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Fatwa CenterDoesn't pray, listens to music, and watches movies
Question
I am facing a big problem. How we can control our Nafs (worldly desires). I am from a religious family. My father and mother used to pray five times. They never even watch a movie. But I wanted to watch films, listen to songs and chat with friends. I made every effort to pray, not to listen to songs but I had never succeeded. I know about the dangers of not praying. But I cant.Please help me. I am worried about myself but these bad things attract me more.
Answer
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the World; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.
Know that the prayer is the distinctive quality between Kufr (disbelief) and faith for the Hadith narrated by Imam Muslim that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: "Between a person and disbelief or polytheism is discarding prayer" . Another Hadith reads: "The pact between us and them is prayer. Whoever abandons it is a disbeliever" . [Reported by Imam Ahmad and four Imams of Sunan].
The prayer is a pillar or Islam; it is the first act about which a person is called to account on the Day of Judgment, if it is accepted he will be successful; otherwise, he will be a failure and loser.
Ignoring prayers and being careless in their performance is a major sin. One should repent from this bad practice, returning towards Allah and performing prayers in their specific times. By doing so one fulfills his obligations imposed by Allah and can protect oneself from all kinds of evils like songs, films, etc.
In fact, the prayers are the best means that prevents one from falling in sins. Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {…Verily, As-Salât (the prayer) prevents from Al-Fahshâ' (i.e. great sins of every kind, unlawful sexual intercourse, etc.) and Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism, and every kind of evil wicked deed, etc.), …} [29:45].
Know that listening to songs and watching films and the other evils bring wrath of Allah and darken one's heart and spoil it. Know that being swept along by that which is seductive and enticing can push one to what are more repulsive and shameful acts. May Allah protect all of us. So, keep away from the exciting places, tempting motives and bad company. Try your best to resist the satanic inclinations and seek refuge in Allah.
Adopt good company who will help you to do well and will appreciate you for doing good. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: "A man follows the religion of his friend; so each one should consider whom he makes his friend" . [ Ahmad , Abu Dawood and al-Tirmizi ].
Fill your time with what will be useful for you in this life and the Hereafter as well such as acquiring good knowledge, doing good deeds, and indulging in various forms of worship.
Remind yourself that you belong to a good family; surely it would help you to be steadfast. You have mentioned that your parents are religious people then you should consult to them, seek guidance from them and obey them. Try to be a good successor of the good predecessors; do not be a bad successor of the good predecessors.
Allah knows best.
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