Answer
In this counseling answer:
- Prayer can sometimes feel like a burden, but do not let Satan whisper to you.
- Make an oath for yourself and for Allah that you will never miss another prayer again.
- Spend more time with Muslims, go to lectures at the mosque and socialize with other sisters.
Salam Aleikom sister,
Thank you for writing to us. Just the mere fact that you have written to us shows your pure intentions and that you sincerely feel bad about neglecting your prayers.
Prayer, the Pillar of Worship
Prayer is the most important pillar of all worship. The Prophet says:
“Between Islam and polytheism and unbelief is the abandonment of salah (prayer).” (Muslim, Iman 134; Abu Dawud, Sunnah 15)
Therefore, a Muslim should never neglect their prayers and work on being present in them as if it were their last prayer.
The Prophet said,
“When you stand for your prayer, pray as if you are saying farewell. Do not say anything for which you must apologize, and give up any desire to acquire what people have.” (Sunan Ibn Mājah 4169)
So the issue of you not praying five times a day is critical. Sister, prayer can sometimes feel like a burden, but do not let Satan whisper to you.
Even if you are not fully present in your prayer, you should encourage yourself to always pray. Maybe a little too quickly, maybe with some thoughts racing through your mind, but at least it’s done.
Allah says in the Quran:
And seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, it is a burden except for the humble. (2.45)
What is happening is that your faith has weakened, which can happen to anyone as we are human beings who fall into sin.
And as we know, faith is something that is sometimes up and sometimes down, so do not despair; this can happen to anyone.
The most important thing is that you want to improve yourself and be better.
Mashallah, you need to be proud of yourself for having written to us. It is a very good first step on the path; may Allah always keep you on it.
What Can Prevent You?
What is it that prevents you from praying? Maybe you get busy with daily tasks; maybe you are at school or somewhere where you cannot pray.
There might be some excuse when you can actually combine your prayers if it is difficult for you to pray them on time. For this, please write to our Ask about Islam section.
Make an Oath
If you do not have a very valid reason to miss your prayer, then what I would advise you to do is make an oath.
An oath you take for yourself and for Allah that you will never miss another prayer again. Finally, it is a decision.
Turn to Allah
In the meantime, I would advise you to continuously turn to Allah.
Sincerely, talk to Him as if you would talk to your mother or someone very close to you. He is there, listening.
Tell Him how you feel about not praying. Tell Him how much you feel sorry for missing prayers, and ask Him to strengthen your faith and help you to perform them all.
Dua and prayer are our primary connections with Allah.
I would also advise you to start having a stronger relationship with the Quran, as it is our ultimate guide in life.
Dedicate some time in the morning, at night, or whenever you find the time to read and contemplate on it. Read it with a question in mind: “What does Allah want to tell me today?”
Inshallah, it will strengthen your faith.
Spend Time with Muslims
Also, spend more time with Muslims if you do not already. Go to lectures at the mosque and socialize with other sisters. Community also helps you to refresh your faith.
May Allah make it easy for you. I hope I was able to give you some guidance.
Salam,
More from Sr. Aya:
- How to Overcome My Fears of Not Having Control?
- I’m So Angry at Allah, I Lost My Love for Him
- New Muslims: How to Be Productive
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Disclaimer: The conceptualization and recommendations stated in this response are very general and purely based on the limited information provided in the question. In no event shall AboutIslam, its counselors or employees be held liable for any damages that may arise from your decision in the use of our services.