Q: As salaam aleikum, wa ramatullah, wa barakatu.  I am very concerned about two issues- one of which I will mention now. If someone was tormented with extreme misfortune, insomnia, and depression to the point of almost committing suicide and  then fell away from Islam while in that state- can they be reinstated – assuming that they are extremely sorry and do towbah?  (I think djinnn where involved and I saw there was something like a haunting going on also). Notwithstanding all this, can the penitant  become accepted into the Ummah again?

A: Walaikumsalam,

Merely thinking of suicide does not remove one from the fold of Islam. Falling away from Islamic practices while still believing in the major tenants of Islam allows one to remain a muslim.  The quality of a persons faith may fluctuate, however, they may still be muslim.  Denouncing being  a muslim would take one out of Islam. For this they would have to retake the shahadah.

For every neglectful action one should ask for forgiveness. Allah (SWT) is more than willing to forgive the one that asks for His forgiveness. Once you have repented, do not let yourself reflect on the negatives that remain the cause of your depression. Thinking of a negative past only haunts you farther.  Now that you have chosen to reform yourself, focus on those things that would keep you on the path of success.  If you have a job, keep focused on it. If it is school that you attend, keep your grades up and do not let anything take you off track. If you are a mother/father, focus on those things that would make you the best spouse/parents, etc. Be your best and Allah (SWT) will allow you to improve on every level.

May Allah (SWT) make your matters an ease.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.