Guilt is one of those feelings we hold onto because we think it keeps us close to Allah. We tell ourselves that if we feel bad enough, maybe it means we care.

But guilt isn’t the same as Taqwa. It’s a story we’ve created to convince ourselves that pain equals piety.

But guilt often keeps us stuck. It makes us replay mistakes instead of learning from them. It makes us fear Allah’s disappointment more than we trust His mercy.

What brings you closer to Allah isn’t guilt. It’s awareness. It’s turning back, seeking forgiveness, and then moving forward with intention.

Let go of the guilt. Hold onto the lesson. That’s where the real connection begins.