As salamu Alaykum,

 

Shokran for writing to our live session. Your sister sounds wonderful! May Allah bless you for your kindness and caring about her skipping her prayers. You are a good sibling indeed who cares about your sister’s Islam and her obligations to Allah.

 

We are all striving as Muslims. Each of us has things we need to work on. For one it may be fasting, for another, it may be the way they dress, yet for someone else, it may be a bad habit such as smoking. For your sister, it is her prayers. Unfortunately missing our prayers is a huge issue as not only is it obligatory but it is our connection to Allah. It is one of the most significant pillars in Islam.

 

I would kindly suggest that you speak with your sister. Ask her why is she skipping them. Ask her what does she feel the outcome will be. I would also inquire as to how you can help her keep her prayers. Perhaps by conversating about her feelings regarding skipping prayers she may confide in you.

 

She maybe going through something and is fearful or ashamed to pray. She may be feeling depressed. You don’t know unless you ask. Insha’Allah please do try to speak with her about her prayers in a non-judgmental way. When we approach someone (who already knows they are falling short) in a accusatory judgmental manner, they may shut down. However if we approach them with the attitude “I care, how can I help” it often makes the person more receptive.

 

Please do insha’Allah talk with your sister to try to find out the reason she is skipping prayers, provide a listening “ear” as well as encouragement and help if she discloses a problem or issue. Ask her how can you support her in completing her 5 daily prayers. Make duaa to Allah for her. We are all striving in one way or another despite appearances (hijab) or knowledge, It is part of our human condition. However, as sisters and brothers in Islam, we are to be there for one another and lovingly encourage, support and help correct an issue that exists. We wish you the best