Why do I sometimes get tired of religious advice?

The feeling of sometimes getting tired of religious advice is a common human experience, and understanding its roots requires delving into both human nature and the very essence of advice within the framework of Quranic teachings. The Holy Quran, itself a rich source of admonition and guidance, subtly addresses the intricacies of the human soul and how words impact hearts. This weariness is not necessarily an outright rejection of truth or a lack of desire for faith; rather, it can stem from various factors, many of which can be analyzed and understood in the light of divine verses. One primary reason for this fatigue can be attributed to the “impatient and restless nature of humans.” The Quran frequently points to this characteristic. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 11, it states: “وَكَانَ الْإِنسَانُ عَجُولًا” (And man is ever hasty). This hastiness often leads individuals to desire immediate results. When religious advice, whose effects are often long-term and internal, doesn’t yield instant changes, a sense of weariness or boredom might set in. Faith and spiritual growth are gradual, continuous journeys, not sudden destinations. If we anticipate rapid transformations and perceive religious advice as quick-fix solutions, we are likely to become disillusioned when these immediate changes do not materialize. The path of spiritual development requires patience, perseverance, and an understanding that true growth unfolds over time, nurturing the soul step by step, much like a seed slowly grows into a tree. Another significant factor can be the “quality and manner of delivering advice.” The Quran emphasizes the importance of wisdom (Hikmah) and good admonition (Maw'izah Hasana) when inviting people to the truth. In Surah An-Nahl, verse 125, Allah says: “ادْعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِالْحِكْمَةِ وَالْمَوْعِظَةِ الْحَسَنَةِ ۖ وَجَادِلْهُم بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ” (Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best). If an advisor delivers advice without understanding the recipient’s state, using a harsh, dictatorial, or repetitive tone, it is natural for the listener’s heart to recoil and become fatigued. Wisdom implies placing everything in its proper context; meaning, advice should be appropriate for the time, place, and individual’s condition. Good admonition signifies gentle, pleasant, and impactful speech that originates from genuine compassion and love, not from a sense of superiority or fault-finding. Sometimes, what causes weariness is not the advice itself, but the way it is over-complicated or verbose without providing real benefit. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also stressed speaking only what is necessary to avoid burdening hearts. Advice should not become a barrage of words that wounds the soul, but rather like gentle, refreshing rain that quenches the heart’s thirst and nourishes it deeply. “A lack of deep understanding and wisdom behind the advice” is also a crucial contributing factor. Many religious teachings, particularly those pertaining to self-purification and connection with the unseen realm, require profound contemplation and understanding. If advice is perceived merely as a set of dry, soulless instructions, it not only loses its appeal but also leads to a feeling of restriction and exhaustion. The Quran encourages us to ponder its verses (Surah Muhammad: 24), and this contemplation extends beyond the literal verses of the book to include wise admonitions. When an individual comprehends the hidden wisdom and philosophy behind each divine command, that advice no longer feels like a burden, but rather a guiding light. For instance, prayer is not merely a physical act; when one understands its spiritual and psychological depths and effects, they no longer tire of its repetition but seek refuge in it. This deeper insight transforms mundane acts into profound spiritual experiences that uplift the soul. A fourth factor is the “heavy burden of daily life and heedlessness (Ghaflah).” In today’s tumultuous world, where individuals face an overwhelming array of preoccupations, material concerns, and numerous distractions, their hearts and minds can easily fall into heedlessness. The Quran warns humanity against heedlessness in various verses (e.g., Al-A’raf: 179). When a person’s heart becomes engrossed and preoccupied with worldly affairs, even the sweetest religious advice may seem heavy and unpleasant, as it pulls them away from the world they have become accustomed to. In this state, advice feels like a reminder that disrupts momentary pleasures, and due to a lack of spiritual readiness, the person tends to flee from it. To overcome this type of weariness, it is essential to constantly purify one’s heart and deepen one’s relationship with God through remembrance (Dhikr) and profound acts of worship. This continuous purification helps to maintain spiritual receptivity and open the heart to divine guidance. “Repetition of similar advice without variety in presentation” can also lead to fatigue. Although constant reminding of truths is necessary (as in Surah Adh-Dhariyat, verse 55: “وَذَكِّرْ فَإِنَّ الذِّكْرَىٰ تَنفَعُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ” - And remind, for indeed, the reminder benefits the believers), mere repetition without deepening understanding or introducing new perspectives can have an inverse effect. Just like food served in the same way every day, no matter how nutritious, eventually becomes tiring. Religious preachers and advisors should exercise creativity, using diverse methods, stories, examples, and connecting religious concepts to everyday issues to make admonition more engaging and practical. They must strive to present divine wisdom in fresh, relatable ways that resonate with contemporary challenges and individual experiences, ensuring that the message remains vibrant and relevant for all. Furthermore, “a deficiency in intention and sincerity,” whether from the advisor or the recipient, can lead to weariness. If the advisor has no intention other than gaining Allah’s pleasure and genuine goodwill, their words will be illuminated and resonate with the heart. However, if there is any hint of ostentation (riya), self-display, or superiority, the words lose their impact and may even cause aversion. On the other hand, if the recipient listens to advice with an impure heart or an intention tainted by arrogance and pride, they will not accept it and may even feel anger or fatigue. The Quran emphasizes the importance of sincerity (Ikhlas) in all actions. Sincerity purifies the channel of communication, making the truth more palatable and impactful, as it aligns with divine purpose. Finally, this weariness sometimes stems from “imposing excessive pressure on oneself” or holding “unrealistic expectations.” Religious practice is not a sprint; it is a marathon. One should not overburden themselves by suddenly adopting severe acts of worship or abstaining from all forbidden things, which can lead to spiritual burnout. Islam is a religion of moderation, and its teachings are gradual and aligned with human capabilities. One must proceed on the path of perfection with patience and perseverance (as in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 153: “اسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاةِ” - Seek help through patience and prayer), taking step by step. Sometimes, this feeling of fatigue is an inner warning, signaling a need to re-evaluate one’s approach to faith, renew intentions, and find a way to deepen one’s connection with the teachings in a manner suitable for one’s soul and psyche. This re-evaluation can lead to a more sustainable and enriching spiritual journey. Considering these points, to overcome this fatigue, we must understand that it is a natural human emotion that can be managed with Quranic and practical solutions. We should pay attention to the quality and content of the advice, purify our intentions, keep our hearts awake with the remembrance of Allah, and progress gradually and patiently on the path of spiritual growth. This way, advice transforms from a heavy burden into a guiding light, and the path of religiosity becomes a journey filled with peace and elevation, where every piece of advice is a gentle breeze nourishing the soul.