How Do We Make Obedience Feel Lighter?
In the last reminder, we spoke about why we often struggle with the things we know we should be doing. Most of the time, it is not because we are lazy or weak, but because our hearts have not yet fully understood why Allah has asked these things of us.
So, how do we soften our hearts and make obedience feel lighter?
The first step is to build our understanding of Allah Himself. When we know Allah not just by name, but by His attributes, everything changes. Knowing that He is Al-Hakeem, the Most Wise, helps us trust that His commands are never random or burdensome. Knowing that He is Ar-Rahmaan, the Most Merciful, reminds us that every act He asks of us is for our benefit, not to restrict us. When our hearts truly know who He is, we stop seeing His commands as heavy and start seeing them as gifts.
It is also so important to surround ourselves with people who view Allah as He truly is, not as someone harsh or only looking to punish. Sometimes we hear Allah spoken about only as One who is angry or wrathful, and this can make us feel paralysed, as if we can never be enough. Fear of Allah is not meant to be a crippling fear that leaves us feeling hopeless. It is a concern that grows from love – a desire not to displease Him because we know Him, because we love Him, and because we want to remain close to Him.
Even when we seek knowledge about Allah and Islam, we must be careful who we learn from. Learning from those who make us only fearful and burdened can sometimes push us further away. We need teachers and reminders that connect us to Allah with love, awe, and hope – the balance the Prophet ﷺ taught us.
The second step is to nourish our faith through our surroundings. The people we spend time with, the content we listen to, the environment we create all shape how we feel about obedience. When we are around sisters who remind us of Allah with gentleness, when we consume knowledge that uplifts rather than crushes us, our hearts soften and obedience feels lighter.
The third step is to start small and be consistent. Allah loves consistency even if it is little. If Salaah feels overwhelming, begin with protecting one Salaah and praying it with presence. If hijab feels heavy, nurture the intention and heart behind it before expecting perfection. If a bad habit is hard to let go of, replace it slowly with something better. Each step, however small, is noticed by Allah and builds momentum.
And finally, never stop turning to Allah and asking Him to open your heart. Guidance and ease only come from Him. The Prophet ﷺ would often make this du’aa:
“O Turner of the hearts, keep my heart firm upon Your religion.”
Even the most steadfast hearts remain firm only because Allah holds them firm.
If you are struggling right now, know that you are not alone. Struggle does not mean failure. It can be a sign that Allah is calling you closer. Take it slowly, keep learning, surround yourself with the right company, and keep asking Him for help.
May Allah open our hearts, make every act of worship beloved to us, and fill our lives with the sweetness of drawing near to Him.
Reflection on The Names and Attributes of ALLAH Series
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_DBIZ3MeaZnaZ7jc7bKBdUgqUWWxnRNw&si=zMNI63l4VDPTkfGL