“Doubts About Islamic Rules”

Walekumussalam,

Dear  Zara, first of all you should understand that asking questions or thinking like this is not a sin. Many young people reach a stage in life where they start trying to understand their religion more deeply. The important thing is that you still believe in Allah, you talk to Him and even cry in front of Him. This shows that your heart is still connected to Allah, and that is something very precious. Now let us try to understand your questions one by one in a simple way.

(1) Why is there a rule of covering (hijab) for women?

In Islam, hijab is not meant to hide women or treat them as less important. It is meant to protect their dignity and honor. In every society, a woman’s beauty attracts more attention, so Islamic law created special guidelines to protect her respect. At the same time, men are also commanded to lower their gaze. So the responsibility is not only on women but also on men. The main goal is to keep society pure and to value a person for their character and personality, not just their physical appearance.

(2) Why is the awrah (parts of the body that must be covered) different for men and women?

Islamic rules consider the natural differences between men and women, their physical nature, and social effects. Since a woman’s body naturally attracts more attention, the rules of covering are greater for her. The purpose is not to restrict women, but to maintain balance, respect, and dignity in society.

(3) Why do we have to pray five times a day in a specific way?

Talking to Allah is allowed at any time. You can make dua, remember Him, and speak to Him from your heart whenever you want. But salah (the five daily prayers) is a special form of worship whose method was set by Allah. The purpose is that throughout the day a person pauses from worldly life and remembers their Creator. If prayer had no fixed times or method, many people would delay it and slowly stop praying. This system helps keep a person spiritually connected to Allah.

(4) Why are wudu, ghusl, and cleanliness required for prayer?

Allah does not dislike our bodies. He created us exactly the way we are. Wudu and cleanliness are required to teach humans both physical and spiritual cleanliness. In Islam, cleanliness is considered a part of faith. When a person stands before Allah in a clean and pure state, they feel more respect, peace, and humility in worship.

(5) Why are there rules about interaction between men and women and avoiding zina (fornication/adultery)?

Islam understands human nature. Humans have desires and emotions. Because of this, Islam gives guidelines that protect society from harm and broken relationships. Even though today people marry later in life, the purpose of these boundaries is to ensure that relationships remain based on respect, responsibility, and marriage, so that no one’s heart, honor, or life is damaged.

(6) Why do acts of worship sometimes feel like a burden?

Many people experience this feeling. When a person worships only out of habit or pressure, it can sometimes feel heavy. But when a person slowly understands the meaning behind these acts, the same worship starts bringing peace and comfort. Faith is a journey — sometimes it becomes strong and sometimes it feels weak.

Islam is not about blind following. It is a path where a person moves toward Allah with understanding. Asking questions is not wrong, but it is important to seek answers from proper knowledge and trustworthy scholars. The fact that your heart still wants Allah is a great blessing. Pray sincerely to Him to give your heart guidance and peace. Try reading the Qur’an with translation and gradually understand the religion. Often the things that seem difficult at first start making sense once we understand them.

May Allah give peace to your heart, grant you true understanding, and keep you close to Him. Aameen.