I Cannot Stop Drinking Alcohol and Committing Adultery. What Do I Do?

Answered by Ustadha Raidah Shah Idil

Question

I feel lost in my sins, and am desperately trying to crawl out from under them. I have committed a number of sins such as drinking alcohol and committing adultery. I always fall back into these patterns. What can I do to overcome my weakness?

Answer

I pray this finds you well. May Allah reward you for wanting to seek help.

Support

Allah Most High says: “Say: My servants who have wronged yourselves, never despair of God’s mercy. God forgives all sins: He is truly the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.” [Qur’an, 39.53]

Dear questioner, it sounds like you need better support in overcoming your trials. I strongly encourage that you sign up to Purify Your Gaze. This is a safe space for Muslims who are struggling with various forms of sex addiction. You are not alone.

Moving Forward

Observe the patterns of your behavior. What triggers your episodes of drinking and adultery? Ask yourself what you can do to protect yourself from future relapses.

What company do you keep? Are you guarding your prayers? Do you attend regular circles of knowledge? You must increase the light of obedience to Allah in your life, to protect you from the darkness of sin.

Please perform The Prayer of Need and beg Allah to help you make complete repentance.

Persist on daily istighfar. Please read and implement the following: A Reader on Tawba (Repentance).

Marriage

When registration reopens, please complete this course Islamic Marriage: Guidance for Successful Marriage and Married Life.

I encourage you and your wife to attend marriage counseling. For the sake of your wife’s health, please get a blood test to ensure that you are not harming her.

Please refer to the following links:

Committing Adultery in an Unhappy Marriage
What Are Some Prophetic Supplications That Can Help Me Deal With Trials in My Life?

Wassalam,
[Ustadha] Raidah
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani