Recently, I am trying my best to be a devoted Muslim, but in the past (and present) I needed to regularly know about a famous singer who I admired and to be updated on his show's, song etc. How can I make it easier for me to avoid him and concentrate on Islam without thinking that my religion is pressuring me to give up what I loved for so long? It makes me feel really guilty.

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His Slave and Messenger.

First of all, may Allaah reward you for your keenness on being steadfast on your religion! This is a good matter, and we ask Allaah The Almighty to increase your faith, guidance and certitude. In Fataawa 85277 and 90308, we listed some matters that help a person be steadfast in observing Islam.

As for admiring this singer and being concerned about his songs, the main thing which helps you avoid this is venerating your Almighty Lord Allaah duly. If such due veneration grew in the heart, avoiding what angers Allaah would be easy for you.

In fact, singing is prohibited as clarified in Fataawa 81239 and 81545. If in addition to this, you admire that singer, then the matter is even more serious. You should remember that a person who loves someone is most likely expected to be resurrected with him on the Day of Resurrection. It was narrated on the authority of ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas‘ood that a man came to the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and said: "O Messenger of Allaah! What do you think of a man who loves some people but does not go any nearer to their position?'' The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, replied, "A man will be with those whom he loves." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Finally, we advise you to seek the company of righteous women and recite and listen to the Quran since listening to the Quran provides a viable alternative to listening to songs.

Allaah Knows best.