Dear Believer,
Years before becoming Muslim I used to stay in the home of a Muslim family. They exemplified all of the(superficial) cultural expressions of Islam, great food, traditional dress, language, but the home was spiritually empty. The prayer mats had as much dust as the Quran that sat out of reach on top of the bookshelf.
I remember coming into Islam and being confused, “Why would someone be Muslim and not pray?” I remember saying this aloud to a friend, needless to say they were embarrassed and our relationship became a bit rocky after that. However, my brain couldn’t compute.
It couldn’t compute hearing that the Prophet was brought up to the heavens itself and in the presence of God was given the gift of the 5 prayers. How then could someone who loves God, who loves the Prophet not love this gift?
It took me a few years to find the answer when someone told me, “It’s not that I don’t want to pray, but whenever I do, I don’t feel anything.”
I remember not knowing how to answer, I just remember feeling uncomfortable. I was uncomfortable because this person was a Muslim, from a Muslim family, had bought me an “Allah” chain and was going to the Lupe Fiasco concert with me (because I loved the fact that he was Muslim) and yet didn’t pray because they “didn’t feel anything.”
Years later I sat in a class and my teacher mentioned something that struck me.
“We don’t worship God for ourselves, we worship God because of Him.”
That was it.
It was literally that simple for me, so simple in fact that I couldn’t explain it prior to hearing this. I was surrounded by “the religion is one of ease,” to the point where just a tad bit of inconvenience had rendered the prayer useless or unwanted by the people around me.
I can only speak for myself when I say that it’s not always convenient, and very seldom do I feel anything special after I’ve prayed. . .but there is one thing that I do know beyond doubt, my Lord is worthy.
And that’s all that matters to me. What about you?
Rajab 25th, 1440
April 1st, 2019
Your brother,
Arthur K. Richards
For Those Who Believe 
Subhan’Allah. Such a beautiful reminder. Often times, we relegate our faith down to what it feels to us… but faith transcends that. I often don’t feel a spiritual “high” after I pray, but I also can’t imagine not doing it. For me, after the shahadah, it’s what makes a Muslim. We may not be perfect with it, but that doesn’t lessen its importance. Thank you for your daily reminders to us all who are learning from you vicariously.
LikeLike
Exactly. We don’t worship our feelings. We worship Allah.
I also think we should realise that even if you cannot tame your thoughts or inner being, hopefully what we do externally filters inside – so, for example, repetitive dhikr may not FEEL calm, but if we keep trying, Insha Allah it’ll eventually seep in and help calm us and draw us closer to Allah.
LikeLike
You’ve got it! That’s the goal. We keep taking the steps and eventually we will reach the destination!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m honored to read such a comment. Pray for me as I pray for you and may we all enter the Paradise together!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ameen. Of course, will do! I appreciate the dedication it takes to pursuit the path you are on. It is not for everyone, as I learned a few years ago; all the more tawfiq to you for embarking on this path, Insha’Allah.
LikeLike
For me, after the shahadah, it’s what makes a Muslim. We may not be perfect with it, but that doesn’t lessen its importance. Thank you for your daily reminders to us all who are learning from you vicariously.
LikeLike
Allah bless you, it’s definitely a difficult path at times but I can’t see myself doing anything else.
LikeLike
You’re very welcome.
LikeLike