Inconsistency and lacking punctuality

QUESTION:

Please advise on how one can become consistent in one’s good deeds. I start reciting Quraan, Istighfaar and Durood daily, but after a few days I just stop. I am not able to be consistent. Is this because my good deeds are not accepted, which is why I don’t get the Taufeeq to do it anymore? Please advise me as to how I can become very close to Allah Ta’ala, and how to avoid committing sins when tempted.

ANSWER:

The Quraan Sharif states, “Verily Shaytaan is your enemy thus take him as an enemy.” When a person tries to obey and please Allah Ta’ala, Shaytaan will try to lead him astray and prevent him from engaging in the obedience of Allah Ta’ala. Lacking punctuality and steadfastness in acts of worship (as in your case), is due to being overpowered by Nafs (carnal desires) and Shaytaan. These are the two enemies that are with a person all the time. If Shaytaan fails to prevent one from doing good deeds, then he interferes with the Ikhlaas and sincerity of a person. The moment an action is done for show, or one intends to attain popularity through an action; the rewards of the actions are destroyed.

The way forward is that you should take the courage and commence with the actions again. Each time you slip, you repent and commence again. This is a lifelong effort until death. There are times when you will overpower the Nafs, and there are times when the Nafs will overpower you, but never give up (in your effort) until death.

As for befriending Allah and refraining from sins, there are two extremely valuable prescriptions that will assist in this regard. Try to establish a strong connection with some friend of Allah Ta’ala, and always update him of your progress. Together with this perform two Rakaats of Salaah daily with the intention of giving up sins and becoming a friend of Allah. Thereafter recite 100 times Durood Sharif (Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam), then 500 times La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illah Billah, followed by 100 times daily Durood Sharif (Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam), and then engage in Dua. This is a very effective prescription to reach Allah Ta’ala. If you continue on this path, there is hope of reaching your destination either in this world, or at the time of death, or in the hereafter Insha’Allah.

 ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Mohammed Desai

Date:-  07 Muharram 1445 / 26 July 2023