Fatwa ID:07759
Answered by Alimah Shireen Mangera-Badat
Question:
Assalamu Alaykum
Please help me so that I may be at peace with myself:
Every time I do any act of Ibadah whether it be salah, dhikr or reading the Quran, I always find myself asking ‘Why am I doing this? Why am I worshipping Allah and obeying Allah? If He decided to create me out of His will without my consent, why do I have to pray five times a day and obey Allah? Why am I in this test without my decision?’ This question bugs me all the time and it ruins my intention for salah, Quran and even thinking of Allah.
Regarding Salah, I am struggling with concentration. Even when I try to concentrate on the meaning and the fact that Allah is watching me, I still manage to drift away into my own thoughts and feelings. I want to know what and how I should be feeling during and after Salah, because currently, I feel guilty during and after salah as well as just relieved I finally prayed it. Sometimes it’s hard to just focus my mind solely on Salah because I have a million different things in my head and I can’t switch all these thoughts off.
Together with not being able to concentrate and questioning why exactly I am doing anything for Allah and why I owe Allah, I am starting to dread salah and it feels very daunting to pray when I know these questions will pop up and that my concentration will drift away.
I feel like my Ibadah is ruined and that Allah won’t accept them and it’s just tiring to constantly experience these thoughts. I just want to be able to do Ibadah sincerely like a normal person and not have my day ruined like this.
Jazak Allah Khayran for taking the time to read.
If you can help me, I will appreciate it greatly Insha Allah.
Wassalam
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
One of the foundational aspects of Islam is recognising that worship is a privilege and an honour rather than a burden. Allah created us out of His infinite wisdom, and worship is a way to connect with our Creator, who knows what’s best for us and loves us immensely. In Surah Adh-Dhariyat, Allah says:
“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.”
(Surah Adh-Dhariyat,:56)
Allah created us with a purpose, and in this purpose lies our fulfilment and peace. Worship is how we return to our source and attain contentment and tranquillity. Even though we may not remember being asked or choosing this path, we are assured that Allah’s wisdom and mercy encompass everything. We were created with a purpose that fulfils our very nature.
In the Hanafi school, it is emphasized that ibadah (worship) is an essential part of realizing our purpose and seeking closeness to Allah.
The thoughts you are experiencing—wondering why you’re doing ibadah or struggling with concentration—are examples of waswasa (whispers of Shaytan). Shaytan often attacks people through doubts, especially in matters of worship, to prevent us from focusing on our purpose.
It is said in hadith “The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Allah has forgiven my followers the evil thoughts that occur to their minds, as long as such thoughts are not put into action or uttered.” (Bukhari 5269)
If you do not question Allah’s power and might, you should feel content that you are in a form of worship with your continuous practice and effort.
One must realise that Islam is a very easy religion, and Allah does not want to burden you, this is Allah’s promise in the Quran in Surah Baqarah 185 “ Allah does not burden a soul more than it can bear”. This means that Allah only will provide tests and tribulations in your life enough for you to bear and no more.
It is evident that you are sincerely striving to please Allah, despite any intrusive thoughts or whispers (waswasa) you may experience. Remind yourself regularly that guidance (hidaya) is granted by Allah to those whom He chooses. As mentioned in the hadith:
“The Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever loves to meet Allah, Allah loves to meet him; and whoever hates to meet Allah, Allah hates to meet him.”
With regards to feeling guilty, understand that these thoughts and feelings are not a sign that your worship is ruined. Allah knows the struggles we face, and He appreciates every sincere effort, even when it’s difficult. You’re rewarded for every sincere attempt to worship, regardless of how distracted or unsure you feel. It says in a hadith: “Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked: “Which deed is the best?” He (ﷺ) replied, “Faith in Allah and Jihad (fighting, struggle) in the Cause of Allah.” (Riyadus Saaliheen 1287). In your case, the struggle for you here is you trying your utmost best to stay focused.
In summary, moving forward,
- try your best to focus on your purpose (to please Allah) and to continue to keep trying.
- Think of the virtues of the Akhirah for all your efforts. The Quran has mentioned various verses in which the descriptions of Jannah mentioned: such as in Surah Raad, Surah Baqarah, Surah Al Imran etc.
- Read the Quran as often as you are able, inshAllah this will help increase your faith.
I hope that this answers the question.
Only Allah knows best.
Written by Alimah Shireen Mangera-Badat
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
حَدَّثَنِي مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْعَلاَءِ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو أُسَامَةَ، عَنْ بُرَيْدٍ، عَنْ أَبِي بُرْدَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي مُوسَى، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ “ مَنْ أَحَبَّ لِقَاءَ اللَّهِ أَحَبَّ اللَّهُ لِقَاءَهُ، وَمَنْ كَرِهَ لِقَاءَ اللَّهِ كَرِهَ اللَّهُ لِقَاءَهُ
(Bukhari 6508)
وعن أبي ذر رضي الله عنه قال: قلت يا رسول الله أي العمل أفضل؟ قال: ”الإيمان بالله والجهاد في سبيله” ((متفق عليه))
