Why Do We Sometimes Avoid Worship? Quranic Roots of Aversion to Devotion

The feeling of aversion or reluctance towards worship is an experience many people, even believers, sometimes go through. This feeling can stem from various factors that the Holy Quran implicitly and explicitly addresses, offering solutions to overcome them. The Quran is acutely aware of the intricacies of the human soul and the challenges of the path of servitude to God. It invites us to a deeper understanding of these obstacles so that we can return to our Lord with greater insight and hope. When this feeling arises within us, the first step is not to deny it, but to seek its roots in the revealed teachings. One of the most significant reasons the Quran points to is the whisperings of Satan (Shaytan). Satan, the sworn enemy of humanity, exploits every opportunity to distance us from the remembrance of God and acts of worship. He strives to make worship appear heavy, burdensome, and useless in our eyes, robbing us of its joy and steering us towards heedlessness and worldly distractions. The Quran in numerous verses refers to this clear enmity. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 208, Allah says: “O you who have believed, enter into Islam completely, and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.” This verse indicates that following the footsteps of Satan can divert us from the path of devotion. His whispers can transform worship into a dry, lifeless obligation, extinguishing our enthusiasm. Another reason is being captivated by the worldly life and its adornments. The Quran repeatedly warns that excessive attachment to wealth, children, status, and fleeting worldly pleasures can divert a person from their primary purpose of creation, which is devotion to God. When one’s entire focus becomes the world and its preoccupations, there is no room left for intimacy with God and the enjoyment of worship. In Surah At-Tawbah, verse 38, we read: “O you who have believed, what is [the matter] with you that, when you are told to go forth in the cause of Allah, you cling heavily to the earth? Are you satisfied with the life of this world rather than the Hereafter? But what is the enjoyment of worldly life compared to the Hereafter except a [very] little?” This verse clearly illustrates that the inclination towards worldly comforts and ease can impede movement on the divine path and the fulfillment of duties, including acts of worship. Heedlessness and forgetfulness of God are also crucial factors. The Quran describes heedlessness as a dangerous state for the heart, causing a person to become indifferent to divine signs and the indications of God’s existence, consequently diminishing the importance of worship. A heedless heart cannot perceive the joy of communion with the Lord. In Surah Al-A'raf, verse 179, Allah states: “And We have certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind. They have hearts with which they do not understand, and they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. Those are like livestock; rather, they are more astray. Those are the heedless.” This verse indicates that heedlessness can distance a person from understanding divine truths and lead them towards indifference regarding worship. Furthermore, sometimes weakness of faith and a lack of proper understanding of the philosophy of worship can lead to aversion. When one has not grasped the depth and inner meaning of worship, perceiving it merely as a series of outward actions or a mandatory duty, it is natural to shy away from it. The Holy Quran introduces worship as a means for inner peace, spiritual growth, and closeness to God. Prayer and supplication are not burdens but rather aids in confronting difficulties and finding tranquility. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 45, Allah says: “And seek help through patience and prayer. And indeed, it is difficult except for the humble [before Allah].” This verse explicitly states that prayer can be heavy, but not for those who possess humility, meaning those who turn to God wholeheartedly and know Him from the depths of their hearts. To overcome this state of aversion, the Quran offers comprehensive solutions: The first and most important solution is constant remembrance (Dhikr) of God. Dhikr is not merely glorification or chanting; it is the constant awareness of God's presence in all aspects of life and contemplation of His divine signs. The Quran states: “Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” (Ar-Ra'd: 28). The remembrance of God revives the heart and increases the zeal for worship. Second, seeking help through patience and prayer, as mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 153: “O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” Prayer, as the pillar of religion and the believer's ascension, is a place for direct communication with the Creator, and patience helps us persevere on the path of devotion. Third, revisiting priorities and understanding the value of the Hereafter. One must remind oneself that worldly life is fleeting and ephemeral, and the main goal is to prepare for the eternal abode. Fourth, renewing intention and sincerity. If worship is performed merely as a duty to fulfill an obligation, it will become discouraging. However, if it is done with a sincere intention to draw closer to God and express gratitude to Him, it will possess a special sweetness. Fifth, repentance and seeking forgiveness (Istighfar). Sins can create a veil over the heart, preventing the joy of worship. Cleansing the heart through repentance paves the way for divine light. Finally, seeking knowledge and reflecting on divine signs also helps increase insight and depth of faith, transforming worship from a superficial activity into a meaningful and enjoyable experience. The Quran invites us to ponder the cosmic and inner signs to understand the Creator's grandeur, and this understanding itself is a powerful motivator for sincere devotion. Thus, aversion to worship is a sign to turn inward and examine our relationship with God, and the Quran is a guiding light for this return. Disinterest in worship can be a wake-up call to look deeper within ourselves, identify hidden obstacles on the spiritual path, and remove them. It is an invitation to renew our covenant with God and rekindle the zeal and joy of servitude in the heart.