What is the way to overcome the difficulty of performing prayer and lacking devotion in it, and to get rid of worldly thoughts during it, knowing that I suffer from low self-confidence and depression, and I fear that I might backtrack on my religious commitment due to social anxieties?
Non-adherence to religion leads to worldly and otherworldly problems. Prayer prohibits immorality and evil and helps solve problems, as Allah Almighty says: "And establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing," and His saying: "Seek help through patience and prayer." To persevere in prayer at the mosque, seek help from Allah, supplicate with the prayer "O Allah, help us to remember You, to be grateful to You, and to worship You in the best manner," live near the mosque, and hasten to it upon the call to prayer. Change your companions to righteous people, and read books of spiritual refinement, encouragement, and deterrence to see the benefits of uprightness and the danger of negligence. Lack of humility is not an excuse to abandon prayer, but rather a disease that must be treated by perseverance and striving to achieve mindfulness, reciting the Quran and the authentic supplications, avoiding distractions, preparing for prayer, and performing supererogatory prayers. It is recommended to read the رسالة "33 سببا للخشوع في الصلاة" (33 Reasons for Humility in Prayer) by Sheikh Muhammad Salih Al-Munajjid.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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