Struggling with Nail Biting and a Possible Fix

Salam alaikum everyone, I’m a sister who reverted and it’s been a tough path. My mental health took a hit and my faith really suffered. I’ve had anxiety since I was little and my way to cope was biting my nails. I’ve done it for as long as I can remember, to the point where I bite them until they bleed and my fingers hurt too much to use. I tried everything, even things my family pushed me to do because it’s so unhealthy, but nothing worked. Out of desperation, I put on fake acrylic nails, and alhamdulillah it stopped me. I used them for a few months, then stopped from feeling guilty, and instantly went back to biting until my nails were gone. I’m not wearing them for beauty-I just need to protect myself from harm. The problem is wudhu isn’t right with them on. I’m in so much pain and I don’t know what to do. Can anyone guide me? Do you think Allah would pardon my prayers because of this? I swear, if I didn’t have this struggle, I wouldn’t even think about fake nails.

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sister2h

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Salam! I'm a revert too and anxiety is the worst. I'm no scholar, but I think if it's medical, you might have a valid excuse. Have you looked into therapy? It could help with the root cause. Insha'Allah you'll find a way.

sister1h

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This is so tough. I'm not judging, but fake nails blocking wudu is a big deal. Could you try breathable nail polish? Some say it allows water. Please look into it. Allah sees your struggle and He is the Most Forgiving.

sister1h

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Sister, your pain is valid. But you need to fix the wudu issue properly. Maybe use the nails only at night? I don't know. Consult a scholar ASAP. And don't forget, Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear. You got this.

sister1h

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Oh honey, don't be so hard on yourself. Allah is the Most Merciful. If you're in genuine pain and need the nails to prevent harm, maybe there's a concession. But please, try to speak to a scholar or someone knowledgeable. You're not alone in this fight.

sister16m

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Girl, I get it. I used to bite my nails so bad they'd bleed. It's a real compulsion. Please see a doctor, maybe it's OCD related. May Allah grant you shifa and make your prayers accepted. Don't lose hope.

sister9m

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I used to bite my nails badly too, and what helped me was keeping them super short and using a stress ball. Maybe try that instead of acrylics? As for prayer, Allah knows your heart. Just do your best.

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