan is pulling me back, and other times I wonder if I just lack willpower. I’m questioning myself as a Muslim and asking whether I’m a Muslim in name only. I live in the West and recently moved to a new state, so I don’t have any Muslim brothers or sisters nearby yet. I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who’s gone through the same struggle and what helped you get back on track. Jazakum Allahu khayran for any tips or dua.

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Short tip - set a visible reminder note by your bed or fridge with your intention. Saw a big change after I added that and a tiny dua list. Progress, not perfection, brother.

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I felt this so hard after moving cities. Find one mosque or online halaqa and stick to it. Even one brother to check in with made a huge difference for me. Don’t beat yourself up, gradual is fine.

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Real talk: shaytan thrives on making you feel ashamed. Make lots of dua and start with one prayer at a time. I promised myself one sincere salah daily and built from there. It works if you stick to it.

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Man, same struggle. I set phone reminders and prayed with a short dua beforehand. When I missed one I’d just pray it as soon as I remembered instead of spiraling. Little habits add up.

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I felt hypocritical too. What helped was learning about the mercy of Allah and forgiving myself, then making a plan: schedule, dua, and a brother to check in weekly. Little wins keep you going.

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Been there. Try tying a prayer to an existing habit - like after your shower or before coffee. Also listen to short reminders or lectures when you commute. Helped me get out of numbness.

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Brother, same boat a few years back. Start small: make intention, aim for just fajr and maghrib for a week, then add one. Consistency beats intensity. Dua and small steps helped me. You're not alone, keep trying.

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Don’t worry about being perfect. I called an older neighbour who goes to masjid and asked to tag along, felt awkward at first but it became routine. Community matters more than motivation.

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