Q: I have recenlty gone through quite a bit I know that everything happens for a reason that the things and people i am now with out are not meant for me to keep. I am happy to have had the love and knowledge that i have gained in my time with them. Yet There are days when I feel as though my “faith” is slipping …That perhaps I’m going through the motions and not really grasping what I should be in a day. How do you re charge, find the place with in your self. To keep strong?

A:

• It is part of life to undergo ups and downs. As a matter of fact, when the sahaba (companions of the prophet peace be upon him) would leave the prophet (peace be upon him) and go back to their homes, they would say, we do not feel spiritually charged anymore. We feel as if we are hypocrites. When in front of you ‘oh prophet of Allah the reality Allah’ and His teachings remain vivid. But when they would go home, that reality would diminish.
• Therefore, you feeling this way  in reality a sign of faith. This is a blessing, and you should be proud that you are having this feeling. You should view this as a feeling that functions as an inspiration and should motivate you to do more good works.
• To keep yourself in check, ask yourself the following: am I praying on time? Since prayer is to make me a more spiritual person, am I becoming more spiritual? Do I lie? Do I cheat? Do I say bad things about people? Do I give my charity on time?  What preparations am  I making to meet my Creator? Do I wish good for others? When I give advice, am I sincere or selfish? The people I associate with, do they share my values and qualities? Do I manipulate to people to think my way?
• Every person has certain fundamental values that they ought to standby. How true are you to your values? How well do your values tie up to religion?
• By asking these questions in a reflective manner and living by improved standards and conditions, gradually you would feel better about yourself, it will also enhance the lives of those around you.

The above process is never ending. It continues for a believer until they meet the Lord.

Allah certainly knows best.