How can a Muslim woman return to obedience after a period of spiritual listlessness and sin, overcome the difficulty of performing acts of worship, and not despair of Allah’s mercy?

The path of righteousness begins with sincere repentance from sins, for "the one who repents from sin is like one who has no sin." Then, one must adhere to the Sharia (definition) by performing commands and avoiding prohibitions, and draw closer to Allah by fulfilling obligatory duties and increasing supererogatory acts. Striving against the self is difficult at first, but with sincere striving comes Allah's help, as He says: "And those who strive for Us – We will surely guide them to Our ways." What helps one remain steadfast is frequent supplication, seeking refuge in Allah, and keeping company with the righteous. One must not despair of repentance no matter how often the sin is repeated, and not consider the sin great alongside Allah's vast mercy.