[nuabuncarnigo]

Bismillah Ir-Rehman Ir-Raheem

Dear Brother Darknite:

Brother, why don't you go to a mosque near you? Please go to a mosque, but before you go, simply watch a video online on salat (prayer). It doesn't matter that you don't know any Arabic...or that you don't know the words...simply mimic the movements of others around you in the mosque and observe the prayer with everyone else...no need to tell anyone whether you are Muslim or not. And when you place your forehead on the ground, simply ask God to guide you to what would please Him and make your pain and your troubles go away. Then, leave the mosque...and come back to pray other prayers the same way (until/unless you feel comfortable enough to talk to other people in the mosque). I guarantee that Allah will hear your prayers. Not only that, I guarantee that you will sleep like a baby throughout the night (without the aid of any depressants like alcohol).

Brother, it doesn't matter what your background (i.e. religious, cultural, social, physical, geographical, etc.) is...as sorrow is a universal phenomenon. And its treatment is not in alcohol. Brother, if you drink alcohol, for how long can you numb the pain...as reality doesn't change, does it...? Instead, all alcohol does is set askew your perception of reality for a very little while only to depress you more when you come back to the reality and realize that nothing has changed. Brother, please realize I am only saying this out of concern and not criticism, because I know you to be an intelligent and soulful individual who is capable of much better decision-making. Remember, Brother, that better decision-making has to start with sincere intentions towards maintaining your health and realizing that you are deserving of more in your life than alcohol as a friend.

Brother, I know why you are here...even if you don't know. However, I am hoping that you are willing to go on a journey to discover the reasons for yourself. Brother, you came here to ask a question...but the answer is already in your question.

Go to the mosque...as soon as you get the chance. Okay, Brother? And keep us updated.

(By the way...thank you, Brother, for coming back and giving us an update; it is appreciated.)

If I have said anything that is good and true, it is from Allah, and anything other than that is my own mistake.

In the name of God, the infinitely Compassionate and Merciful.
Praise be to God, Lord of all the worlds.
The Compassionate, the Merciful. Ruler on the Day of Reckoning.
You alone do we worship, and You alone do we ask for help.
Guide us on the straight path,
the path of those who have received your grace;
not the path of those who have brought down wrath, nor of those who wander astray.
(Quran 1:1-7) May Allah keep you under His protection and give you the understanding you will need to change your life and the will to accept what you cannot change.