WHY CAN’T I STAY DEVOUT?

Knowledge, worship and faith

Islam, and developing the characteristics of a Muslim, is an ongoing journey. The mistake that many of us make is to focus entirely on the outer characteristics of worship and simply implement the elements of rituals and regulations, halal and haram, without making inner improvements to ourselves first.

Worshipping is a means to an end. The aim is to establish our closeness to Allah by doing the things that please Him. Hence, when we are on our journey of Islam, developing characteristics such as kindness, mercy, generosity, compassion and patience is as crucial as rituals of worship. The building blocks of the Islamic characteristics are what give substance to the acts of worship.

Islam does not simply reside in the heart and with the prayer mat being its physical boundary. Belief is always coupled with action, and action does not stop at the rituals. It is something which continues in all aspects of our daily lives’ by way of striving and sacrificing for Allah, by helping others, being generous with your wealth, guarding your tongue and being sensitive to those in need. In short, when you undergo your journey, your personality should also transform positively, this also involving the gradual eradication of bad habits and traits.

Keep this simple principle of self development in the forefront of your mind, because otherwise you may immerse yourself in rituals and forget their fundamental aim behind them. For example, we may be reciting Qur”an all night long, working to improve our pronunciation, but not implementing what its verses tell us to do. Hence, recitation becomes a ritual, and boredom sets in.

A true journey of faith entails developing the love for Allah and the connection to Him. Experiencing the sweetness of iman is what gives us the motivation to worship. When the heart is filled with the love for Allah, performing the rituals of worship then becomes easy and sustainable.

Develop a two way relationship

Also, seek useful knowledge: knowledge which will help you get closer to Allah. Study, for example, how the Companions used to live, their excellent manners and the depth of their faith. Strive to improve your behaviour and everyday attitudes.

Constantly refresh your knowledge of Allah. Surah Al Baqarah, 2:152 states “So remember Me; I will remember you.” It is a two way relationship, and as long as you keep your end of the deal, Allah will keep His.

Read books which explain the virtues of remembrance of Allah. Acquaint yourself to who it is that you are worshipping, and your worship will transform from something abstract into something palpable. Contemplate often about Allah’s mercy, and when confronted with a problem, turn to Allah for help. When something good occurs, turn to Allah and thank Him. In short, work on your relationship with Allah, and keep Allah on your mind in everything that you do.

There is a very inspirational Hadith, narrated Abu Hurairah RA: The Prophet said, “Allah says: ‘I am just as My slave thinks I am, (i.e. I am able to do for him what he thinks I can do for him) and I am with him if He remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I too, remember him in Myself; and if he remembers Me in a group of people, I remember him in a group that is better than they; and if he comes one span nearer to Me, I go one cubit nearer to him; and if he comes one cubit nearer to Me, I go a distance of two outstretched arms nearer to him; and if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.’ ” (Bukhari)

It shows that for every effort you make, Allah’s response will be larger in magnitude – but the effort has to be initiated by you. At the point where the relationship with Allah is established and worshipping Him takes you to a whole new different level of serenity and happiness, you will realise that all the effort was worth it. From this tipping point, sustaining it will no longer be an issue, but rather, a joy, insha Allah.