Question: What is the purpose of worship?
Answer:
Thank you for your question.
Acts Of Worship and Their Purpose
You should remember that worshipping Allah Most High is at times difficult on the self. It takes time and effort to get to a level where it becomes sweet and easy. One of the scholars once said, “we struggled with [ the difficulty] of prayer for 20 years and then we enjoyed it for another 20 years.
Prayer and remembrance of Allah are incredible gifts that Allah has granted us to earn His pleasure and draw near to Him. At times we may not want to pray or remember Allah, but those are the times where you get the most reward.
Attaining Peace and Tranquility
One way you may increase your tranquility and peace while you pray is to learn and read about the virtue and merits of dhikr and prayer. By learning them, you will increase in understanding and deeper meaning of worship.
This is a good reader on prayer – https://seekersguidance.org/tag/khushu-in-prayer/
Even before that, you may want to consider if you have fulfilled the requirement of learning the foundations of our creed.
Noble Company
Try to be with others who will encourage you or whom you will feel comfortable and tranquil in their presence.
Allah says in the Quran, “O believers! Be mindful of Allah and be with the truthful.” [Surat al-Tawba 9:119]
Dua
I recommend after every prayer you recite the following prayers which were instructed by the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) himself to his companion Mu’adh bin Jabal;
Allahumma a’inni a’la dhikrika, wa shukrika, wa husni ‘ibadatika
(O Allah, help me remember You, to be grateful to You, and to worship You in an excellent manner).
[Abu Dawud]
Finally, everything at times requires struggle and hard work. Remember to keep your primary focus on fulfilling your duties, and let the feelings of peace and tranquility be secondary, as that comes in time. And it will, Insha’ Allah.
Allah alone grants success.
[Imam] Yama Niazi