Does One Become a Disbeliever for Missing the Prayer Out of Disdain?

Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel

Question

I read that if one misses salah out of disdain and contempt, they are kafir. I have never denied salah’s obligation, and I usually pray salah. But I also miss salah sometimes. When I miss salah, it is out of laziness, but sometimes it inspires other feelings and thoughts that I would instead not write. If someone misses some salah while having negative feelings for salah or thinking it isn’t essential at that time, but they usually pray, would they be kafir?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

I pray you are well and in good faith.

It is commendable that you have concerns about your prayer having held back not performing them. This is a good step forward and in the right direction.

A Muslim is only a disbeliever if he rejects the prayer. However, in your case, as you mention, you haven’t denied its obligation but have misgivings, a lack of concern, and negative thoughts. Nevertheless, one will be sinful for leaving the prayer. [Nahlawi, al-Durar al-Mubaha]

Check this answer as well:
Prayer Reader: The Ultimate Guide To Prayer in Islam – SeekersGuidance

Now that you have taken a step in performing the prayer, the above Reader will help you navigate how to go on about performing the prayer.

Also, why not take a course and enroll in a SeekersGuidance course?

I hope this answers your question.

[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani