Why Does Spirituality Sometimes Feel Difficult and Burdensome?

The spiritual journey, like any valuable endeavor in life, is not solely comprised of joys and tranquility; at times, it is also accompanied by challenges, hardships, and a sense of burden. This phenomenon, which is quite common among seekers and followers of the righteous path, has deep Quranic and psychological roots. The Holy Quran, a book of guidance and insight, not only speaks of the ease and blessings of faith but also addresses the obstacles and difficulties inherent in the path, for life in this world is itself an arena for trial and growth. One of the primary reasons spirituality sometimes feels difficult is the concept of "trial and tribulation" (ibtila'), which forms the essence of worldly life. Allah (SWT) mentions in numerous verses that human beings are put to the test to gauge the extent of their faith, patience, gratitude, and steadfastness. These tests manifest not only in the form of calamities and misfortunes but also through blessings and abundance. For instance, in Surah Al-Ankabut, verses 2-3, Allah says: "Do people think that they will be left alone after saying, 'We believe,' and they will not be tested? But We have certainly tested those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars." This verse explicitly indicates that hardships are an inseparable part of the path of faith. These difficulties act as a filter to distinguish sincere believers from mere claimants, and to refine the essence of faith in the crucible of events. Without these trials, true growth and ascension are impossible. A second significant factor is the "temptation and deception of Satan" (Shaytan). The Quran describes Satan as a clear enemy of humanity, whose primary goal is to mislead and divert humans from the righteous path. Satan enters through various means: sometimes by beautifying sins, sometimes by instilling despair and hopelessness in the hearts of believers, and sometimes by creating laziness and lack of motivation towards worship and good deeds. In Surah An-Nas, verses 4-6, we read: "From the evil of the whisperer, who withdraws, who whispers in the breasts of mankind, from among the jinn and mankind." These whispers can make acts of worship and religious duties appear heavy and tiresome. Countering these temptations requires constant vigilance, remembrance of Allah (dhikr), and seeking refuge in Him. Satan tries to strip away the sweet taste of spirituality and drive humans towards fleeting worldly pleasures, thereby creating a sense of burden in religious observance. Thirdly, the "inclinations of the lower self (nafs al-ammarah) and worldly attachments" play a crucial role. The human soul, especially the commanding self (nafs al-ammarah), is inclined towards material desires and pleasures and often resists divine commands. The struggle against the self is a greater jihad, requiring self-purification and spiritual discipline. When a person becomes excessively attached to the world and its allurements, letting go of these attachments to achieve deep spirituality becomes difficult, even painful. Spending wealth, giving from what we love, controlling anger and lust – all are instances of struggling against the self that can create a feeling of burden. Surah Yusuf, verse 53, states: "Indeed, the soul is a persistent enforcer of evil, except for what my Lord has mercy upon. Indeed, my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful." This verse clearly illustrates the soul's inclination towards evil and the difficulty of curbing it. Furthermore, "heedlessness and unawareness" (ghaflah) can also make spirituality feel arduous. When a person becomes oblivious to the remembrance of Allah and bases their life solely on material calculations, their connection with the primary source of peace and power is severed. In this state, acts of worship and good deeds are performed not out of passion and love, but merely out of habit or obligation, resulting in a feeling of burden and futility. The Holy Quran repeatedly advises humans to constantly remember Allah to escape the trap of heedlessness. Lifeless prayers, recitation of the Quran without contemplation, and helping others without sincere intention can all lead to feelings of exhaustion and heaviness instead of lightness. Sometimes, a "lack of proper understanding of religion and the philosophy of worship" also contributes to this feeling of burden. If a person does not grasp the wisdom and ultimate purpose behind divine commands, they perceive them merely as a burden and obligation, not as a path to growth, elevation, and closeness to God. Education and deep contemplation of Quranic verses and the traditions of the immaculate Imams can rectify this misunderstanding and pave the way for enjoying spirituality. Ultimately, it is crucial to understand that these difficulties and burdens do not signify a distancing from God; rather, they are often a sign of growth and movement on the right path. Just as a mountaineer finds the path increasingly challenging and breathless as they approach the summit, the view and reward at the peak are unparalleled. True spirituality necessitates struggle; a struggle that results in the purification of the soul, tranquility of the heart, and closeness to Allah. These hardships are a means of refining and purifying faith, and only those who remain steadfast in this path with patience and reliance on God will reach their destination and taste the true sweetness of spirituality. Allah has promised that indeed, with hardship comes ease, and this promise holds true for those who strive in His way.