Answer
In this counseling answer:
•Whilst you are concerned about her not praying, do be careful not to force her into it or make her feel bad for not praying.
•If you are forceful or negative about her behavior she may eventually develop an even more negative association with prayer.
•This will make it even more difficult and unappealing for her to even desire to pray.
As-salamu alaikum,
It can cause much distress when a loved one appears to be distancing themselves from Islamic practices and doesn’t seem to have any desire to make any changes.
As her sister, in sha Allah you can be a positive role model and help in assisting her back on the correct path. As we know, Salah is an obligation and so it is very important that she starts praying again. Whilst she seems to face a couple of obstacles right now, there are some things you can do to make it easier for her.
Be a role model
Firstly, you continue to pray as you always do and allow her to see the benefits it brings you; how content it makes you feel. Seeing you happy in prayer may encourage her to pray as a means to experience that same sense of contentment. This is one way to influence her continually without directly telling her to pray.
You can also make sure to openly seeking protection with Allah from Shaytan. You can do this as a more subtle influence as above, or you can be me direct and educate her on why you are doing this.
Seek protection from Shaytan
OCD is commonly associated with waswas, therefore it is important to seek protection from Shaytan to avoid waswas and the resulting OCD practices that come with this.
Whichever way you approach it, directly or indirectly, if she starts implementing seeking protection then this will in pact on her OCD in a positive way as she will be less concerned about taking a long time to do wudu, taking less time and therefore having less of a burden placed on her making prayer me appealing again.
Whilst dealing with waswas doesn’t directly make her pray straight away, it tackles the issue that is preventing her from praying so will indirectly encourage her. Showing her support like this will also be good for her in terms of overcoming her current difficulties.
Check out this counseling answer:
Positive Support
Whilst you are concerned about her not praying, do be careful not to force her into it or make her feel bad for not praying.
If you are forceful or negative about her behavior she may eventually develop an even more negative association with prayer. This will make it even more difficult and unappealing for her to even desire to pray.
Therefore, be gentle and encouraging with her that she will feel supported and have positive associations with a prayer that she will have my desire to start.
May Allah reward your concern for your sister and desire to guide her in her Islamic practice. May Allah guide her aright and make things easy for her.
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