Everything I read just shows how far away from Islam I am. Can you advise?

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu 'alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

Brother in Islam, 

It is pleasing to note that you are trying your best to practise on the dictates of Shariah and are concerned about emulating the lifestyle of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and his companions. This is a sign of your true Iman.

Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alahyi Wasallam) has been created as the best of mankind. None can hope to match the qualities and characteristics of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). He is the epitome of human character and virtue. 

Similarly, the companions of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) were hand chosen by Allah and He made them to be the best of people after the Anbiyaa (Alayhimus Salaam). They too possessed such qualities which are difficult to achieve on par. The least ranked Sahabi is miles ahead of the highest ranked Wali. None can hope to surpass them.  

It is not possible for us to reach the level of piety of the Anbiyaa (Alayhimus Salaam) and the Sahaba (Radhiyallahu Anhum).

However, this does not mean we must become despondent. Allah in His infinite wisdom created them as role models for all subsequent Ummatis of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). Our purpose in this life is to try our best to emulate their lifestyle as much as possible. Yes, we cannot hope to be their equals, but by striving towards emulating them to the best of our capability, Allah will raise us with them on the day of Judgement. 

These things take time and effort. It is not possible for anyone to learn everything and bring everything into practice at once. One must take things one step at a time and try to learn about Islam and the life of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallm) and the Sahabah (Radhiyallahu Anhum). By reading their Seerah, one will be encouraged to emulate them. Then slowly but surely, one will begin inculcating their qualities in his own life. 

Allah wants to see us try our best to emulate his beloved messenger. If one brings the Sunnah into his life, it will also create strong love for Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). One should also keep the following hadith in mind, 

عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَنَّهُ قَالَ ‏ "‏ الْمَرْءُ مَعَ مَنْ أَحَبَّ ‏"‏‏.

Abdullah narrates: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, "Everyone will be with those whom he loves." (Bukhari-6168) 

Remember that Shaytan always tries to turn a person away from making progress in his religious activities. Shaytan tries to make it look impossible for us to do good. But this is not the case. We are not expected to be as good as the messenger or his companions. We are only expected to try our level best to be like them and inculcate their qualities in ourselves. This is well within the control of each and every one of us. 

Allah Ta'ala says: 

قُلْ إِن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ ٱللَّهَ فَٱتَّبِعُونِى يُحْبِبْكُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌۭ رَّحِيمٌۭ 

Say, O Prophet, "If you [sincerely] love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you and forgive your sins. For Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (3:31) 

Therefore, you should not despair and give up. Rather, combat the whispers of Shaytan and prove him wrong by emulating the Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) as much as you can. Allah Ta'ala Himself said:

فَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ مَا ٱسْتَطَعْتُمْ 

Fear Allah according to your ability (64:16) 

It is clear from this that we are obliged to follow Deen according to the best of our ability. We are not obliged to know it all and practise on all. Do what is within your means to the best of your ability. 

And Allah Ta'āla Knows Best

Mudassir Benish

Student - Darul Iftaa
U.S.A

Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.

(2020-12-28)