Enquiries

Salam Brothers & Sisters,

I would like to ask a few questions, my most important one is in red. The rest really dont matter too much if not answered.

1) I've not been the best ever Muslimah, and recently I've not been praying (and this is excluding that time of the month) I would like for Sallah to become part of my day to day activity once again. But I need help with that - I seem to have no motivation. What Im trying to get out of this is - will Allah (SWT) forgive me for this? When I start praying properly.

2) Is it haram to go out with friends? I dont mean like every single day - on like occassions; once a month or even once every 3 months. My mother (whom I cherish with all my heart) has been telling me that for the past few years. When my friends go out (all Muslim girls, respectful Hijab wearing girls) they are accompinied by an older sister genrally between 18-24 years old (my friends have a few older sisters) or if the sisters are busy her brother would keep an eye on them. And they would be going to a public park or shopping centre.

3) Being the eldest daughter there are so many expectations of me at home - Im not sure what my mother wants from me sometimes; to be the perfect daughter or to be the perfect student. It seems she expects me to be both. I know thats not the hardest thing ever, but I find it hard to combine them together...So I guess, I need some help to balance both out, please?

4) Is it haram for a girl to travel with a big group of females to a neighbouring country? (Ie, from London to Paris with teachers from school [female teachers with one or two male teachers] with her class mates [all girls, I attend an all girls school]) I've been told two versions - yes it is as they arent mahram to the girl and - no because its ok for the girl to be in a big group of people as long as she isnt sharing a room with a boy[s].

Could I please have your insight to these questions?

***1580;***1586;***1575;***1603;***1605; ***1575;***1604;***1604;***1607; ***1582;***1610;***1585;***1575;