When my faith started to fade after nonstop struggle
As-salamu alaykum, I grew up with a lot of instability - always moving, losing friends, never really fitting in. Religion was forced on me as a kid, so I never connected with it properly back then. Later on I chose to come back to Islam sincerely. I made dua after dua. I went to Umrah. I cut my long hair, something I liked about my looks, for the sake of Allah. I avoided haram relationships even when chances appeared, trusting that if I waited, Allah would bless me with something halal. I put everything into my studies, picked up useful skills, chased opportunities - all so I could become independent from my parents, build confidence, and start my own life. But instead of doors staying open, I kept facing rejection. Jobs ghost me. A side business that showed promise collapsed just as quickly. It feels like doors open for a second only to slam shut harder. I’m not saying nothing ever worked - there were times my dua was answered - but the ones that would’ve really changed my life never came through. When I didn’t see acceptance of my efforts where it mattered most, I began to doubt myself and my salah, wondering if any of it was worth it. I hit a low I never expected. I ended up doing things I swore I wouldn’t do - not because I wanted them, but out of disappointment with life. I know Allah tests those He loves and that we’re meant to be patient. But how do I stay patient when my patience feels like it led me to humiliation? My prayers feel less sincere now; they’ve become part of a cycle. I pray when I can or when I feel it, because I’ve seen myself at my best and my worst and they felt the same. If anyone has gone through something similar, please make dua for me or share any advice. JazakAllahu khair.