Motion vs. Awareness in Worship: Striking the Right Balance

It was a Friday morning, and my day was already packed. Like many of us, I found myself rushing through Surah Kahf on my way to Jummah, squeezing it into my schedule as quickly as possible.

But then, I came across a LinkedIn post that stopped me in my tracks.

A young brother shared his own Friday routine. He usually reads Surah Kahf in Arabic, but recently, he’d chosen to read it in English. His frustration? While he was fulfilling the act of reading the Surah, he realized he didn’t truly understand the words he was reciting.

This struck a chord with me.

How often do we find ourselves in the same situation—caught between the doing and the being of worship? Do we focus on completing the act of worship, or do we prioritize understanding and connection? What truly draws us closer to Allah?

The Two Types of Progress

This dilemma reminded me of a concept from Dr. James Austin’s book, Chase, Chance, & Creativity: The Lucky Art of Novelty. In it, he defines four types of progress, but two resonate deeply with this challenge:

  1. Motion Progress
    Motion progress is about action. It’s the hustle, the energy, the repetition of showing up and doing the work. For example, opening the Qur’an every Friday and reading Surah Kahf in Arabic creates momentum. Over time, this consistency might lead to memorization or even understanding, simply through the act of repetition.

  2. Awareness Progress
    Awareness progress, on the other hand, is about intentionality and reflection. It’s taking the time to pause, absorb, and internalize. Instead of rushing through Surah Kahf, you dedicate time to understand its meaning and stories. This depth can fuel a deeper connection with the Surah, enriching your experience for months to come.

Which Approach Is Right for You?

Reflecting on my own journey, I’ve realized that the right approach depends on where you are in life.

In my teenage years and 20s, I leaned heavily on motion progress. My personality thrived on action, aggressively pursuing progress through sheer determination and effort. But now, as I’ve grown older, my focus has shifted. I strive for awareness progress—moving less, but with a deeper understanding and intention behind my actions.

Ultimately, your approach will depend on:

  • Your stage in life: Are you just beginning your spiritual journey, or are you seeking to deepen your connection?
  • Your personality type: Are you naturally action-oriented, or do you lean towards introspection?
  • Your maturity in Islamic knowledge: Are you building foundational habits, or are you ready to expand on them?

Striking the Balance

So, how should you proceed? The answer isn’t about choosing one over the other but finding a balance that suits your unique circumstances. Motion and awareness both play vital roles in our growth as Muslims.

This week, I encourage you to reflect on your own worship.

  • How can you bring both consistency and meaning to your acts of worship?
  • Can you incorporate awareness into your routines, even if it’s just a small step, like pausing to understand a verse you’re reciting?

May Allah guide us all to grow in both action and understanding, drawing closer to Him in every step of our journey.

Notes on Faith