Why Am I Unmotivated Towards Some Obligations?

Feeling unmotivated towards some religious obligations is an experience many believers encounter on their spiritual journey. This is a perfectly human condition and doesn't necessarily signify a complete lack of faith or absolute distance from God. Instead, it can stem from various factors that the Holy Quran addresses directly or indirectly, offering solutions to overcome them. To better understand this phenomenon, we must first delve into the 'why' and 'purpose' of obligations from a Quranic perspective, and then explore the potential causes of demotivation and ways to overcome them based on Quranic teachings. The Quran states that the very purpose of human creation is the worship of the Almighty Lord, as mentioned in Surah Adh-Dhariyat, verse 56: "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me." This worship is not merely about dry, soulless rituals; rather, it is a profound and continuous connection with the Creator of the universe, which guarantees human prosperity in both this world and the Hereafter. Divine obligations are, in essence, pathways and frameworks that strengthen this connection and guide humanity towards perfection and closeness to God. When our understanding of this deep philosophy grows, our motivation to fulfill these obligations also increases. One of the primary reasons for demotivation is heedlessness (ghaflah) and forgetting the true purpose of life and the Day of Judgment. The Quran repeatedly warns believers not to let the fleeting pleasures of this world distract them from the remembrance of God and the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, it states: "Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children..." When an individual becomes engrossed in materialism and worldly attachments, their energy and focus are diverted from spiritual matters, making obligations seem burdensome and insignificant. The Quranic solution to this problem is the constant remembrance of the Resurrection and being in the presence of God; the more a person remembers the Hereafter, the greater their motivation to perform their duties. Another factor is the influence of Satan's whispers. The Holy Quran identifies Satan as a clear enemy of humanity and warns that he constantly strives to divert people from the right path. In Surah Fatir, verse 6, it says: "Indeed, Satan is an enemy to you; so take him as an enemy..." Lack of motivation towards obligations can be one of Satan's ploys to deprive individuals of divine grace. Countering these whispers requires seeking refuge in God, strengthening faith, and steadfastness on the path of servitude. Furthermore, weakness of faith and a lack of heartfelt certainty in God's promises can lead to demotivation. The Quran emphasizes that true faith brings tranquility to the human heart and prompts one towards righteous deeds. In Surah Ar-Ra'd, verse 28, we read: "Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured." When the remembrance of God diminishes in one's life, the heart experiences anxiety and disquiet, and the performance of obligations loses its proper place. To overcome this lack of motivation, the Quran also provides practical solutions. One of the most important is seeking help through patience and prayer. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 153, God says: "O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient." Prayer is the pillar of religion and the ascension of the believer, establishing a continuous connection with God. Patience also helps individuals to resist difficulties and temptations and overcome their lower selves. Persistence in prayer, supplication, and seeking help from God gradually restores lost motivation and illuminates the heart with divine light. Additionally, contemplating the greatness of God, His countless blessings, and the immense rewards He has prepared for the righteous can rekindle enthusiasm for fulfilling obligations. Studying and reflecting on the verses of the Quran, learning about the conduct of the Prophet (PBUH) and the infallible Imams (AS), and associating with pious and righteous individuals can also strengthen one's spirit and assist them on the path of servitude. Ultimately, we must understand that this demotivation is an opportunity for self-reflection and inner examination. By acknowledging this state and striving to rectify it, we can achieve higher levels of faith and closeness to God. The Merciful God always helps His servant who turns back to Him.