Not certain he is a Muslim
Fatwa No: 88968

Question

I was wondering what to do if one is the laziest Muslim on earth? I'm a shell of a Muslim - I barely pray and am empty concerning good deeds. Oh wait, I think I must be an apostate because I lack deeds. You see, I'm so lazy I'm not sure if I'm even a Muslim anymore. Perhaps this has to do with being a revert to Islaam. In the West I have been spoiled and have learned to care for my own desires. I lack any kind of discipline. Perhaps you can share any wisdom so I can be on the path to Paradise. Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allaah.

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

 

A person should not describe himself as a non-Muslim or an apostate except if he does an act which indicates that he is so.

One becomes an apostate if he makes mockery of the pillars and principles of religion and insults the religion and other such matters which suggest that one is mocking and despising the pillars and principles of Islam. For more benefit in this regard, please refer to Fatwa 88261.

Since you have not uttered such things, then there is no need for whispers as these are from Satan.

As regards your laziness, if this is in relation to performing the religious obligations, then it is obligatory on you to perform these obligations regularly, mainly the pillars of Islam like the prayer, fasting, Zakat (alms) and Hajj (pilgrimage).

Concerning the prayer, it is a special obligation. Some scholars consider the person who does not perform the prayer due to laziness to be a non-Muslim. But if a person does not perform the prayer while denying its obligation, then all the scholars agree in a consensus that he is considered a non-Muslim and is out of the fold of Islam.

Therefore, we advise you to keep company with pious people who will help you to perform those obligations and we advise you to mention and supplicate Allaah and say the designated morning and evening supplications. Indeed by mentioning Allaah, the hearts find their comfort and tranquility.

Finally, we ask Allaah to repel from you the whispers of Satan and to guide you to the right path.

Allaah Knows best.

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