I totally understand your frustration — it’s really hard when you want peaceful dialogue but instead see negativity or misunderstanding. Unfortunately, some people come from a place of fear or ignorance, so they focus on differences and try to prove their own faith is “better” rather than building mutual respect.

Islam teaches us to respond with kindness and patience. The Qur’an says:

“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best.”
— Surah An-Nahl 16:125

When some Christians speak harshly about Islam, it’s often because they don’t fully understand it or have been taught to see it as a threat. But many Christians and Muslims do work together respectfully, focusing on shared values like charity, compassion, and worship of one God.

Ramadan and Christian fasting may have differences, but both are spiritual practices meant to draw believers closer to God. Instead of competition, seeing these similarities can help build bridges.

In the end, true interfaith dialogue means listening with open hearts and respecting each other’s faith journeys. It’s okay to feel hurt, but remember: your example of good character and knowledge can help change minds more than arguments ever will.

Brother, when it comes to dreams, Islam gives us some really solid guidance. Like in the Qur’an, Allah talks about how He taught Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him) the interpretation of dreams — ‘And thus will your Lord choose you and teach you the interpretation of dreams…’ (Surah Yusuf, 12:6). So it’s not something just anyone can do — it’s a special knowledge.

And the Prophet ﷺ also said that dreams are of three types: the good ones from Allah, the scary or disturbing ones from Shaytan, and then some are just from our own thoughts (Sahih Muslim). That’s why we must go to someone who really understands the deen, Interprete Dreams — a scholar who knows Qur’an and Hadith — to help us figure out what a dream might actually mean. Otherwise, we might end up confused or misled.

Hey there,

First off, thank you for being so open and vulnerable. I know that wasn’t easy, and the fact that you’re still reaching out, still praying, still trying, even in all this pain… that says so much about the strength of your heart. You might not see it right now, but I promise—it’s there.

Let’s just be real for a sec…

Feeling like your Iman has dipped? That’s not strange. That’s part of being human. Even the Sahaba (companions of the Prophet ﷺ) used to worry when their Iman went up and down. It’s not a straight line. Some days it’s strong, other days—like now—it feels like it’s slipping through your fingers. But that doesn’t mean you’ve lost it.

The fact that you still turn to Allah, that you’re still praying, still begging Him—that is Iman. Maybe not loud and glowing, but quietly hanging on. And Allah sees that. Wallahi, He does.

About your mental health…

It sounds like you’ve been trying to carry everything alone—and that’s heavy. Especially with ethnic parents, I get it. Sometimes it feels impossible to bring this stuff up without fear, right? But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get support. You deserve support.

Mental health struggles aren’t a sign of weak faith. They’re a test, yes, but they are also something you can and should seek help for. Just like we treat a broken bone, we treat a hurting heart or mind.

There are Muslim therapists out there, or even hotlines where you can stay anonymous. Just having someone listen without judgment can change everything.

That feeling of “not being real”…

What you described—feeling disconnected, like you’re watching life from the outside—is actually a common symptom in mental health called dissociation. And it usually comes up when the brain is overwhelmed. It’s your mind trying to protect you from emotional overload. Again—you’re not broken. You’re exhausted.

That doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’ve been strong for too long without the rest you need.

Death thoughts: The hard part

I hear you. It’s heavy. You’re caught between understanding death from an Islamic point and also just wanting peace from all this hurt. I won’t sugarcoat it—that’s a dark space to be in.

But I want you to remember: you’re not the only one who’s felt this way. So many Muslims, even deeply practising ones, have sat in this same space and still made it out. Not because they were “better,” but because they reached out, step by step.

You’ve already done the first step. You’re here. You’re talking about it. That’s huge.

So what now?

Let’s make this simple, okay?

• Keep praying, even if it’s just lying on your bed whispering “Ya Allah, help me.”

• Write down how you feel and direct it to Allah. A raw dua. No filter. Just pour it out.

• Talk to someone—any trusted adult, youth leader, or mental health support line. You deserve to be heard.

• Be kind to yourself. If you can’t do a lot, do a little. Listen to Qur’an. Sit in the sun. Drink water. Stretch. Rest.

Small steps. One breath at a time. That’s all you need right now.

My personal dua for you:

Ya Allah,
This heart is hurting, this soul feels lost—please, wrap them in Your mercy.
Let them feel You close when the world feels far.
Fill their chest with peace. Let light reach into every dark corner inside.
Send them comfort they never expected and people who truly care.
And if they forget how to love life, remind them that you still love them.
Ameen.

You’re not alone, okay?

I’m here. And Allah—Al-Wadud, the Most Loving—is always near. Even now. Especially now.

Talk to me any time. You matter.

As-salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh, dear brother/sister.

Alhamdulillah, you have concern for the completeness of your Salah, and that is a beautiful sign of sincerity. May Allah accept all your prayers and grant you khushu’ (deep focus) in Salah.

Is Your Salah Valid?

Yes, your Salah is valid even if you are unable to fully complete the Durood Sharif and supplications before the Imam says the Salam (Taslim).

Understanding the Ruling

1. Following the Imam is the priority.

   • When praying behind an Imam in congregational Salah, the rule is to follow him closely and not delay actions significantly.

   • The Prophet ﷺ said:

     “The Imam is appointed to be followed, so do not differ from him…” (Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim)

2. The essential part of the final sitting (Qa’dah Akhirah) is Attahiyyat.

   • The minimum requirement for the validity of Salah is to complete the Tashahhud (Attahiyyat) before the Imam gives Salam.

   • Durood Sharif and supplications are highly recommended (Sunnah), but not obligatory. If you don’t complete them before the Imam ends the prayer, your Salah is still valid.

What Should You Do?

• Try to recite a little faster without losing focus. You don’t need to rush, but if your pace is significantly slower than others, adjusting slightly can help.

• If you wish to complete the Durood Sharif and dua, you may continue reciting them after the Salah is over. This is a great habit to increase your supplications.

• Some scholars mention that if you are very close to finishing, you may complete your recitation quickly before giving Salam, but you should not delay excessively.

Final Reassurance

Don’t worry, dear brother/sister. Your Salah is completely valid, and Allah rewards your sincerity. If you wish, you can recite the full Durood Sharif and dua after Salah, ensuring you don’t miss out on their blessings.

May Allah accept your prayers and grant you ease in your worship. Ameen