['Aalim Network QR] Lapsed Prayers

[abbas@dircon.co.uk (Abbas Jaffer)]

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|       In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the All-Merciful       |\
|  Greeting of Allah be upon Muhammad and the pure members of his House |\
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Salamun Alaykum,

The following question was kindly answered by Dr Liyakatali Takim.

Regards

Abbas Jaffer
Moderator - 'Aalim Network

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Question:

My wife was not saying prayer regularly in the past but for the last few
months she has not said any prayer at all as I know. I many times tried to
make her realize the importance of prayer. She always agreed and promised to
become regular but practically she does not. Also my growing up children are
not regular. Whenever I ask them to say prayer they do but they do not say
prayer by themselves. I do not want to force them otherwise (as I think)
they may say prayer only to show me. What should I do ? Am I not properly
guiding them ?
How much I am resonsible for their acts acording to "Sheriat" ?

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Answer:

Salaamun 'Alaykum,

First of all, the best way to inspire others to pray is for oneself to
undertake prayers regularly. 

As of for your wife, apart from stressing the importance of prayers, try to
get some books/videos/majalis tapes on the spiritual bliss one can obtain by
praying with the heart rather than with the body only. Whne one prays from
the heart, one experiences bliss and joy and the worship comes automatic,
one does not have to force oneself to pray since the soul yearns to converse
with the Divine. Tell her the root of the word salat is sila (meaning to
join or link) hence when one prays one is, in effect, spiritually linking
oneself with Allah (SWT).

As for the children, depending on their age, there is no harm in being
strict with them regarding prayers. Since they cannot comprehend the
philosophy and spiritual dimensions of salat, to inculcate the habit of
prayer, it often becomes necessary to strictly enforce the salat on them so
that they grow up with the habit of praying.

May Allah reward you for your efforts.


Liyakatali