Lost your prayer rhythm? These focused prayers, plus easy practical steps (set a time, create a calm spot, pray with others), will help you shake off laziness and reconnect
This article examines effective prayers for removing laziness in prayer and practical methods to strengthen the will to perform this obligation. It provides important, practical tips for improving one’s relationship with prayer.
Prayer is one of the fundamental pillars of Islam, and it is strongly emphasized in the Qur’an and the traditions of the Prophet (peace be upon him). However, many Muslims face the problem of sluggishness and laxity in performing prayer. This article looks at various supplications and methods that can help overcome laziness in prayer. Below we discuss in detail the prayers, their effects, and practical ways to strengthen the resolve to perform prayer.
Laziness in prayer means sluggishness and insufficient attention in performing the obligatory prayer. This problem may have several causes, including:
Neglecting the importance of prayer: Some people, because of daily busyness and neglect of the spiritual value of prayer, gradually become indifferent toward it.
Mental and emotional problems: Anxiety, depression and other psychological issues can affect prayer performance and lead to laziness.
Social and environmental factors: Sometimes the surrounding environment and the groups we are part of significantly influence our behavior.
Supplication (du‘ā) as a means of communicating with God can help us overcome our laziness. Below are several prayers that can be effective in this regard:
1. Supplication for strengthening willpower
Arabic: «اللّهُمَّ إنّی أسأَلُکَ العَزیمَهَ علَى الرُّشدِ»
Translation: “O God, I ask You for the resolve/firm determination to follow the right path.”
This prayer asks God to strengthen one’s will and the power to carry out right and beneficial actions. Repeating this supplication can help us develop a stronger disposition toward performing prayer.
2. Supplication to increase love for prayer
Arabic: «اللّهُمَّ اجعلنی أحبُّ الصلاهَ کحبّی للطعامِ و الشرابِ»
Translation: “O God, make me love prayer as I love food and drink.”
In this supplication, one asks God to increase affection for prayer to the extent that it becomes as necessary and desirable as basic sustenance. This can help foster a more positive attitude toward prayer.
3. Supplication for forgiveness (istighfār)
Arabic: «اللّهُمَّ اغفِر لی و ارحَمْنی و تَجاوَز عنِّ زَلَّاتِی»
Translation: “O God, forgive me, have mercy on me, and overlook my slips and lapses.”
Seeking forgiveness and God’s mercy can reduce feelings of guilt and the discouragement that lead to laziness in prayer. This supplication also reminds us that no one is flawless and we can always return to God.
Set a fixed time for prayer
To overcome sluggishness, designate a specific time for prayer. This helps make prayer a daily habit.
Create a suitable environment
The place where you pray should be calm and free of distractions. Choosing a proper location helps concentration.
Pray with others
Praying with family or friends can provide extra motivation and strengthen one’s sense of responsibility.
Study the benefits of prayer
Reading books and articles — both religious and scientific — about the benefits of prayer can increase your motivation to perform it.
Supplication and invocation
Before prayer, ask God for help and seek strength to perform the obligation. This supplication may help you find renewed spirit for prayer.
How can I overcome my laziness in prayer?
By setting a fixed time, creating a suitable environment, and praying with others you can help overcome sluggishness in prayer.
Is supplication effective for removing laziness?
Yes. Supplication can strengthen willpower and increase love for prayer.
What is the best supplication to increase affection for prayer?
The supplication «اللّهُمَّ اجعلنی أحبُّ الصلاهَ کحبّی للطعامِ و الشرابِ» (“O God, make me love prayer as I love food and drink”) can be effective.
How can I improve the prayer environment?
Choose a calm, distraction-free location and create a spiritually conducive atmosphere.
Is studying the benefits of prayer useful?
Yes. Learning about the benefits of prayer can increase your motivation to perform it.
Laziness in prayer is a challenge for many Muslims, but with supplication, setting a fixed time, creating an appropriate environment, and praying together with others, one can overcome this problem. Supplications can help strengthen willpower and increase love for prayer. By applying the described methods and supplications, we can improve our relationship with prayer and with God.
