In today's fast-paced world, many Muslims find themselves navigating faith as a checklist of rituals rather than a deeply rooted lifestyle. Islamic thinker and speaker Sahil Adeem has brought attention to a critical issue: the superficial engagement many Muslims have with their faith—particularly visible in their relationship with the mosque and daily prayers.

Identified Problem: Surface-Level Commitment

Sahil Adeem critiques a growing trend—Muslims attending Jumuah (Friday) prayers regularly, yet failing to return for other daily prayers or engage with the mosque throughout the week. This inconsistency, he argues, points to a deeper spiritual disconnect.

Attending Jumuah is often treated as an isolated act of worship rather than a gateway into a lifestyle of ongoing devotion.

This reflects what Adeem refers to as surface-level commitment, where the essence of Islamic practice is reduced to symbolic participation without consistent, heartfelt engagement.

The Larger Concern: Fragmented Faith

Adeem's argument goes beyond mosque attendance. He suggests that many Muslims do not view Islam as a comprehensive way of life. Instead of integrating Islamic values into everyday actions, prayer becomes a ritual devoid of its deeper spiritual context.

Islam is a system of interconnected practices—daily prayers, community involvement, charity, and continuous learning. When one piece is isolated, the whole system loses meaning.

The outcome? A shallow relationship with faith, where rituals are performed out of habit or obligation, rather than inner conviction and understanding.

Observations from the Ummah: Inconsistent Worship

Adeem observes that while Jumuah prayers are often packed, attendance during Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha is minimal. This indicates that the issue isn't a lack of belief—it’s a lack of commitment to consistency.

This inconsistency reveals a gap not in faith, but in understanding—the spiritual benefits of daily worship are often overlooked or undervalued.

The Core Issue: Shallow Engagement with Faith

At its heart, the problem isn’t laziness or time constraints. Adeem emphasizes that Muslims are failing to engage with prayer as a path to personal growth, connection with God, and community integration.

Treating prayer as an event rather than a lifestyle leads to detachment, apathy, and a fragmented spiritual identity.

Practical Steps to Reignite Faith and Consistency

To address this issue, Sahil Adeem suggests that Muslims take practical, mindful steps toward rebuilding a deep, consistent, and meaningful connection with Islam.

1. Cultivate Consistency in Worship

Action:

Make prayer a daily routine, not just a weekly act.

Practical Steps:

• Set Reminders: Use apps or alarms to pray on time.

• Prioritize Fajr: Go to bed earlier and commit to starting your day with worship.

• Pray Together: Involve family in daily salah to build a supportive environment.

2. Treat Mosque Attendance as a Habit

Action:

Attend the mosque beyond just Fridays.

Practical Steps:

• Visit for Other Prayers: Go for Dhuhr, Asr, or Isha whenever possible.

• Join Events: Participate in halaqas, lectures, or volunteer opportunities.

• Stay Connected: Even dropping by the mosque weekly outside of Jumuah builds consistency.

3. Understand the Deeper Purpose of Prayer

Action:

See prayer not as ritual, but as soulful connection.

Practical Steps:

• Learn Its Significance: Study the psychological and spiritual benefits of Salah.

• Reflect, Don’t Rush: Focus on the meaning behind each verse and movement.

• Remember Allah (Dhikr): Incorporate remembrance into daily life outside prayer times.

4. Reframe Mosque Involvement as a Lifelong Commitment

Action:

View the mosque as your spiritual home, not just a place of worship.

Practical Steps:

• Engage in Learning: Attend classes on Qur'an, Hadith, or Islamic history.

• Volunteer: Help with events, charity, or administration.

• Build Community: Join or create support groups with shared faith goals.

5. Set Personal Spiritual Goals

Action:

Define and track your spiritual progress.

Practical Steps:

• Create Milestones: Set weekly or monthly goals—like memorizing a Surah or attending a specific number of mosque prayers.

• Stay Accountable: Check in with a mentor or family member.

• Reflect Often: Journal or meditate on your spiritual journey.

6. Foster a Positive Mosque Environment for the Youth

Action:

Make the mosque welcoming and exciting for younger generations.

Practical Steps:

• Get Kids Involved: Bring them to prayers and events regularly.

• Support Youth Programs: Organize or advocate for engaging educational or recreational activities.

• Involve Them in Service: Let children take part in community service and mosque upkeep to develop ownership and pride.

Final Reflection: A Call for Revival

The strength of the Muslim Ummah does not lie in numbers alone—but in the depth of its faith and the consistency of its practice. Sahil Adeem’s critique isn’t an attack—it’s a wake-up call. A call to reconnect, re-engage, and reignite our spiritual lives beyond the surface.

Let’s not reduce Islam to a weekly obligation. Let’s make it a living, breathing part of our daily lives—within our homes, our hearts, and our communities.

What’s your next step today? Is it Fajr on time? A visit to the mosque? A new goal for your spiritual growth?
Start small, stay consistent, and remember: the path to deeper faith begins with one intentional step.