I was just surfing the Internet looking for information about the best way to start to be a good Muslim, I mean I was born as a Muslim and still practices my religion but don't feel I have done enough, especially when I read about sirah I feel guilty. Please recommend a good way to start.

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 is His slave and Messenger.

Feeling guilty because of a sin and having remorse because of a bad deed are signs of good faith. Similarly, committing sins and exceeding the limits of the Sharee’ah are signs of weak faith. Actually, the weakness of faith is a disease of the heart that leads to many sins and shortcomings like violating of the Sharee’ah rulings, neglecting Islamic duties, being unimpressed by listening to the Quran, and not remembering Allaah as recommended etc.

To become steadfast and to get rid of such diseases is possible by making steady efforts and by adopting the following means:

·        Asking forgiveness and supplicating continuously.

·        Staying away from any sinful environment since it has a bad influence on the person. If one lives in a bad place it becomes difficult for them to give up such sins as experienced in non-Muslim countries. The Prophet said: “Whoever socializes with a polytheist and resides with him, he is similar to him.” [Abu Daawood]

·        Befriending pious and good people especially in the current period in which dissoluteness and immorality are widespread. Al-Hassan Al Basri said: “We love our friends more than our family members since our family reminds us of this world while our friends remind us of the Hereafter.”

·        Continuously remembering death and the end of this life as that is very helpful to induce giving up the prohibited acts. The Prophet said: “Always remember the cutter of enjoyments, i.e. death.” [Al-Bukhari]

·        Performing prayers in congregation, attending Islamic circles and lectures, and other Islamic activities.

The above are some suggestions that may help one adopt the way of Taqwa (piety). May Allaah bless us all.

Allaah Knows best.