Prayer (Salah), is one of the most fundamental acts of worship in Den-e-Islam. It is not only a means of connecting with Allah but also a cornerstone of a Muslim’s faith and daily life. The importance of Salah is emphasized repeatedly in the Quran and Hadith, and its role in a believer’s life is both spiritual and practical. Let’s explore the profound teachings about Salah, its significance, and its universal obligation in Islam.
The Importance of Salah in the Light of Hadith
1. Salah as the First Accountability on the Day of Judgment
A Hadith narrated by Hazrat Anas (R.A) highlights the critical importance of Salah. The Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah Be Upon Him صَلَّ اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) said:
“On the Day of Resurrection, the first thing for which a person will be held accountable is their prayer. If it is found to be complete, then the rest of their deeds will also be correct. But if it is lacking, then all their other deeds will be flawed.”
This Hadith underscores that Prayer (Salah) is the foundation of a Muslim’s actions. If Salah is performed correctly, it reflects the sincerity and discipline of the believer, positively influencing all other aspects of their life.
2. Salah: The Key to Paradise
In another Hadith narrated by Hazrat Jabir (R.A) and recorded in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah Be Upon Him) said:
“The key to Paradise is Salah, and the key to Salah is purity (Taharah). Whoever abandons Salah has essentially abandoned their religion.”
The Prophet (صَلَّ اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) further described Salah as:
- “The way of salvation.”
- “The key to Paradise.”
- “The cooling of the eyes of the beloved.”
These beautiful descriptions illustrate that Salah is not just a ritual but a source of spiritual comfort, guidance, and ultimate success in the hereafter.
Salah: A Universal Obligation
1. Obligatory for All
Salah is a duty incumbent upon every Muslim, regardless of their status, age, or physical condition. The Prophet (صَلَّ اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) emphasized that:
- If a person cannot pray in standing position, they may pray sitting.
- If they cannot sit properly, they may pray lying down.
- If they cannot speak, they may pray using gestures.
This flexibility demonstrates Allah’s mercy and understanding of human limitations, ensuring that no one is deprived of the opportunity to worship.
2. A Practice of All Prophets
The Quran and Hadith reveal that Salah has been a central act of worship for all prophets and messengers of Allah. For example:
- Hazrat Adam (A.S) performed the Fajr (morning) prayer.
- Hazrat Dawood (A.S) performed the Dhuhr (noon) prayer.
- Hazrat Sulaiman (A.S) performed the Asr (afternoon) prayer.
- Hazrat Yaqoob (A.S) performed the Maghrib (sunset) prayer.
- Hazrat Yunus (A.S) performed the Isha (night) prayer.
This universal practice of Prayer (Salah) by all prophets highlights its timeless and essential nature in the worship of Allah.
The Story of the Five Daily Prayers
1. The Night of Ascension (Miraj)
On the night of Isra and Miraj, the Prophet Muhammad (صَلَّ اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) was taken on a miraculous journey to the heavens. During this journey, Allah initially prescribed 50 daily prayers for the Muslim Ummah. However, upon the advice of Hazrat Musa (A.S), the Prophet (صَلَّ اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) repeatedly requested a reduction in the number of prayers until it was finally set at five.
Despite the reduction in number, the reward for these five prayers remains equivalent to 50 prayers. The Prophet (صَلَّ اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) said:
“These five prayers are equal in reward to fifty prayers.”
This story reflects Allah’s infinite mercy and the special status of Prayer (Salah) in a Muslim’s life.
2. Pre-Miraj Prayers
Before the event of Miraj, the Prophet (صَلَّ اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) and his companions also performed important prayers, such as Chasht (forenoon) and Asr (afternoon) prayers. These early practices laid the foundation for the formal obligation of the five daily prayers.
Salah: The First Act of Worship After Faith
1. The First Command After Belief
When the Prophet Muhammad (صَلَّ اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) received the first revelation, one of the earliest commands given to him and his companions was to establish Salah. Even before the revelation of Surah Al-Muzzammil, the Prophet (صَلَّ اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) and his close companions, including Hazrat Khadijah (R.A) and Hazrat Ali (R.A), performed Salah together.
This highlights that Prayer (Salah) is the first act of worship after declaring faith in Allah.
2. A Duty on Every Obligee
According to Islamic teachings, Salah is obligatory for every mukallaf (a sane and mature person). Abandoning Salah intentionally is considered a grave sin. As stated in Bahar-e-Shariat (Chapter 3, Page 443):
“Whoever leaves Salah, even for a single time, is a transgressor and a serious sinner.”
This emphasizes the non-negotiable nature of Salah in a Muslim’s life.
The Spiritual and Practical Benefits of Salah
1. A Source of Spiritual Peace
Prayer (Salah) is a time to disconnect from worldly distractions and reconnect with Allah. It provides inner peace, clarity, and a sense of purpose.
2. A Daily Discipline
The five daily prayers instill a sense of routine and discipline, helping Muslims prioritize their spiritual well-being amidst their busy lives.
3. A Means of Purification
Salah requires physical and spiritual purity (Taharah), which serves as a constant reminder to maintain cleanliness and mindfulness in all aspects of life.
A Heartfelt Prayer for All Muslims
At the end of this discussion, it is my sincere prayer that Allah grants all Muslims the ability to perform Prayer (Salah) with consistency and devotion. May He make it a source of comfort, guidance, and success in this life and the hereafter. Ameen,
