Worried about not being a good enough Muslim
Assalamu alaikum, everyone. I embraced Islam two years back, and in the beginning, I was all in-praying daily and soaking up knowledge about the deen every chance I got. But slowly, I drifted. I stopped going to the masjid, then my prayers slipped away, and eventually Islam just faded from my daily life. I’d still avoid pork and call myself Muslim, but honestly, I was ignoring most of the guidelines. Recently, though, I looked back and saw how rough things got after I let my practice slide-bad choices piled up, and trouble kept hitting one after another. I remembered the peace I had when I was really trying to live as a Muslim. So I committed to praying again each day, keeping my life pure, genuinely caring for people around me, eating healthier and sticking to halal, and spending time almost every day with the Qur’an and learning about Islam. Alhamdulillah, since then, good things started flowing: a better job came my way, and I found money for my studies. But here’s the thing-on the few days I’ve missed prayer, like maybe two or three times, something bad followed right after. My mom broke her arm. My brother got into a huge fight with her. And just today, I found out my brother had his drink spiked. Now I’m scared that if I skip even one more prayer, my loved ones will suffer for it. I’m terrified that my shortcomings as a Muslim bring punishment down on my family, and I feel lost. Please, I’m really hoping for some kind advice and direction here. I ask you not to think badly of me for my past mistakes-I’ve truly repented and am trying to dedicate my life and studies to helping others, hoping it makes up for my sins. May Allah be with all of you.