Why Do I Feel Distant from God Despite Worshipping?

Dear friend, feeling distant from God despite performing acts of worship is an experience many believers encounter on their spiritual journey. This feeling does not necessarily mean that God is truly distant from you, for the Almighty God clearly states in the Holy Quran that He is nearer to us than our jugular vein and always hears the supplications of His servants. This sensation is often a sign of a deeper need within us to establish a more intimate and meaningful connection with the Creator, and an opportunity for introspection and re-evaluation of the quality of our spiritual relationship. The Quran, this book of guidance, offers clear solutions for understanding and overcoming this feeling. One of the most significant reasons that can fuel this feeling of distance is 'heedlessness' (ghaflah) and a 'lack of presence of heart' (khushu') in worship. Sometimes, our acts of worship transform from a heartfelt act, overflowing with love and attention, into a mere daily habit or a perfunctory duty. When we pray, are we truly present before the Divine, speaking with Him? Or is our mind preoccupied with worldly affairs? The Holy Quran states in Surah Al-Mu'minun, verses 1 and 2: "Certainly will the believers prosper, they who are during their prayer humbly submissive." Khushu' is a state where one's heart and mind are completely turned towards Allah during prayer. This presence of heart leads to true closeness and a sense of tranquility. If our worship lacks this humility and presence, we might feel that we are merely performing motions without infusing them with spirit, and thus, we do not experience the spiritual fruit and feeling of closeness. Another factor that can create a veil between us and God is 'sins and transgressions'. Sins act like rust on the heart, pushing away the divine light of guidance and mercy. The more we commit sins, the thicker this rust becomes, weakening our heartfelt connection with God, even if we perform our outward acts of worship. The Holy Quran explicitly states in Surah Al-Mutaffifin, verse 14: "No! But what they used to earn has covered their hearts." This verse indicates that our actions have a direct impact on our heart and our ability to perceive truth. Sincere repentance (tawbah) and seeking forgiveness (istighfar) are ways to remove this rust and rebuild the heart's connection. Allah says in Surah Az-Zumar, verse 53: "Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'" This verse opens a door of hope and forgiveness, showing that Allah is always ready to accept our return. Furthermore, 'excessive worldly attachments' and 'forgetfulness of the Hereafter' can distract us from the remembrance of God and intensify this feeling of distance. When all our attention, aspirations, and efforts are directed towards material matters and fleeting worldly pleasures, there remains no room in our hearts for the remembrance of God and contemplation of His signs. The Holy Quran warns against this incorrect prioritization in Surah At-Tawbah, verse 24, stating: "Say, 'If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your relatives, the wealth which you have obtained, and the commerce in which you fear decline, and the dwellings in which you delight are more beloved to you than Allah and His Messenger and jihad in His cause, then wait until Allah executes His command. And Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient people.'" This verse reminds us that love for Allah and His pleasure should take precedence over everything else in life. If this priority is misplaced, it is natural to feel a void and a sense of distance. To overcome this feeling of distance and achieve true closeness and tranquility, the Holy Quran provides practical solutions: * Continuous Remembrance of Allah (Dhikrullah): Allah says in Surah Ar-Ra'd, verse 28: "Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured." Dhikr is not just the repetition of phrases, but any action that brings Allah to mind in our lives, from spiritual and verbal remembrance to contemplation of His creation. Persistence in dhikr and presence of heart while performing it purifies the heart and strengthens the sense of closeness. * Reflection and Contemplation (Tadabbur) on Quranic verses and Divine signs: The Quran is full of invitations to contemplate. In Surah Ali 'Imran, verses 190 and 191, it says: "Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of night and day are signs for those of understanding. Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth." When we reflect on the grandeur of creation and the deep meanings of the Quran, we understand Allah's greatness and power more, and our sense of humility and need for Him increases, which is itself a path to divine proximity. * Sincerity (Ikhlas) in actions: Perform worship solely for the pleasure of Allah, not to gain people's attention or worldly benefits. Surah Al-Bayyinah, verse 5 states: "And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth, and to establish prayer and to give zakah. And that is the correct religion." Sincerity is the essence of worship, and without it, our deeds will be soulless and ineffective. * Continuous Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness: Whenever you feel guilt or distance, immediately turn back to Allah and seek His forgiveness. Sincere repentance not only forgives sins but also cleanses the heart from impurities, preparing it to receive divine light. This is a continuous process in the life of a believer. * Increased Diligence in Fulfilling Obligations and Avoiding Prohibitions: Obedience to divine commands is a sign of sincerity in faith, and the more we adhere to them, the more we gain Allah's pleasure. This pleasure automatically brings a sense of closeness and tranquility. * Increasing Good Deeds and Kindness to Creation: Serving God's creation and alleviating their needs is one of the best ways to draw closer to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "The creation is Allah's family, and the most beloved of people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to His family." Remember that this path is a journey, requiring patience, perseverance, and continuous effort. Allah is near and always awaiting the return and turning of His servants. This feeling of distance can be a divine call inviting you to delve deeper into yourself and improve the quality of your spiritual relationship. With sincerity, reliance on Allah, and adherence to Quranic teachings, you can transform this feeling into a deeper closeness and tranquility, finding the light of divine presence in your heart.