This is the state of most people, that is, as long as they are in the mosque, in worship, and remembrance of Allaah, their hearts are attentive, but when they leave and busy themselves with work, and sit with their children, wives and friends they become negligent. This is something that the companions mentioned to the Prophet ﷺ. They said, ‘Messenger of Allaah! When we are in your company, and are reminded of the Fire and Allaah’s Garden, we feel as if we see them with our very own eyes, but when we leave you and attend to our wives, children and business, we forget many things." Allaah’s Messenger ﷺ then said,
"By Him in whose Hand is my life, if your state of mind remained the same as it is in my presence and you are always busy in remembrance of Allaah, the angels would shake your hands in your beds and in your roads." (Muslim 2750)
However, this is the nature of humans, and this is how their religion is. This is the state in which they were created, so being busy in this way is not blameworthy. A person will have their reward in accordance with how attentive his hearts is, and how much he uses his tongue and body parts in the obedience of Allaah, the Most High. Thus, a person should, despite work and these types of permitted gatherings, remember Allaah, the Most High, with their heart, as well as allowing people to hear them so that they can follow their example. No doubt, such a person’s reward will be great. If such a person busies themselves with permissible matters, then they are not blameworthy. However, if a person, despite being busy with worldly affairs, remembers Allaah, the most High, with their tongue alone, without their heart being attentive or making intention for this remembrance, then this is a sign of weakness. Hence, a person should be aware of what they utter with their tongue and consider what they say. Their reward will be in accordance with how much they do this, and Allaah, the Most High, knows best.