The struggle of laziness to perform prayer is a common challenge, especially for young Muslims seeking to reconnect with their faith. At 18 years old, realizing the importance of Salah is a significant first step. However, overcoming the inertia of laziness requires practical strategies and spiritual fortitude.
This article addresses how to combat laziness in worship using psychological steps and Prophetic supplications.
The Significance of Prayer
Generally speaking, Prayer (Salah) is the pillar of Islam, the pinnacle of good deeds, and the peak of obedience.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“If the time for a prescribed Salah comes, and a Muslim performs wudu’ (ablution) properly (and then offers his Salah) with humility and bowing (to Allah), it will be an expiation for his past sins, so long as he has not committed a major sin; and this is applicable to all times.” (Sahih Muslim 228)
Overcoming Laziness: A Psychological Approach
While combating laziness, the first thing to do is to recognize that—like all negative habits—it is acquired through consistent practice. We persist in it because we find comfort and gain pleasure in it.
To break this cycle, scholars advise the following steps:
1. Re-association You cannot get rid of laziness until you learn to link this habit with ugliness, pain, and suffering rather than glamorizing it. List all the negative aspects and dire consequences associated with laziness. Do this repeatedly until the concept of laziness becomes automatically associated with pain in your consciousness.
2. Immediate Action Every time you have a tendency to feel lazy, take whatever steps you can immediately to counter the tendency and “nip it in the bud.” By doing this consistently, you will be empowered to overcome it.
3. Change Your Environment Until you have mastered laziness, it is important to associate with those who are successful or hardworking. Having a strong link with righteous members of the Muslim community will surely help you overcome bad traits.
4. Focus on Strengths Start your day by counting the blessings of Allah and focusing on your strengths rather than your weaknesses.
Supplications (Du’a) Against Laziness
Finally, pray to Allah to grant you a day of glory and success. You may consistently make the following Du’as:
Allahumma inni audhu bika min al-ajzi wa al-kasal wa al-jubni wa al-bukhl… “O Allah! I seek refuge in You from the feeling of helplessness, laziness, cowardice and niggardliness; I also seek refuge in You from all despicable traits and whims.”
Allahumma inni as’aluka khayra hadha al-yawmi… “O Allah! I beg You to grant me the best that this day holds out in terms of success, victory, and blessings; and I seek refuge in You from the worst that this day holds out and the day after.”
