Sincerity and Moderation in Acts of Worship

📖Sahih al-Bukhari 43
Narrated ‘Aisha: Once the Prophet ﷺ came while a woman was sitting with me. He said, “Who is she?” I replied, “She is so and so,” and told him about her excessive praying. He said disapprovingly, “Do (good) deeds within your capacity (without being overburdened), for Allah does not get tired (of rewarding), but you will get tired. And the best deed in the sight of Allah is that which is done regularly, even if it is little.”

Explanation:

Many misunderstand the purpose of prayer. It’s not because Allah needs it. It’s because He commanded it. He created us to worship and obey, not because He benefits from it – but because we are the ones who benefit spiritually and eternally.

• Prayer does not mean Allah needs something from us — He is free of all needs.
• He created us to worship and obey, not because He lacks anything.
• The purpose of prayer is submission, not transaction.
• The reward of prayer is not always immediate. You may not get what you asked for — because:

  • It might not be in your destiny,

  • Allah may give better in the afterlife,

  • Or He may change your destiny by His mercy.

• Prayer is not a shortcut or magic button for instant results – it’s about fulfilling the command of your Creator.
• True success is obeying, not just receiving.

📖Musnad Aḥmad 11133 | Tirmidhi 3381
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “There is no Muslim who calls upon Allah, within which is no sin or cutting family ties, but that Allah will give him one of three answers: He will quickly fulfill his supplication, He will store it for him in the Hereafter, or He will divert an evil from him similar to it.” They said, “In that case, we will ask for more.” The Prophet said, “Allah has even more.”

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Why Prayer Matters:

• It builds discipline.
• It teaches humility.
• It reminds us we are not in control.
• It protects us from arrogance and sin.
• Even when things don’t change, you change by praying.

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Quranic Context:

📖Quran 51:56
And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.

Worship is the reason for our creation, not because Allah needs it, but because it’s our purpose.

📖Quran 35:15
O mankind! You are in need of Allah, whereas Allah is free of need, the Praiseworthy.

This proves Allah is not dependent on our worship — we are the ones who need Him.

📖Quran 2:286
Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear…

A reminder that worship is never meant to break us, but to strengthen us.

📖Quran 40:60
Call upon Me, I will respond to you. But those who are too arrogant to worship Me will enter Hell humiliated.

Prayer is a command. Answering it is a sign of humility and faith — not a demand for reward.

📖Quran 6:17
And if Allah touches you with harm, none can remove it but He…

We pray not because the answer is guaranteed – but because only Allah holds the power to answer.

Prayer is not a deal. It’s an act of surrender.
Obeying Allah is success – not always getting what you want.
Real reward comes when He wills, in this world or the next.
And the best deed is the one you do consistently – no matter how small.