Why Do Some People Shun Worship?

Understanding why some people shun worship requires a deep reflection on the human condition and a comprehensive look at Quranic teachings. The Holy Quran explicitly states that the purpose of creating jinn and mankind is solely for worship, as mentioned in Surah Adh-Dhariyat, verse 56: “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” This verse clearly indicates that worship is not merely an external imposition but the very essence of human existence and the ultimate goal of creation. However, despite this lofty purpose, several reasons, from a Quranic perspective, can lead some individuals away from this natural and divine path: 1. Excessive Attachment to Worldly Life and Material Pleasures (Hubb ad-Dunya): One of the most significant factors that distances a person from worship is an overwhelming fascination with the allure of worldly life. The Quran repeatedly warns against this, identifying wealth, children, status, fame, and transient worldly pleasures as causes of heedlessness towards God and the Hereafter. People forget that this world is fleeting and what truly remains are good deeds and a connection with the Creator. This excessive attachment leads individuals to dedicate all their time and energy to accumulating wealth and pursuing worldly enjoyments, leaving no room for acts of worship, contemplation of divine signs, or preparation for the eternal abode. Such individuals sacrifice the Hereafter for this world, mistakenly believing that amassing wealth can bring peace and happiness, whereas true tranquility is found only through the remembrance of God and righteous deeds. The Quran, in Surah At-Tawbah, verse 24, clearly critiques this misguided prioritization: “Say, 'If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your relatives, the wealth which you have obtained, and the commerce in which you fear decline, and the dwellings in which you delight are more beloved to you than Allah and His Messenger and jihad in His cause, then wait until Allah executes His command. And Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient people.'” This verse illustrates that when love for worldly things surpasses love for Allah and His Messenger, it leads to nothing but loss. 2. Ignorance and Lack of Awareness Regarding the True Nature of Worship and the Purpose of Creation: Many who avoid worship are unaware of its profound truth and philosophy. They perceive worship merely as a series of repetitive movements and recitations that offer no benefit, or they consider it a heavy burden. In reality, worship is a deep and fruitful connection with the Creator of the universe; it is a spring of tranquility, a source for strengthening willpower, and a means for spiritual and moral growth. If one truly understood that worship is a gateway to peace with oneself, peace with the world, and peace with God, they would never turn away from it. A lack of contemplation on divine verses, the astonishing order of the universe, and the countless signs of Allah’s power and mercy leads humanity to heedlessness. This heedlessness prevents individuals from grasping their true place in existence and their inherent need for their Creator, consequently diverting them from their primary purpose of creation. The Quran repeatedly invites people to reflect and ponder on creation to emerge from this ignorance and heedlessness. 3. Arrogance and Pride (Kibr): Another significant impediment to worship is arrogance and pride. An arrogant individual considers themselves superior to humble themselves before anyone, even if that being is their Creator and Sustainer. This reprehensible trait first manifested in Iblis, who refused to prostrate before Adam. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 34, the Quran states: “And [mention] when We said to the angels, 'Prostrate before Adam'; so they prostrated, except for Iblis. He refused and was arrogant and became of the disbelievers.” This example clearly demonstrates how pride can lead a person from the pinnacle of servitude to the abyss of disbelief and disobedience. An arrogant person considers themselves independent of divine guidance, which prevents them from accepting the truth and fulfilling divine commands, including worship. Such individuals often boast about their knowledge, wealth, or power, believing that by relying on themselves, they have no need for a connection with God, while everything originates from Him, and to Him is the ultimate return. 4. Following Desires and Lusts (Hawa and Shahawat): Human desires, if left uncontrolled, can lead individuals towards excessive indulgence in pleasure and avoidance of responsibilities, including the responsibility of worship. Following one's whims means surrendering to carnal desires without considering their spiritual and eternal consequences. When lust and hedonism become the primary goals of life, worship, which requires self-discipline, restraint, and moral discipline, is pushed to the sidelines. The Quran warns those who have taken their desires as their god. In Surah Al-Jathiyah, verse 23, it says: “Have you seen he who has taken as his god his [own] desire, and Allah has sent him astray due to knowledge, and has set a seal upon his hearing and his heart and put over his vision a veil? So who will guide him after Allah? Then will you not be reminded?” This verse illustrates how unbridled adherence to one's desires leads to misguidance and the neglect of divine truths. 5. Satanic Whispers and the Influence of Bad Company: Satan, the sworn enemy of humanity, constantly strives to divert people from the righteous path. One of Satan's primary methods is to instill whispers, discourage from worship, and beautify sins. Satan makes worship seem difficult, useless, or tiresome, and leads people towards negligence and laziness. He uses false promises and instills fear of poverty if one pursues spiritual matters, attempting to distance individuals from the path of servitude. Furthermore, associating with people who are indifferent to worship or mock it can significantly impact one's morale and faith, pushing them towards abandoning worship as well. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes Satan's enmity and the necessity of seeking refuge in God from his evil. Conclusion: Shunning worship has deep roots in an individual's innate disposition, choices, and environment. However, the Quran always keeps the door of mercy and return open. Overcoming these factors requires proper understanding, struggling against the self, avoiding excessive worldly attachments, and seeking refuge in God from the evil of Satan. Constantly recalling the purpose of creation, reflecting on divine verses, and asking for God's help can pave the way for returning to the path of worship and finding true tranquility.