WHAT STOPS US FROM OFFERING NAMAZ?

Each Namaz hardly requires about five to ten minutes, yet most of us neglect it not realizing the greatness of the sin we are committing and the severity of the punishment we might get for this negligence. If Allah (SWT) forgives us for not offering Namaz, we are fortunate, but if He does not forgive, how will we face the punishment? Allah (SWT) is so kind and considerate that while ordering us to offer Namaz and do other good things. He has also cautioned us and clearly shown to us our enemy who stops us from offering Namaz and doing anything good. In the Holy Quran, Allah states:

O you who believe ! intoxicants and games of chance and stones (set up around Kaaba for sacrificing animals, idols) and divining arrows (Casting lots with arrows) are only an uncleanliness from the devil's work, so avoid it that you may be successful. The only intention of the devil is to cause enemity and hatred to befall among you through intoxicants and games of chance, and to turn you away from Allah's remembrance and worship (Salaat). Will you then desist? And obey Allah and obey the messenger and be cautious, then if you turn away, know that (the duty incumbent) on Our messenger is only clear-conveyance (of the message). (Ch:5 Vs:90 to 92)

It is clear from the above verses of the Holy Quran that the main cause for our not offering Namaz is the devil, who inspires evil and runs away. Elsewhere in the Holy Quran the devil is stated to be an open enemy of man. The devil's aim is not only to lead us to hell but also ruin our present life. We should therefore be alert and cautious of him and should not follow his it evil suggestions. We should make a determined effort to be regular at offering Namaz and doing other good things because good deeds are for our own good. It is said that when the devil inspires evil, we should recite: 

 

 AAOUZO BILLAHI MINASH-SHATTANI AAMANTU BILLAHI WA RASOOLAHI

(I betake myself to Allah for refuge from the devil I believe in Allah and His messengers.

Whenever we get bad thoughts, when we feel that something is stopping us from doing good, when we are angry and before reciting the Holy Quran, we should recite: