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The Pearls of Islam

28th February 2011 24 Rabee Al-Awal 1432 Volume 3 Issue 9 by Isma Qureshi

Reminder Series

Importance of Prayer

To Muslims, prayer is the second pillar in Islam, after the Shahadah, which encompasses the foundation of Islam. It was made obligatory for all Muslims, whether they be rich or poor, strong or weak, black or white, male or female. Salaat has been made compulsory on all believers in all situations. It is an activity which cannot be neglected under any circumstance. This obligation on us should not be regarded as a burden, but rather it should be cherished and appreciated. It is said that a pious person is one who enjoys their prayer. This statement conforms to the hadith, which states that the Prophets three most beloved things were his wives, perfume and prayer. The importance of prayer is conveyed constantly in the Quran and is stressed by the prophet Muhammad (s.a.w): Know that among your duties, prayer is foremost. Prayer holds such immense importance that it is the only ibada Allah himself gave directly to prophet Muhammad in the miracle journey of Israa and Miraaj. It carries great importance in a believers life and is vital to attain success in this life and the hereafter. Following the testimony of faith (belief in one god and his messenger) is the obligation to perform prayer, which if performed at their correct times and complete in bowings, prostrations and humility will guarantee forgiveness from Allah swt and everlasting paradise, which is what all Muslims strive to achieve. The first matter that the slave will be brought to account for on the Day of Judgment is the prayer. If it is sound, then the rest of his deeds will be sound. And if it is bad, then the rest of his deeds will be bad. Prayer provides a constant reminder of the essence of our creation and provides a direct connection to Allah, who linked success and felicity to humility in prayer. Prayer purifies the heart and truly, through Prayer a believer attains spiritual devotion and moral elevation. It not only gives a deep connection with Allah swt, but in prayer one establishes patience, humility and sincerity. Prayer provides a means of repentance and is a restrainer from shameful and unjust deeds. This is portrayed through the following hadith:

"If a person had a stream outside his door and he bathed in it five times a day, do you think he would have any filth left on him?" The people said, "No filth would remain on him whatsoever." The Prophet (peace be upon him) then said, "That is like the five daily prayers: Allah wipes away the sins by them." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim.)
Praying five times a day engages the believer in constant remembrance in Allah swt so that the remembrance of Allah swt is in his heart and becomes the essence of his actions and keeps the believer away from any unjust deeds and leads him only to those that please Allah (swt). It is through prayer that one really finds inner peace and fulfillment. To Muslims it is also a source of patience, courage, hope, confidence, inner peace, stability, equality, unity and an expression of thankfulness to Allah swt.

Verily, I am Allah! There is none worthy of worship but I, so worship Me and offer prayer perfectly for My remembrance." [20:13-14]
Truly, there is none worthy of worship other than ALLAH, the creator of you, me and all things on earth. Allah: The most kind, the most merciful, to whom we all shall return to.

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