The Importance Of Salah

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Bismi Allah al-rahman al-rahim

I am often asked about Salah and its importance.  Salah is a fundamental pillar of Islam, so much so that the Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) said "between Islam and Kufr (disbelief is leaving Asalah (The Prayer)" 

On the Night of Isra and Miraj Allah the ALMighty commanding Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) the prayer was to be 50 daily, but through Allah's mercy made them 5 with the reward of 50.  The least we can do are the 5 obligatory prayers.


There Are many verses in the Quran concerning the importance of Salah (Prayer). These are just a few of them:

Allah the AlMighty says:

"Who believe in the Unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them;(3) - And who believe in the Revelation sent to thee, and sent before thy time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter (4). They are on (true) guidance, from their Lord, and it is these who will prosper (5)"
[2:3-5] 

 "And be steadfast in prayer; practise regular charity; and bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship)."
[2:43]

 "Nay, seek (Allah’s) help with patient perseverance and prayer: It is indeed hard, except to those who bring a lowly spirit..."
[2:45]

"O ye who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer: for Allah is with those who patiently persevere."
[2:153]

Successful indeed are the believers (1) Who are humble in their prayers, (2) And who shun vain conversation, (3) And who are payers of the poor-due; (4) And who guard their modesty - (5) Save from their wives or the (slaves) that their right hands possess, for then they are not blameworthy, (6) But whoso craveth beyond that, such are transgressors - (7) And who are keepers of their pledge and their covenant, (8) And who pay heed to their prayers. (9) 
Surat AlMu'Minoon


"and perform As-Salat (Prayer). Verily, As-Salât (the prayer) prevents from Al-Fahshâ' (i.e. great sins of every kind, unlawful sexual intercourse) and Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism, and every kind of evil wicked deed..." 

[29:45]


The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) Said;

Abu Hurairahu (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, "Say, if there were a river at the door of one of you in which he takes a bath five times a day, would any soiling remain on him?'' They replied, "No soiling would left on him.'' He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, '' That is the five (obligatory) Salat (prayers). Allah obliterates all sins as a result of performing them.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 

Jabiru (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, "The similitude of the five (obligatory) Salat  is like a river running at the door of one of you in which he takes a bath five times a day.''
[Muslim]. 

Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man kissed a woman. So he came to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and informed him about it. Then Allah revealed this Ayah: "And perform the Salat, between the two ends of the day and in some hours of the night. Verily, the good deeds efface the evil deeds (i.e., minor sins).'' (11:114) The man asked the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) whether this applies to him only. The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, "It applies to all of my Ummah.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, "The five (daily) Salat (prayers) and the Friday (prayer) to the Friday (prayer) expiate whatever (minor sins) may be committed in between, so long as major sins are avoided.''
[Muslim]. 

`Uthman bin `Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, "When the time for a prescribed Salat is due and a Muslim performs its Wudu' and its acts of bowing and prostration properly, this Salat will be an expiation for his past sins, so long as he does not commit major sins, and this applies for ever.''
[Muslim]. 


The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace stated, “The first thing one will be held accountable for on the Day of Judgment is prayer.” 
(Sunan Abu Dawud, al Nasa’i:Kitab al Salah Bab al Muhasabati `ala al Salat #469-471; Al Hakim also narrated it and said it is sahih)

I hope these few example will show how IMPORTANT salah is and that we must strive against the whispers of Shaytan. 

Other Points: 

• When you pray,  pray as if its you last and perfect it. for you never know it might just be.
  
• Understand what you are reciting as this will increase you focus within 
  
• When in Sujood we are closest to Allah so increase Dua within