My alarm for fajr went off this morning. My bed felt the most comfortable it has ever been, and I could not find the strength to open my eyes. The excuses start to fill my mind on why I did not need to get up and pray right now. A second later, I was filled with guilt. Guilt that I was letting Allah (SWT) down.
Growing up, I did not understand the power of prayer. I often viewed prayer as a fear-based obligation, and I did not understand it was anything more than that. The guilt I mentioned above was never a thought. It was more of a fear that I was going to hell and there was no redemption. As I got older, I started to understand the power of prayer and my relationship with Allah (SWT).
We each have our own journey with Islam and our own relationship with Allah (SWT). He will put us through different things in our lives for a reason. It may be to bring you closer to Him, to teach you something, or we may never know why. I often found myself going through hardships that put me in positions where all I wanted, all I needed, was to pray.
Understanding With Hardship Comes Ease
Through each hardship I endured, I found myself getting closer and closer to Allah (SWT). I started to realize that that was the entire point. From job loss and mental health struggles to a diagnosis of a genetic disease, I often felt lost. I then found myself praying more.
Through praying more, I began developing a stronger connection with Allah (SWT). While talking to loved ones or therapists can help, nothing compares to prayer. Allah (SWT) knows what is in your heart, your mind; without you needing to utter a single word. Prayer is not always the physical act of it, but it can be duaa (supplication). Sometimes in the midst of my overthinking, I find myself whispering, “Allah, please help me.”
This is not to say that the connection you develop does not fluctuate. Some days you are stronger than others and that is fine. The goal is to continue to progress and never give up. This led me to view my relationship with Allah (SWT) as love-based rather than fear-based.
Prayer is a requirement as a Muslim, there is no debating that. There are definitely consequences for not praying daily. Yet, it can be a challenge to remain consistent. What I would say helped me was a change in my mindset.
Shifting Your Mindset From Fear to Love
Throughout my hardships, my mindset began to change. Out of desperation for relief, for help, I turned to Allah (SWT) over and over again. It was this consistency and patience that allowed me to have a stronger connection with Him. It made me feel that it was the sole purpose, to bring me closer.
Receiving Allah (SWT)’s relief during hardships changed my mindset. I now see prayer as an act of love, not of fear. I learned that prayer is a direct line to Allah (SWT). An opportunity to develop a deep connection with Him and in turn, I found that success only came from Him.
This realization fills me with gratitude for all the blessings Allah (SWT) has given me. At times, my depression will take over, I find that as long as I find my way back to prayer, I will be just fine. Through every hardship and every test, I have grown resilient mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Prayer allowed me to grow as a Muslim woman. On those days I struggle with dressing modestly, I am reminded of the reason I do it. It is for the sake of Allah (SWT) and Him alone. Not anyone else. Another act of love, not fear. I find myself more eager to learn more about Islam. I have found that consistent prayer leads to personal growth and development.
Change Your Perspective: Prayer Leads to Personal Growth
Once my mindset shifted, I began to see a change in my perspective. I began to see prayer as the only means for my personal development.
Mentally, I started to learn and understand my true purpose. Praying all five prayers daily gave me a sense of accomplishment. Praising Allah (SWT) at the start and end of every day builds a strong foundation for personal growth.
Prayer and meditation share some of the same principles. They both give you a sense of grounding, an opportunity to reflect, to be present. Which is crucial in many mental health practices. It makes me think of the verse in the Quran, “Verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest” (13:28).
Physically, there are many benefits from improving posture to blood flow. As someone with a disability, I often pray seated. I may not be able to experience all the physical benefits that others might. Allah (SWT) loves us to the point that He rewards us for praying to the best of our abilities.
Spiritually, prayer takes you away from everything worldly. There is something so special about that. It is you and Allah (SWT). You start to look forward to prayer to be able to have that direct exchange with Allah (SWT). You remember the purpose of us here on earth, to worship Him and Him alone.
Acknowledge the Challenges
These changes are key to consistent prayer, but the journey is never that easy, and it is important to note that. It is a known fact that creating a routine comes with challenges, that applies to prayer as well.
Mental illness, post-period routines, work, and many other factors can impact our prayer. We all have our challenges. The beautiful thing about that is that prayer is your answer, ask Allah (SWT) to make it easy for you. That is how a deep connection with Allah (SWT) develops. Whether you are making duaa (supplication) or you are in sujood during prayer – ask Him for guidance. You have a direct line to Him at all times of the day. He will always make a path forward for you.
The Path Forward with a New Mindset and Perspective
A new mindset and perspective on prayer and relationship with Allah (SWT) forges a path to success. Prayer benefits every aspect of life and does not have to be a fear-based obligation. It can be an obligation rooted in love. It is rooted in faith, the belief that Allah (SWT) knows all and success is only attained through Him.
Consistency in your prayer allows you to be more patient, resilient, and grateful. You will see benefits in all aspects of your life. It is a promise from Allah (SWT) that if you remember Him, He will remember you (Quran 2:152). Call out to Him and He will answer.
May Allah (SWT) make it easier for us all. May Allah (SWT) allow us to create a strong connection with Him and our faith.
Share with friends and family!
Follow us on social media
