QUESTION:
I have just started practising my Deen recently after a long time of doing a lot of sins so I was hoping you can give me some tips on how to stay on this path.
ANSWER:
Thank Allah that he has given you the tawfiq to repent and rectify yourself. Righteous company is necessary in these early days on the road to uprightness so you should seek out the company of upright people in your local community. You should also distance yourself from those places and people that remind you or call you to that which you have left. Make a sincere effort to acquire obligatory sacred knowledge as it will make you firmer in your practising of the Deen. Frequent the Sunni masajid and find out which ulama or students of knowledge from the Ahl al-Sunnah are teaching in your area and attend their circles. Frequent the gatherings of dhikr and mawlid to nurture your heart. Keep yourself occupied in good lest shaytan attempt to divert you again. Continue to supplicate to Allah that he make you firm upon the Deen and upright. May Allah give you success in both worlds.
Allah knows best.
Answered by Ustadh Ibrar Shafi