My friend used to do illegal actions; then, she repented and regretted doing these bad actions. However, the guy with whom she spent time started to blackmail her and threaten her to publish her photos or send them to her family in law. She used to pray, but once she received such blackmail, she quitted thinking that Allah is angry with her. What can she do?

Answer

Praise Be to Allah and Peace Be Upon His Messenger.

It seems that your friend, unfortunately, starts to pay the cost. It’s good to know that she repented and regretted. She has to stay strong and keep determination of not going back to what she used to do. However, to stop performing prayers is not reasonable. When people face a conflict, a problem, or any difficulty, the first thing they do is resorting to Allah. People usually try to be closer to Him once they are unhappy. In her situation, Allah is the only One Who is able to solve her problem and drive away any worries. Resorting to Allah and asking Him to be with her are the strongest weapon that she could have. Is there any sane person who puts away a strong weapon to face their enemy alone?

What happened to her is like a punishment of what she had done. However, it could be mercy as Allah gives her an opportunity to repent and quit. She has to thank Allah that He has not postponed her punishment until the Afterlife where the punishment maybe harder. Tell her to refer to Allah and resort to Him. Tell her to keep asking Him and praying to Him to stand with her to finish her misery.

I recommend that she keeps praying saying the prayers of Prophet Yunus (Jonah) which is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an. Allah says: “And Dhun-Nun (Jonah) when he went with anger, and imagined that We shall not punish him, but he cried through the darkness la Ilaha Illa Anta Subhanak inni Kuntu mina Ath-Thalimin. (none has the right to be worshipped but You, Glorified are You. Truly I have been of the wrong-doers.)” Al-Anbiya’: 87

Now, she is in the midst of darkness and surrounded by difficulties, so she is advised to keep praying to Allah.