no motivation

[kite runner]

Assalamu alaykum

I was wondering if anyone could provide some advice. Recently I don't have any motivation to learn about Islam, I get easily distracted while studying and also in my prayers. During my free time it seems I am just wasting my time on the internet, idle. I became a muslim almost 1 year ago and then by thirst for knowledge was strong, I could easily concentrate, even though i couldn't have any of my books at home when I got the chance to read in the library I had full concentration, since moving out and having my books available 24/7 I don't make use of them I am now on summer holidays so I want to make use of this time and be productive. My days are never certain but I will always almost have 2.5 hours in the evening while my husband is gone out, sadly these days I spend this time on the internet.

Anyone have some advice?

JazakAllah khair

[Soulful]

Locate a reliable female scholar in your area and keep her company.

[fnaeem]

take a sunnipath or seekers guidance course. that should get the juices flowing. This is natural though, so dont beat yourself up over it.

[kite runner]

JazakAllah khair for your replies

@soulful, unfortunately there aren't any

@fnaeem, inshAllah

[sudoku]

Making a schedule (as much as I hate them) does help a lot. So allocate the time when your husband isn't around in the evening to solely reading those books. If you really need to use the internet, allocate some time for it as well, and only use it during that time. Remember the knowledge in books is better filtered than what you'd get on the net.

As for not concentrating in prayers, unfortunately that is something that strikes everyone, including me. When you feel yours thoughts wavering in salaah, bring them back. Read each word carefully so that even if the words are not understandable, you know what you have just recited. Learn the translation of the surahs you read in salaah as well as the duaas, and that will increase concentration.

Also check out this article: http://yunuspatel.co.za/articles-con...ion-salaah.php

[PouringRain]

Sudoku has some good advice on salah.

As far as reading and studying goes, I would say that if you are feeling a lack of motivation then take some time simply to rest. So often we work, work, work, work so much that if we spend a couple of days resting we feel guilty about it. If your body, mind, spirit need a rest, then allow yourself that rest. Make sure to do some restful things during that time-- like take a walk and enjoy nature, bubble bath, read something light and mindless, sew, etc. Sometimes if I totally need a "down day" I sit on the couch and crochet all day. LOL In my "old" age I have learned to stop allowing myself to feel guilty if I needed a break. Just don't allow your break to last too long in duration. 3 days can easily turn into a week, and a week into a month, and next thing you know it is 6 months later and you have done nothing. (And also beware of the internet, because the internet can be addictive to some people and then is like some alternate reality where time slips by unnoticed.) So, make a plan. Tell yourself you are going to rest for X amount of days and then on day Y you will start something.

[Smile Without Teeth]

wa alaikum as-salaam,

Sister, it's important to not criticize yourself too strongly because that will expend more of your energy. Accept that, as humans, we waiver. This is our greatest struggle, to combat our base emotions and desires.

This nasheed has often inspired me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StQ0oBA8b4I

[TapeMonkey]

I also waste too much time on the internet. If you look in the dictionary under ghafla, you'll see a picture of my smiling mug. I find that I can't really get mysel fout of these funks. So, lately whenever I need an iman boost I watch Nouman Ali Khan videos.

If there are any scholars or speakers you like, watch their stuff, or read their articles. Don't pressure yourself, just pick one a day or so. Have it playing while you are folding laundry or cleaning, but keep an ear open while you listen. The words will start to get to you and you will start thinking, "Man I want to do better."

I am sure anyone here could make recommendations until your eyes bleed and, in the overload you end up doing none of it, so look out there for yourself. You know who you like, to browse a bit. Or as on here for recommendations for good talks by people you respect.