The cure is to reduce unnecessary interactions. Any friend or relative who becomes an obstacle in the path of worship is not a true friend.  Remember the Day of Judgment! Then, everyone will cry out in fear: nafsī, nafsī! A mother will abandon her only child, a father will forsake his son, and a brother will flee from his brother. Nobody will be willing to give away even a single deed. Those who wasted their time in worldly gatherings instead of worship will be regretful, their heads lowered in shame, crying out in despair:

یٰوَیْلَتٰى لَیْتَنِیْ لَمْ اَتَّخِذْ فُلَانًا خَلِیْلًا(۲۸)

Alas, my ruin! Would that I had not taken such a man as a friend.^[1]

The third and fourth obstacles are the nafs and Satan. In fact, Satan wants nothing more than to keep us away from worship, casting whispers of doubt and distraction. The nafs, on the other hand, constantly desires comfort, laziness, and ease, and will never willingly incline towards worship. The cure? Wage war against Satan, seek Allah Almighty’s protection from Satan’s evil, and force the nafs into obedience by carrying out acts of worship no matter what.

Once a person crosses through all these valleys, they reach the stage of gratitude. At this point, one must thank and praise Allah Almighty, for ingratitude can destroy a person. Look at the example of BalꜤam b. BāꜤūrāʾ, who was a devout worshipper and great scholar. He could read the Preserved Tablet from earth, and his supplications were accepted. Yet, his ingratitude became his ruin; his faith was taken from him, he died a disbeliever, and he became fuel for the Fire forever.

So, O seekers of Paradise! Engage in worship, perform good deeds, and strive to be good human beings, but never forget to thank Allah Almighty. May Allah Almighty grant us the ability to become pious and to inspire righteousness in others.

اٰمِیْن بِجَاہِ النَّبِیِّ الْاَمِیْن صَلَّی اللہ تَعَالٰی عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلہٖ وَسَلَّم