Returning to God after a long period of spiritual disconnection is not always easy. A person may feel inner heaviness, hesitation, or even the sense that the distance has become too great and the road too long. Yet the comforting truth is that the path to closeness to God is always open. This closeness is not a single fixed state, but consists of different levels through which a person advances step by step—without pressure and without unrealistic perfection. What truly matters is not sudden intensity, but steady and sincere movement toward God.

 The Station of Nearness to God: The Highest Goal

The most honorable state a servant can seek is the station of nearness to God. Allah says:

“And the forerunners, the forerunners—those are the ones brought near.”
“Those whom they invoke seek a means of nearness to their Lord, striving as to which of them would be closest.”
“And prostrate and draw near.”

Closeness is not a single rank; it includes multiple levels depending on one’s effort and sincerity. God honored His angels by describing them as those brought near, and He granted certain prophets the same noble description.

Most importantly, nearness is not reserved for a select few. It is an open path for anyone who chooses to begin—regardless of how long they have been away. The question is not where you were, but where you are heading now.

 The Difficulty of Returning After Spiritual Disconnection

It is natural to feel that returning is difficult. After a long break, acts of worship may feel heavy, and feelings of guilt or unworthiness may arise. But closeness to God does not begin with perfection—it begins with a small, sincere attempt.

Understanding that nearness consists of gradual levels relieves pressure. No one is required to reach the highest ranks immediately. The journey begins from where you are, and then continues forward step by step.

 The Clear Path to Nearness: Following What God Has Prescribed

Drawing near to God is not based on personal invention or emotions alone. It is achieved through the acts of worship prescribed by God. Divine law is the path that leads to nearness. God says:

“For each of you We have ordained a law and a method.”

And He says regarding the Prophet:

“Indeed, you guide to a straight path—the path of God.”

Therefore, the one who seeks to return should not search for complicated methods or extraordinary experiences. The starting point is clear: prayer, remembrance, and all that God has commanded, following the example of the Prophet.

 A Realistic Beginning: Focusing on Obligatory Acts

Acts of worship are of two types: obligatory and voluntary. A realistic return begins with the obligatory acts, for they are the foundation of nearness.

If someone has been distant for a long time, the priority is to reestablish the obligatory prayers and maintain them consistently. This step alone gradually rebuilds the relationship.

For example:
A person may begin by protecting just one prayer time carefully, then slowly increase consistency.
Another may focus simply on performing all daily prayers without adding extra practices at the beginning.

The goal is not quantity, but consistency.

 Prostration: The Closest Moment Between a Servant and His Lord

Among the greatest meanings of return is realizing that the closest moment between a servant and God is during prostration. The Prophet said:

“The closest a servant is to his Lord is while he is prostrating, so increase your supplication.”

This moment does not require long preparation or numerous deeds. A single sincere prostration with a simple prayer may mark the beginning of a profound change.

Instead of creating an overwhelming spiritual plan, one may begin with a quiet prostration and honest words directed to God.

 The Effect of Worship on the Heart: Gradual Inner Transformation

Worship is not merely outward action; it carries spiritual light and transformative أثر (impact) upon the heart and soul. God says:

“The color of God—and who is better than God in color?”

Through these acts, a person gradually sheds negative traits and develops noble qualities. God says:

“God does not intend to place hardship upon you, but He intends to purify you and complete His favor upon you.”

Improvement does not happen instantly. It unfolds through steady practice and patience.

 Prayer: The Turning Point in the Journey of Return

Prayer is the most comprehensive and essential act of worship. It carries deep transformative power. God says:

“Indeed, prayer prevents immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of God is greater.”

29. Al-‘Ankabut

Prayer works in two important ways:

• It removes harmful behavior.

• It cultivates virtue and inner clarity.

The stronger the focus and presence within prayer, the greater its effect. Even at its weakest, prayer remains a continuous connection that prevents total disconnection.

I Pray but Don’t Feel Close to Allah

 Do Not Seek Perfection… Seek Steadiness and Consistency

One of the greatest mistakes after returning is attempting to do everything at once—many voluntary acts, long routines, heavy commitments. This approach often leads to exhaustion and relapse.

The wiser path is:

• Small but steady actions

• Gradual increase

• Accepting progress without self-punishment

The journey toward closeness to God is lifelong. It is not a temporary project.

 Nearness to God Is Built Through Simple Daily Steps

Drawing near to God means fulfilling what He has commanded and leaving what He has prohibited. Every act of worship—small or great—is a step forward.

True nearness is not only a feeling; it is a daily commitment expressed through consistent action.

Simple examples include:

• Guarding one prayer time carefully.

• Making sincere supplication during prostration.

• Improving the quality of prayer rather than increasing its number.

These small steps, practiced steadily, rebuild a strong relationship over time.

 The Honor of Nearness to God: Motivation to Continue

As a servant continues in obedience, he rises from one level to another. Worship elevates a person from being consumed solely by worldly concerns to experiencing inner tranquility and clarity.

This elevation is the fruit of steadfast consistency, not temporary enthusiasm.

 Conclusion: Starting the Journey with a Sincere Step

Returning to God after a long absence is not a dramatic event; it is a calm and steady journey that begins with one sincere step. The path is neither complicated nor reserved for the perfect. It requires commitment to what God has prescribed, attention to the obligatory acts, and devotion to consistency over abundance.

Closeness to God consists of levels, and every step carries value. A sincere prostration, a stable prayer routine, or a small but continuous act may become the turning point.

What matters is not how far you once drifted, but that you are walking toward God now—even if slowly. Every step taken in sincerity is a step toward nearness.