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Fatwa CenterNew convert having difficulty adapting to Islam
Question
I am new to Islam. Before my conversion I was all into going out to bars, drinking almost everyday, but I have already decided to give all of that up. I pray on my knees, and bow as it is told to in the Qur'an, but I still don't know exactly how to pray and what to recite except for the first Surah. It gets really discouraging more and more everyday, but I still pray. It's all new to me because God hasn't been in my life this much until now. And there are no other Muslims around that I know of that can teach me more. Is it normal for Faith to be unstable at first, and can you give me any other advice that might help me not get discouraged and continue to learn of my new religion?
Answer
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. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.
First, we congratulate you on embracing Islam and we ask Allaah to make us all firm on His religion until we meet Him. We also ask Him to increase your zeal in doing good. We advise you to be patient, and you should know that sincerity of intention is important in helping you to remain steadfast on this religion. Allaah says (which means): {As for him who gives (in charity) and keeps his duty to Allaah and fears Him, and believes in the best [reward], We will make smooth for him the path of ease (goodness).}[92:5-10]. Therefore, you have to make an effort to learn the matters relating to your religion. Allaah has made the means of acquiring knowledge easy, like the Islamic websites among which is Islamweb, as there is much good in it. Also, try to find a Sunni Islamic centre in your area and help those who run it. If you can move from your area to another where you find people who could help you do good, then do so. Anyway, if you take these measures and other means you will have a strong faith and you will be more comforted. There is no doubt that a new Muslim encounters many misconceptions and is confronted by many desires, so he becomes disturbed, but if you act according to what we have mentioned, you will be safe, Inshaa' Allaah (Allaah willing).
As regards the performance of the prayer, see Fatwa: 85270 as it explains the manner of the prayer of the Prophet 
who said: "Pray, as you see me praying." [Al-Bukhari] The Sunnah is an evidence and the Qur'an is also an evidence. Indeed the Sunnah clarifies what the Qur'an has stated. Allaah knows best.
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