How can I overcome negligence in acts of worship and obligatory duties, especially in performing the five daily prayers in congregation at the mosque, and what is the ruling on obeying a father regarding not trimming the beard and raising the trousers, knowing that the residential area is a dubious one?

The questioner is advised to fear Allah and repent from negligence in acts of obedience, especially performing prayers in congregation at the mosque, because it is obligatory upon the able-bodied man, and failure to attend it is a characteristic of hypocrites. He is also advised to strengthen his faith by consistently performing acts of obedience and supplicating for steadfastness, citing the hadith (definition): "O Turner of hearts, make my heart firm upon Your religion."

Regarding shaving the beard, it is prohibited according to the majority of scholars, and it is not permissible to obey one's father in this matter unless it results in a definite harm that can only be averted by shaving. As for isbal (letting one's garment hang below the ankles), if it is done out of arrogance (khuyala’), then it is haram (definition). If it is not done out of arrogance, then there is a difference of opinion; the majority consider it not haram unless it is for khuyala’. However, if shortening the garment results in a definite harm, then isbal is permissible to the extent necessary to avert that harm.