Why Do I Sometimes Perform Worship as a Dry Duty?

The sensation of worship becoming a dry, lifeless duty is an experience many believers encounter at various points in their lives. This state can stem from a variety of spiritual and psychological factors, indirectly addressed within Quranic teachings. The Holy Quran does not present worship merely as a series of movements or utterances, but rather as a profound, heartfelt, and conscious connection with the Creator of the universe. The primary goals of worship are to achieve proximity to Allah, spiritual tranquility, a reminder of human existential truth, and gratitude for countless divine blessings. When these elevated objectives are overlooked, and worship transforms into a mere habit or a formality to discharge a duty, that sense of dryness and lifelessness emerges. One of the most significant reasons worship can feel dry is the absence of 'Khushu'.' Khushu' is a state of humility, heartfelt concentration, and mental presence before the grandeur of the Divine. In Surah Al-Mu'minun, verse 2, the Quran states: «قَدْ أَفْلَحَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الَّذِينَ هُمْ فِي صَلَاتِهِمْ خَاشِعُونَ» which means, 'Certainly will the believers prosper Those who are during their prayer humbly submissive.' This verse indicates that the success and salvation of believers are intrinsically linked to Khushu' in prayer. If the heart is absent during prayer, the mind is preoccupied with worldly thoughts, and the tongue merely repeats words, then prayer devolves into a mechanical act that imparts no deep spiritual or emotional impact on the individual. Khushu' requires practice, contemplation of the meanings of verses and supplications, and a constant remembrance of Allah's magnificence. Another reason is the lack of 'Dhikr,' or remembrance of Allah, in all aspects of life. The Quran places immense emphasis on the remembrance of God. In Surah Ar-Ra'd, verse 28, it states: «الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ» meaning, 'Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.' When daily life becomes devoid of the remembrance of Allah, and an individual becomes immersed in material pursuits and worldly concerns, it is natural that during moments of worship, they cannot suddenly shift out of this mindset and turn fully towards God. The remembrance of Allah should be flowing through all moments of life so that worship transforms from a periodic duty into a continuous stream of connection and presence. Dhikr is not merely about uttering words; it also encompasses heartfelt presence and contemplation of divine blessings and signs. Furthermore, 'Ikhlas' (sincerity) and pure intention are vital factors in enlivening worship. In Surah Al-Bayyinah, verse 5, we read: «وَمَا أُمِرُوا إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ حُنَفَاءَ وَيُقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَيُؤْتُوا الزَّكَاةَ ۚ وَذَلِكَ دِينُ الْقَيِّمَةِ» meaning, '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.' If worship is performed to gain people's approval, earn reputation, or merely to discharge a duty, it becomes devoid of the essence of sincerity. Ikhlas means performing actions solely for Allah and with the intention of drawing closer to Him. When one seeks only Allah's pleasure, worship inherently gains meaning and sweetness, as it pursues a sublime goal that transcends any worldly benefit. This sincerity restores fervor and enthusiasm to worship, moving it beyond a dry and lifeless state. Moreover, a lack of understanding of the philosophy and wisdom behind worship can also contribute to this feeling of dryness. The Quran repeatedly refers to the wisdoms behind acts of worship. For instance, prayer is described as a deterrent from immorality and wrongdoing: «إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ تَنْهَىٰ عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنكَرِ» (Al-Ankabut: 45). If an individual knows how each prostration, each remembrance, each supplication, and every act of worship purifies their soul, brings them closer to God, and ultimately leads to their well-being in this world and the hereafter, their perspective on worship will change. This deep understanding strengthens motivation and transforms worship from a burdensome obligation into a precious opportunity for spiritual growth. Reciting the Quran with contemplation and reflection on its meanings is an effective way to awaken the heart and strengthen spiritual connection. In summary, to overcome the feeling of dryness in worship, we must turn inward and transform our relationship with Allah from a duty-bound one to a loving and conscious one. This requires practicing khushu', increasing divine remembrance in all moments of life, cultivating sincerity in intention, and deeply contemplating the wisdom and philosophy of acts of worship. Worship must stem from the depths of the heart, not merely from habit or compulsion. The deeper and more conscious this connection, the more sweetness and tranquility we will find in worship, and the feeling of dryness will dissipate. This spiritual journey requires patience, perseverance, and seeking help from Allah. When worship comes from the heart, it is not merely a duty; it brings ultimate joy and peace, connecting one to the source of life and meaning.