Its Importance
Direct communication with Allah
“The closest a person is to His Lord is when he is in prostration.”
Through prayer, you are able to connect with your Lord. The Arabic word for prayer (As-Salah) is actually derived from the Arabic word meaning “connection.” The Messenger of Allah * said: “When any one of you stands to pray, he is communicating with his Lord, so let him pay attention to how he speaks to Him.” Don’t cut this relationship between you and your Creator.
A pillar of Islam
Prayer is the second most important pillar of Islam, and is the most regular compulsory action in a Muslim’s life. We fast just one month a year; we must give Zakah once a year; and Hajj is only once a life time. However, prayer is the one act that must be fulfilled at least five times a day, regardless of the circumstance . In fact, Allah did not even exempt the Muslims from praying during the battle! He says:
“Guard strictly your (habit of) prayers… If you fear (an enemy), pray on foot, or riding. ” Qur’an 2:238-9
If this is the case in the time of war, then what about in peace?
Success lies in the Prayer
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The first of his deeds for which a man will be called to account on the Day of Resurrection will be the prayers. If it is found to be perfect, he will be safe and successful. But if it is defective, he will be unfortunate and a loser.”
Its Benefits
Shields against evil
Man was created weak and without seeking help from Allah, it will be impossible to refrain from evil.
Allah says: “Verily, prayer restrains (oneself) from shameful and unjust deeds…” Qur’an 29:45
There is no doubt that the one who stands in front of Allah willingly will be different from the one who doesn’t. How can you continue to commit the same sins if you’re standing before Allah 5 times a day?
Enriches the soul
Man is forgetful, especially with our busy lifestyles. Prayer satisfies our spiritual need to be in contact with our Creator. This gives the soul peace and contentment.
Allah says, “Without doubt, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.” Qur’an 13:28
Makes us humble
By realising Allah’s greatness and dependence on our Lord, man is humbled is rid from pride and arrogance. In the prayer, the Muslim puts the highest part of his body and source of intellect, his head, on to the ground and says, “How perfect is my Lord, The Most High.”
Humbleness is one of the qualities which Allah has associated with success.
He says, “Successful indeed are the believers, who are humble in their prayers.” Qur’an 23:1-2
Of course this can only be achieved when one understands what one is reciting and concentrates with humility.
Washes away sins
Everyone commits sins, however, Allah has provided, in prayer, a way to wipe out those sins.
Allah says: And perform prayer… surely the good deeds remove the evils deeds. Qur’an 11:114
The Messenger gave a beautiful example when he said to his companions: “Consider if one of you had a river by his door in which he bathed five times a day. Would any filth remain on him?” They said, “No.” Then the Prophet replied: “Likewise, Allah wipes away sins with the five daily prayers.”
Cures our Problems
Man is surrounded by numerous trials and problems. Once we focus on strengthening our relationship with our Lord, He, who is All-Powerful, will fix our worldly problems. Like our scholars say, whoever strengthens their relationship between themselves and Allah, Allah will strengthen their relationship between themselves and the creation.
Allah says, Seek help in patience and prayer. Qur’an 2:153
Unites the Muslims
When the prayer is performed in congregation, it cultivates brotherhood, equality and humility between Muslims. The worshippers stand in rows, shoulder to shoulder, without any distinction of race, nationality, colour, wealth, family or status, and all pray together as one body. This act of unity helps demolish all barriers which stand between men.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Prayer in congregation is better than praying alone by twenty-seven degrees.”
Abandoning the Prayer
Sign of ingratitude
Refusing the invitation of your Creator to establish this close relationship with Him is the ultimate ingratitude. Allah created you and gave you everything,
He says, “ It is He who has created you and endowed you with hearing and seeing and hearts, little are you grateful.” Qur’an 67:23
The Prophet’s feet would sometimes get swollen because he would stand in prayer for lengthy periods, and when asked about this, he would reply: “Should I not be a grateful servant of my Lord?”
Miserable life
The human that has no connection with Allah helplessly seeks an alternative and leaves no stone unturned looking for calmness and bliss. It, however, searches in vain, wandering aimlessly.
Allah says: “ And whoever turns away from My remembrance – indeed for him is a life of hardship. And We will raise him on the Day of Resurrection, blind. He will say, “My Lord, why have you raised me blind while I was (once) seeing?” (Allah) will say, “Thus did Our signs come to you, and you forgot (disregarded) them; and thus will you, this Day, be forgotten.” Qur’an 20:124-6
Common Excuses
| No time/ Work / Study/ Busy | Make the prayers your priority. Allah will bless your time and make you more effective, efficient and successful. |
| My heart is clean | Allah judges who has clean hearts. Our actions reflect what is in our heart. No one has a cleaner heart than Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who used to pray regularly. |
| My alarm | Purify your intention to wake-up for the prayer for Allah, set the alarm and sleep according to the Sunnah. |
| My family/ spouse/ parents/ friends prevent me. | The Prophet (pbuh) said, “There is no obedience to anyone in disobedience to Allah.” We will be judged alone. |
| Praying after its time / joining prayers | “Surely, the prayers are made obligatory for the believers at their prescribed times.” Qur’an 4:103 |
| I’m sinning too much | In time, your prayers will prevent you from committing these sins. We are sinning because we are not praying. |
What excuse do we honestly have when we face our Lord on the Day of Judgement?