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Fatwa CenterStriving against Oneself for Worship Leads to Guidance and Reward
Question
Will the Muslim be rewarded for his struggle against himself for offering acts of worship?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.
Muslim scholars mention three categories of patience: patience with adversities and hardships, patience with staying away from sins, and patience with observing acts of worship. There is no doubt that a Muslim will be rewarded for his struggle against himself so as to continue on his righteousness. Allah will definitely guide the Muslim in this regard and make him succeed in his endeavor. Allah Almighty says (what means): {And those who strive for Us – We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.} [Quran 29: 69] Allah also says: {And those who are guided – He increases them in guidance and gives them their righteousness.} [Quran 47: 17]
According to these verses, a Muslim is rewarded for his patience with carrying out the acts of worship. Moreover, Allah will show him the way to more righteousness. Being consistent with worship is an area of struggle in which Allah guides whomsoever He wills. Rabee‘ah ibn Ka‘b Al-Aslami 
said to the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, “I wish I would accompany you in Paradise.” The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said to him, “Then you need to help me achieve this for you by offering as much prostration as you are able.” [Muslim] According to the hadith, offering much prostration requires patience. Fulfilling this task needs a great deal of striving and perseverance. Since the assignment is big (i.e. much prostration) and the wish is great (i.e. Paradise), then the way to have it fulfilled must involve struggle and hardship. However, the end result will be rewarding. What a great reward! Based on the hadith, the reward will be the company of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, in Paradise. As said, hard beginnings make good endings. May Allah bless you for your struggle and your care to improve your religion!
Allah knows best.
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