Why Do I Sometimes Not Feel Good Despite Prayer and Worship?

Your question about why one might sometimes not feel good, despite consistently performing prayers and acts of worship, is a profound and common inquiry that many believers encounter. This feeling, far from being a sign of weak faith, can actually be a starting point for deeper reflection on the quality of our connection with Allah and a more profound understanding of the philosophy behind worship. The Holy Quran teaches us that worship is far more than just performing outward rituals; it is a journey towards spiritual elevation and inner peace. The answer to this question lies in various layers of understanding religion and the human soul, which can be explored by drawing upon Quranic teachings. One of the most central concepts in this regard is "Khushu'" (humble submission) and "Ikhlas" (sincerity). Allah says in Surah Al-Mu'minun, verses 1-2: "Qad aflahal mu'minūn, al-ladhīna hum fī salātihim khāshi'ūn" (Certainly will the believers prosper, those who are in their prayers humbly submissive). Khushu' means presence of heart, humility before Allah's majesty, and complete concentration during worship. If our prayer is merely a mechanical set of movements, and our mind and heart are preoccupied with worldly matters or distractions, then naturally, the profound and soothing effect expected from worship will not be achieved. Indeed, prayer is the pillar of faith, but it is a pillar built with presence and awareness. When we pray, we are communicating with the Lord of the worlds; can one expect to feel good while in the presence of such power, yet keeping the heart busy with other things? Ikhlas means purifying one's intention for the sake of Allah alone, as we read in Surah Al-Bayyinah, verse 5: "Wa mā umirū illā liya'budū Allāha mukhlisīna lahu ad-dīna ḥunafā'a wa yuqīmū al-ṣalāta wa yu'tū al-zakāta wa dhālika dīnu al-qayyimah" (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 zakat. And that is the correct religion). Sometimes, even without realizing it, our acts of worship become mixed with non-divine motivations; for example, to solve a specific problem, or to gain others' approval. In such circumstances, the true joy of connecting with Allah, which is the source of peace, will not be attained. Another factor that can influence our spiritual state during and after worship is sins and shortcomings in other aspects of life. The human heart is like a mirror that becomes clouded by sins. As we read in Surah Al-Mutaffifin, verse 14: "Kallā bal rāna ‘alá qulūbihim mā kānū yaksibūn" (No, but that which they used to earn has covered their hearts). These rusts prevent the correct perception of divine light and the deep impact of worship. A balanced life in Islam does not only consist of prayer and fasting; it also includes respecting the rights of others, refraining from injustice, truthfulness, trustworthiness, and serving humanity. If an individual is diligent in their personal worship but faces problems in their social relations or ethics, this imbalance can affect the quality of their spiritual peace. Feelings of guilt, regret, or even ignoring some divine commands can weigh heavily on the heart and prevent a feeling of lightness and contentment after worship. Furthermore, it is important to note that worship in Islam is not a means to immediately and completely resolve all worldly problems. While prayer and remembrance (dhikr) are soothing, Allah has interwoven worldly life with tests and challenges. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 155, He states: "Wa lanabluwannakum bishay'in min al-khawfi wal-jū'i wa naqsin min al-amwāli wal-anfusi wath-thamarāt; wa bashshiri as-ṣābirīn" (And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient). Sometimes, feeling unwell is part of these divine tests to gauge our patience and to make us understand that true peace lies not in the absence of problems, but in inner peace and reliance on Allah. Worship in these circumstances is not for the removal of the problem, but for gaining strength and patience in the face of difficulties. This means that even if we don't feel good, worship gives us the ability to endure and hope, rather than necessarily eliminating that unpleasant feeling immediately. Sometimes, our expectation from worship is more than its philosophy dictates. Worship is a means of connecting to the source of peace, but this peace does not mean absolute freedom from worries in this world. Another crucial point is the correct understanding of "Dhikr" (remembrance) and "remembrance of Allah." The Quran explicitly states in Surah Ar-Ra'd, verse 28: "Alladhīna āmanū wa taṭma'innu qulūbuhum bi dhikri Allāh; alā bi dhikri Allāhi taṭma'innu al-qulūb" (Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured). This verse is the main key to your answer. If, despite prayer, we do not feel peace, perhaps it is because "Dhikr Allah" is not flowing in our hearts, or it is not understood as it should be. Dhikr is not just the repetition of words; it is a constant reminder of Allah's greatness, power, mercy, and presence in all moments of life. When we pray, if we truly remember Allah, draw near to Him, and feel His presence, our hearts will find tranquility. If this constant remembrance is absent throughout the day, and even in prayer, we will naturally feel its impact less. Inner peace is an internal state that stems from a deep connection with the Creator, not merely from performing religious formalities. Finally, it is important to pay attention to the aspect of "continuity and perseverance" in worship and self-purification. Spiritual growth, like physical growth, requires time, patience, and persistence. It is possible that at certain times in life, due to various spiritual, physical, or environmental reasons, we may feel heavy or not benefit enough from our acts of worship. This is where the role of faith and reliance on Allah becomes more prominent. One should not be discouraged by this feeling; rather, one should deeply reflect and analyze the roots of this state and strive to strengthen this connection by increasing sincerity, presence of heart, repenting from sins, and improving the overall Islamic lifestyle. Sometimes, this lack of feeling good is a divine nudge for us to achieve a deeper level in our worship and move from a state of habit and mere obligation towards love and gnosis (ma'rifah). This state might be a stage in spiritual growth that compels a person to deeper reflection and self-improvement. Therefore, one should not despair, but rather see it as an opportunity for inner examination and correcting one's path.