#My_Deen
This is a deep and important question. Even though prayer (Salah) does not take much time or effort, many people struggle with consistency. There are several reasons for this:
1. Shaytan’s (Satan’s) Deception and Distractions
- Shaytan's goal is to keep us away from Allah. He whispers excuses like *"I’ll pray later,"* *"I’m too tired,"* or *"It’s not a big deal to miss one prayer."*
- He makes worldly things seem more important and makes Salah feel like a burden instead of a blessing.
📖 "Satan wants to cause between you animosity and hatred through intoxicants and gambling and to avert you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer. So will you not desist?" (*Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:91*)
2. Lack of Connection with the Meaning of Salah
- Many people see prayer as a duty rather than a conversation with Allah.
- If someone does not understand what they are saying, their heart may not feel connected.
- Solution: Learn the meaning of Surah Al-Fatiha and other parts of the prayer to increase spiritual focus.
📖 "And establish prayer for My remembrance." (*Surah Taha, 20:14*)
3. The Pull of Worldly Life (Dunya)
- People can spend hours on social media, work, or entertainment but struggle with a 5-minute prayer.
- The dunya makes immediate results feel more rewarding, while Salah’s benefits are spiritual and long-term.
📖 "But you prefer the worldly life, while the Hereafter is better and more lasting." (*Surah Al-A'la, 87:16-17*)
4. Weak Iman (Faith) and Spiritual Laziness
- When faith is strong, Salah feels easy and enjoyable.
- When faith is weak, Salah feels heavy and difficult.
- Faith fluctuates, so we must constantly recharge it through Quran, dhikr, and good company.
📖 "And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah]." (*Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:45*)
5. Bad Habits and Lack of Discipline
- People wake up early for work or school but struggle for Fajr because they prioritize dunya over Akhirah.
- They have self-discipline for exercise, studies, or business, but not for their soul’s success.
- Solution: Build a habit—just like exercising daily, force yourself at first, and later it becomes natural.
📖 "And those who strive for Us—We will surely guide them to Our ways." (*Surah Al-Ankabut, 29:69*)
6. Underestimating the Importance of Salah
- Some people don’t realize that Salah is the first thing we will be asked about on Judgment Day.
- They underestimate its role in keeping them close to Allah and away from sins.
📖 "Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater." (*Surah Al-Ankabut, 29:45*)
How to Stay Consistent in Salah?
1. Remind yourself of its importance—it’s the key to Jannah and Allah’s mercy.
2. Make Dua—ask Allah to make Salah easy for you.
3. Start small—if you struggle, begin by praying at least one prayer on time and build up.
4. Surround yourself with good influences—being around those who pray helps you pray.
5. Think of death—imagine if this was your last chance to pray before meeting Allah.
6. Don’t rely on feelings—even when you don’t feel like praying, do it anyway.
📖 "Successful indeed are the believers, those who humble themselves in their prayer." (*Surah Al-Mu’minun, 23:1-2*)
Final Thought
Salah is not a burden but a gift. The more we prioritize Allah, the easier it becomes. The next time you feel lazy, ask yourself: If I can give time to everything else, why not to the One who created me?