There comes a time in every believer’s life when the heart feels distant from its Creator. The salah feels heavy. Du’as feel dry. The Qur’an sits unopened. You know you want to return but you don’t know how to begin.
If that’s where you are today, know this: you are not alone.
Even the most righteous people go through moments of spiritual drought. What matters is not that you drifted, but that you long to come back.
And that longing?
It’s proof that Allah is already drawing you near.
So take a breath. Let the guilt soften into hope.
Here are 7 gentle steps back to Allah no pressure, just love and sincerity.
1. Say “Yā Allah” Even in a Whisper
The first step isn’t a grand act it’s a whisper from your heart.
Call on Him by Name. Say:
“Yā Allah… I miss You.”
That alone is worship. That alone is love.
Even if you don’t know what else to say He hears the heartbreak behind your silence.
“Call upon Me, and I will respond to you.”
(Surah Ghāfir 40:60)
2. Stop Running Just Make One Sajdah
You don’t need a perfect salah to return.
Just make one sujood even outside of prayer.
Put your head to the ground and say:
“Yā Rabb, I’m here. Help me find You again.”
That sujood might become your turning point.
3. Go Back to One Ayah
You don’t need to read a whole juz’.
Start with one verse just one and let it sit with your heart.
Example:
“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves do not despair of Allah’s mercy.’”
(Surah Az-Zumar 39:53)
This is your rope back. Hold it tight.
4. Talk to Allah Honestly and Unfiltered
Du’a is not about fancy words.
It’s about real conversations.
Tell Him everything:
“I feel ashamed.”
“I’m tired.”
“I want to be better, but I keep slipping.”
He is Al-Samī’ The All-Hearing. You’re not burdening Him.
You’re returning to Him.
5. Surround Yourself With Light
Sometimes our distance from Allah isn’t because we don’t love Him It’s because we’re surrounded by noise.
So replace one distraction today with light:
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A short YouTube reminder
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An Islamic podcast
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A Quran recitation before bed
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A supportive friend who reminds you of your purpose
Even small shifts reopen the windows of the soul.
6. Reflect on His Names Especially Al-Raḥmān, Al-Ghafūr, Al-Wadūd
You’re not turning to a harsh judge.
You’re turning to:
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Al-Raḥmān – The Entirely Merciful
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Al-Ghafūr – The Constant Forgiver
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Al-Wadūd – The Most Loving
He doesn’t just forgive He welcomes.
7. Forgive Yourself and Keep Going
You are not your mistakes.
And Allah does not expect perfection He asks for return.
So if you prayed once and missed the next, try again.
If you read one ayah and forgot the next day, pick it up again.
The door of return is always open until your last breath.
So long as you’re breathing, hope is alive
Indeed, Allah loves those who constantly repent and purify themselves.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:222)
Come back, slowly if you must. But come back.
Because the One you’re walking toward?
He’s already been waiting for you all along.
Action Step:
Tonight, just before you sleep, whisper from your heart:
“Yā Allah… guide me back to You. I miss You.”
Even that is enough to begin your return.
Final Reflection
If you feel far from Allah, don’t let shame paralyze you.
Let it be a signal — that your soul is ready to come home.
