Why Do I Flee From Some Obligations?

Dear friend, this feeling of reluctance towards certain religious obligations or even important life duties is something many of us, as human beings, experience throughout our spiritual journey and daily lives. The Holy Quran, this divine guiding book, with its profound and wise insight into human nature and disposition, beautifully explains the root causes of this aversion and offers practical solutions to overcome them. This feeling is not necessarily a sign of absolute weakness in faith, but rather a part of the continuous inner struggle of a human being and their greater jihad (spiritual struggle) against their own self (nafs) and external temptations, which Allah has ordained for our growth and elevation. One of the primary reasons highlighted by the Quran is the whispers and temptations of Shaytan (Satan). Shaytan is an open enemy to humanity, and his main mission is to divert servants from the straight path and obedience to Allah. To make us flee from our obligations, he employs various tricks. Sometimes, he exaggerates the difficulty and hardship of an act of worship, making it appear burdensome and overwhelming in our eyes. For example, he might make Fajr prayer seem insignificant or too hard due to the temptation of more sleep, or financial jihad seem daunting due to the fear of poverty and loss of sustenance. The Quran explicitly states in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 268: "الشَّيْطَانُ يَعِدُكُمُ الْفَقْرَ وَيَأْمُرُكُم بِالْفَحْشَاءِ ۖ وَاللَّهُ يَعِدُكُم مَّغْفِرَةً مِّنْهُ وَفَضْلًا ۗ وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ" which means, "Satan threatens you with poverty and enjoins you to immorality, while Allah promises you forgiveness from Him and bounty. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing." This verse clearly shows that the fear of poverty and the inclination towards sin and laziness are from the instigations of Shaytan. Another reason is the dominance of the 'Nafs al-Ammarah' (the commanding self). This is a part of our being that tends towards base desires, fleeting pleasures, and worldly comforts, commanding a person towards evil and sin. This self inclines towards laxity, laziness, and seeking ease, shying away from anything that requires effort and struggle. Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) (peace be upon him) states in the Quran: "وَمَا أُبَرِّئُ نَفْسِي ۚ إِنَّ النَّفْسَ لَأَمَّارَةٌ بِالسُّوءِ إِلَّا مَا رَحِمَ رَبِّي ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّي غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ" (Surah Yusuf, verse 53) meaning, "And I do not absolve myself. Indeed, the soul is a persistent enforcer of evil, except for what my Lord has mercy upon. Indeed, my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful." This verse indicates that this inclination towards laziness and fleeing from obligations stems from our rebellious self, which must be purified and trained. Love of the world (Dunya) and its attachments is also a significant factor. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the fleeting nature of this world and the eternal nature of the Hereafter. When a person's heart becomes excessively attached to material pleasures, wealth, status, or worldly amusements, performing religious duties—which sometimes require sacrificing these pleasures—becomes difficult for them. In Surah Aal-Imran, verse 14, we read: "زُيِّنَ لِلنَّاسِ حُبُّ الشَّهَوَاتِ مِنَ النِّسَاءِ وَالْبَنِينَ وَالْقَنَاطِيرِ الْمُقَنطَرَةِ مِنَ الذَّهَبِ وَالْفِضَّةِ وَالْخَيْلِ الْمُسَوَّمَةِ وَالْأَنْعَامِ وَالْحَرْثِ ۗ ذَٰلِكَ مَتَاعُ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا ۖ وَاللَّهُ عِندَهُ حُسْنُ الْمَآبِ" which translates to, "Beautified for people is the love of desires – from women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tillages. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but with Allah is the best return." This verse beautifully explains how worldly adornments can preoccupy us and make us forgetful of the Hereafter and our duties. Other factors like heedlessness and ignorance of the philosophy behind obligations, weakness of faith and certainty in divine reward and punishment, and lack of a consistent schedule can also contribute to this reluctance. So, what are the solutions? The Holy Quran offers several ways to combat this problem: 1. Seeking help through patience and prayer: In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 153, Allah says: "يَاأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاةِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ" meaning, "O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient." Patience (sabr) signifies steadfastness on the path of truth, and prayer (salah), as the pillar of religion and the ascension of the believer, are two powerful tools to overcome laziness and fleeing from obligations. 2. Remembrance of Allah (Dhikr): "أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ" (Surah Ar-Ra'd, verse 28) meaning, "Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured." Continuous remembrance of Allah, His presence in life, and the ultimate purpose of creation can double one's motivation to perform obligations and neutralize temptations. 3. Contemplation of divine verses and consequences of actions: Reflecting on the Quran, understanding divine promises and warnings, and contemplating the immense reward for obedience and the painful consequences of disobedience can strengthen one's heart and will. 4. Self-purification and struggle against carnal desires: Controlling the Nafs al-Ammarah and training it through fasting, reciting the Quran, and avoiding minor sins gradually increases willpower. 5. Seeking refuge in Allah from the evil of Shaytan: By reciting "A'udhu billahi minash Shaytanir Rajeem" (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan) and verses like Ayat al-Kursi and Surahs An-Nas and Al-Falaq, one can be protected from Shaytan's whispers. 6. Associating with the righteous and avoiding unsuitable environments: Environment and friends have a significant impact on human behavior. Being among believers and avoiding those who invite to sin and laziness is very helpful. Let us remember that this struggle is not a one-time event. The path of servitude and drawing closer to Allah is a continuous journey that requires daily effort and struggle. But what is important is not to despair. Whenever we feel weak, we should, with reliance on Allah and utilizing the teachings of the Quran, rise again and take steps to fulfill our duties. Allah the Almighty never leaves alone His servants who strive in His way and makes the path easy for them. So, with a heart full of hope and reliance, return to your obligations, and be certain that true tranquility lies in acting upon them.