Why Do Some People Pray But Not Act?

In the comprehensive and perfect framework of Islam, prayer (dua) and righteous deeds (amal salih) are two inseparable wings that lead to salvation and success in this world and the hereafter. The Holy Quran repeatedly emphasizes the unbreakable bond between faith and righteous action. The question of why some individuals pray but fall short in their actions has various roots, which can be explored from the perspective of Quranic teachings and Islamic principles. Essentially, Islam is a holistic religion that not only stresses spiritual connection with the Creator but also clearly outlines human responsibilities towards oneself, society, and the environment. Prayer is a powerful means of seeking help, guidance, and blessings from Allah, but it is never a substitute for effort, striving, and utilizing the capabilities that Allah has bestowed upon humanity. In fact, prayer instills the spirit of movement within a person, preparing them for righteous deeds. One of the most significant reasons for this imbalance might stem from a misunderstanding of the concept of 'Tawakkul' (trust in Allah). Some mistakenly believe that relying on Allah means abandoning all effort and merely waiting for a miracle. However, in Quranic and prophetic teachings, Tawakkul signifies a deep, heartfelt reliance on Allah after exhausting all legitimate means and efforts. In other words, a person is obligated to exert their utmost effort and then entrust the outcome to Allah. This is precisely what Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) indicated when he said, 'Tie your camel and then put your trust in Allah.' Without action, prayer remains merely an unfounded wish that, according to divine customs, will not bear fruit. Allah states in the Holy Quran: "And say, 'Work, for Allah will see your work and [so will] His Messenger and the believers.'" (At-Tawbah: 105). This verse explicitly emphasizes the necessity of action and indicates that even Allah observes our deeds and judges based on them. This is a clear and direct command, demonstrating that connection with God occurs not only through prayer but also through action. It is a testament to the comprehensive nature of Islamic guidance, which seamlessly integrates spiritual devotion with practical engagement in the world. Another reason may arise from a weakness in faith or a shallow understanding of the nature of divine laws (Sunnat Allah). The Quran clearly states that Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves: "Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves." (Ar-Ra'd: 11). This verse proclaims a universal and overarching principle that underscores the individual and collective responsibility of humans for their own destiny. Prayer without an attempt at change is like asking for rain without sowing seeds in the ground. The belief that problems will be solved merely by praying is an incomplete understanding of religion that can lead to passivity, despair, and ultimately, abandonment of responsibilities. Many individuals, when faced with challenges, simply resort to prayer instead of first seeking practical solutions and moving towards resolving the issue with reliance on Allah. This approach rarely yields results. Even in the most difficult circumstances, the role of prayer is to give a person peace, hope, and the will to act, not to negate the need for action. It serves as a spiritual anchor, providing strength and clarity of purpose, but the physical journey still requires deliberate steps. Furthermore, sometimes this phenomenon is rooted in psychological shortcomings such as laziness, fear of failure, or lack of self-confidence. Individuals might escape responsibility and use prayer as an excuse to justify their inaction. This is contrary to true faith, which, coupled with sincere prayer, should lead to courage, perseverance, and proactive steps. The Quran states in Surah Al-Asr: "By time, Indeed, mankind is in loss, Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience." (Al-Asr: 1-3). This short surah clearly outlines the roadmap to salvation: faith, righteous deeds, enjoining truth, and enjoining patience. Righteous deeds here are the backbone that transforms faith into a tangible reality. Each of these components complements the others, and the removal of one destabilizes the entire structure. Individuals who only pray but do not act have, in fact, deviated from this roadmap, and for this reason, they find themselves on a path that the Quran describes as 'khusran' or loss. They may outwardly perform their acts of worship, but because these acts do not lead to action or inner and outer change, they lack real and lasting impact. Their prayers, while perhaps heartfelt, are like an engine running without being in gear, producing sound but no forward motion. Ultimately, it must be emphasized that Islam is a religion of balance. It is neither solely reliance on prayer without action, nor solely reliance on action without trust and connection with Allah. Rather, both prayer and action are necessary and interdependent. Prayer provides spiritual energy and illuminates the path, while action brings that energy to fruition and smooths the way. Therefore, one who truly trusts Allah and seeks His help, precisely because of this trust, enters the field of action with stronger resolve and greater perseverance. They understand that Allah's help reaches those who strive in His way and for legitimate goals. A correct understanding of this relationship and its implementation in daily life can guide a person towards success and divine pleasure. Hence, the answer to this question lies in the necessity of integrating faith, trust, prayer, and righteous deeds, and any deficiency in this chain leads to undesirable outcomes. To achieve any goal, whether worldly or otherworldly, one must utilize all inherent capabilities and opportunities granted by Allah in the best possible way, combining fervent supplication with diligent effort.