Why Do Some People Get Tired of Spirituality?

The phenomenon of spiritual fatigue is a complex issue deeply rooted in human nature and the challenges encountered on the path of servitude to God. While the Quran does not directly use the phrase "spiritual fatigue," it frequently addresses concepts that are undoubtedly the primary causes of this phenomenon. The Quran teaches us that as individuals progress through life and their spiritual journey, they encounter numerous trials, temptations, and internal and external factors that can distance them from spirituality and their connection to Allah, leading to feelings of weariness and sluggishness in worship and good deeds. This fatigue is not merely physical weakness but a profound spiritual and emotional exhaustion that prevents one from enjoying divine light and the peace derived from the remembrance of Allah. One of the most significant reasons for spiritual fatigue is immersion in worldly life and forgetting the Hereafter. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes that wealth and children are merely the adornments of this worldly life and should not distract individuals from the remembrance of Allah and the ultimate purpose of creation. The world, with its fleeting, deceptive, and glittering attractions, can intensely preoccupy individuals, consuming their spiritual energy and time. When one's mind and heart are excessively absorbed in material matters, worldly competitions, accumulation of wealth, social status, and ephemeral pleasures, they gradually become heedless of God and spirituality. The Quran states: "And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression" (Al-Ma'idah, Verse 2) and "Say, 'The enjoyment of this world is little, and the Hereafter is better for him who fears Allah'" (An-Nisa, Verse 77). This excessive preoccupation with worldly affairs causes acts of worship and spiritual practices, instead of being sources of peace and vitality, to become heavy burdens and lifeless activities. One might pray, fast, or engage in remembrance, but their heart remains engrossed in wealth, status, or even daily anxieties. In such a state, these acts do not nourish the soul and, over time, transform into empty routines, ultimately leading to feelings of exhaustion and disinterest. Another reason is weakness of faith and hardness of heart. True faith is a source of spiritual energy and vitality. When one's faith weakens, or for various reasons such as repeated sins, distance from gatherings of remembrance, lack of contemplation on the Quranic verses and divine signs, their heart hardens, and their connection with Allah diminishes. In Surah Al-Hadid, Verse 16, the Quran states: "Has the time not come for those who have believed that their hearts should become humbly submissive at the remembrance of Allah and what has descended of the truth? And let them not be like those who were given the Scripture before, and a long period passed over them, so their hearts hardened; and many of them are defiantly disobedient." This verse clearly indicates that prolonged time without the remembrance of Allah and neglecting the truth can lead to hardness of heart. A hardened heart loses its capacity to receive divine blessings, and acts of worship seem heavy and lifeless. It is as if no light shines upon it, and in its darkness, it ceases to move towards perfection, resulting in a sense of lethargy and lack of vigor. Lack of sincerity (Ikhlas) and hypocrisy (Nifaq) also significantly contribute to spiritual fatigue. When acts of worship and good deeds are performed not for the sake of Allah, but to gain people's approval, seek fame, or avoid criticism from others, these actions lose their true spirit and depth. The Holy Quran severely condemns hypocrisy and considers hypocritical actions worthless. "And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion" (Al-Bayyinah, Verse 5). When the purpose of worship is other than Allah, one gradually becomes tired of it; their expectations from worldly results (which may not be met) or from the approval of others (which is unstable) are not fulfilled. This type of worship, instead of drawing one closer to God and nourishing their soul, leaves them empty and exhausted, because the soul seeks truth, and hypocrisy is merely a pretense of truth. Despair of Allah's mercy or a lack of understanding of the wisdom behind trials is another factor that fuels spiritual fatigue. A believer's life is full of trials and hardships, the purpose of which is to elevate their status and purify their faith. The Quran states in Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 155: "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." If one fails to understand the wisdom behind these tests, or loses patience and reliance on Allah in the face of difficulties and falls into despair, they may feel that their spiritual efforts are futile. This can gradually exhaust them from continuing on their path. Despair of Allah's mercy is a major sin and a gateway for devils to enter and distance one from spirituality. When an individual believes that despite their spiritual efforts, they are still engulfed in problems or their prayers are not answered, they may become discouraged and lose the energy to continue. This is where a deep understanding of divine decree and true reliance on Allah becomes crucial. In summary, spiritual fatigue stems from straying from the right path, heedlessness of Allah's remembrance, being stained by sins, lacking sincerity, and misunderstanding the philosophy of life and divine trials. The solution lies in returning to the Quran and Sunnah, increasing remembrance and contemplation, purifying intentions, practicing patience and reliance on Allah, and purifying the heart and soul. True spirituality should be a source of vitality and peace, not fatigue and a heavy burden; and the Quran clearly shows the way to achieve this peace.