Why do I sometimes forget God even in worship?

Forgetting God, even during moments of worship, is an experience many individuals encounter on their spiritual journey. This is a profound and fundamental question, the roots of which can be found in the teachings of the Holy Quran and our understanding of human nature and the factors influencing the heart and mind. The Quran explicitly addresses this phenomenon and offers solutions to combat it. Forgetting God in worship or daily life is often a result of heedlessness, or 'ghaflah' in Arabic. Ghaflah is a state of unawareness and lack of heartfelt attention that prevents a person from remembering God and the true purpose of creation. The Quran strongly warns against heedlessness and highlights its consequences. In Surah Al-A'raf, verse 179, Allah states: “And We have certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind. They have hearts with which they do not understand, and they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. Those are like livestock; rather, they are more astray. It is those who are heedless.” This verse clearly indicates that the improper use of sensory and cognitive tools (heart, eyes, ears) for perceiving divine signs and the truth of existence leads to heedlessness, diverting humanity from the path of guidance. One major reason for heedlessness and forgetting God is excessive attachment to the worldly life and its fleeting allurements. The Quran repeatedly warns humanity against the deceptive nature of this world and the competition for accumulating wealth and status, emphasizing the importance of the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, we read: “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, like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the disbelievers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.” This verse explains that excessive preoccupation with worldly matters hinders the presence of heart and the remembrance of God, even transforming worship into a lifeless ritual and mere habit. Another factor mentioned in the Quran is the whispers of Satan. Satan constantly lies in wait for humanity to make them forget God and lead them towards sin and forgetfulness. In Surah An-Nas, God teaches us to seek refuge in Him from the hidden whispers of Satan. Satan strives to distract the human mind even during worship, implanting useless thoughts to destroy sincerity and heartfelt attention. To overcome these whispers, constant remembrance (dhikr) of God, seeking refuge in Him, and reciting the Quran are recommended. The primary solution to overcome forgetfulness and achieve presence of heart is 'dhikr' or the continuous remembrance of God. The Holy Quran emphasizes the importance of dhikr in numerous verses, considering it a source of tranquility for hearts. In Surah Ar-Ra'd, verse 28, it states: “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 merely the repetition of words, but a heartfelt presence and attention to God's greatness and power in all moments of life. It is this heartfelt presence that transforms worship from a mere physical act into a profound spiritual experience. Efforts to understand the meanings of prayer, the Quran, and supplications, contemplating the grandeur of creation, and constantly reminding oneself of death and the Hereafter also help strengthen the presence of heart. Furthermore, reciting and reflecting upon the Holy Quran plays a vital role in remembering God and warding off heedlessness. The Quran is the divine word that illuminates hearts and grants insight. The more one becomes familiar with the Quran and ponders its verses, the more one realizes the greatness of God and the purpose of life, and forgetfulness distances itself. Purifying the heart from sins and worldly desires is also an essential condition for presence of heart. Sins act as a veil over the heart, depriving a person of divine light. Constant repentance and seeking forgiveness are ways to remove these rusts and polish the mirror of the heart. In conclusion, forgetting God, even in worship, is a spiritual warning. It is a sign that we need to re-evaluate our lives, reduce our attachment to the world, strengthen our dhikr and connection with the Quran, and actively combat the whispers of Satan. This is a continuous path requiring persistent effort, but its outcome is inner peace and divine satisfaction. Each time we experience this forgetfulness, it is an opportunity to bring ourselves back to the remembrance of God and strive to return to Him with all our being. This continuity in remembrance, not only in worship but in all aspects of life, will transform the quality of our spiritual existence and bring us closer to our ultimate purpose of creation, which is closeness to God. Let us not forget that Allah is Merciful and always calls His servants towards Him, even if they sometimes stumble and forget on this path. The important thing is to learn from this forgetfulness and return to His remembrance and love with stronger determination.