Caution when Spiritual Dryness Kicks In

It is an almost universal fact that any believer will face some kind of spiritual dryness. This happens for a variety of reasons. Dryness can be the result of being distracted with the world, such as our jobs, families or hobbies. Sometimes it is the result of disappointments in life, and at other times more serious issues of depression. Ironically, sometimes it may be that God wants to test how obedient we are to Him when our emotional ties to Him are at their low.

Whatever the reason may be, spiritual dryness can be a dangerous place as it can lead to temporary fits of meaninglessness in life. When this happens, many people look at all in the wrong places in order to bring meaning or joy back into their lives. In order to fill this spiritual emptiness, they look at entertainment, drugs, shopping, going on dangerous adventures, ending marriages in order to find someone “new and exciting,” or simply jumping into infidelity to get some kind of rush out of life, or embark on dangerous adventures or hobbies (like climbing Mount Everest) which may end their lives and leave their children orphaned.

The Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt (as) have given us many tips on how to fight spiritual dryness in a healthy way. Imam Jaʿfar al-Ṣādiq (as) for example recommended swimming, taking walks in nature, or hanging out with friends who are genuinely and honestly religious. He also recommended mending ties with our spouses and spending quality time with them, or even spending a good amount of time cleaning up and organizing our homes. These activities are not only good for the mind, but they also nourish our souls and bring back the spiritual rain that is so desperately needed back into our souls.

Try to find healthy ways to replenish your soul and above all, do not forget to pray to God so that He may help you. Without His grace, no soul can be replenished.