Aqaaid

Doubts regarding one's Imaan

Q: I suffer from doubts regarding many things. I am constantly remembering jokes and statements I made in the past that may have been statements of kufr. I have recently read about people singing certain songs that may have taken them out of the fold of Islam. Alhamdulillah I do not listen to music anymore. However I remember listening to and singing the same songs many years ago. I did not know the meaning of these songs at the time. I am now doubting the validity of my nikah and legitimacy of my children due to my actions prior to and after nikah. Is my nikah valid if I have commited these actions prior to nikah?

Asking fatwas from someone that one has confidence in

Q: There is a local mufti or two I'm close with - they are both teachers in madrasah. One of them is a Khatib in a masjid and the other is an imam. They are known for their knowledge and piety. If I get questions pertaining to these should I consult with one of them? I think I'm more comfortable with that as it's easier to express oneself in person. I had previously asked question(s) pertaining to both of them and their answers gave me comfort. Would it be better if I consult one or both of them on this issue and others, especially with regards to my mental state, instead of questioning scholars online for fatwa? Will I be sufficiently fulfilling my responsibility?