Motivation

Ṣalāḥ is truly a nesting ground for yielding unparalleled treasures, in both this world and the next. Though the yield is quantified by the quality of ingredients that are combined into the mix, its gems can be garnered by anyone seeking it with a vehicle of sincerity. Its importance and value can only be truly appreciated when one considers the origins of its Divine transmission. Of all the obligations and rulings that was revealed to the beloved and most-honored Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ (peace and blessings be upon him) from the Heavens to the Earth, the obligation of Ṣalāḥ was delivered to the Messenger beyond the realm of our physical existence. It was through the Prophet’s ﷺ ascension with Angel Jibrīl (peace be upon him) on the night of Isrā’ & Mi’rāj (the miraculous Night Journey), at the utmost reaching point that any creation had ever traversed, where his Lord commanded the five daily prayers for his nation.

The Prophet ﷺ said, “On the Day of Judgment the first action that a man will be asked about is his Ṣalāḥ. If it is fulfilled, he will succeed; but if it is incomplete, he will be disappointed and will be in loss.”

[Abū Dāwūd]

The key element to finding intrinsic motivation to worship the Creator is to know, understand, and begin to comprehend the reality and magnitude of the Creator, along with our relation to Him. The more you learn about Allāh, the more your heart becomes filled with admiration and love toward Him; as a result, you will find ease and a sense of yearning to seek His Pleasure.

Reflect on the love you may have had toward someone in your life. The more intense the love, the more you yearn and strive to make them happy. You sacrifice your precious time, energy, and money – all for the sole purpose of instilling that sense of joy in them and, in turn, feeling that sense of fulfillment within yourself. Now think about your Creator – the One who created you, provided for you, sufficed for you, and continuously showers you with His blessings, despite the fact that you may be sinning and disobeying Him. And the moment that you turn toward Him, He immediately turns toward you. Seek the love and pleasure of your Creator through worship, supplication, remembrance, and through the mindfulness of your actions and, inshā’Allāh, you will taste the sweetness of life – one that no money or worldly pleasure could ever come close in comparison.