Originally posted 2024-05-13 21:11:33.

The Serious Consequence of Abandoning Prayer

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“The first action for which a servant of Allah will be held accountable on the Day of Resurrection will be his prayers. If they are in order, then he will have prospered and succeeded. But if they are lacking, then he will have failed and lost.”
(At-Tirmidhi)

In this powerful short talk, Sheikh Tawfique Chowdhury offers a sobering reminder about the punishment for abandoning prayer—the second pillar of Islam and the first deed for which a person will be held accountable on the Day of Judgment.

Sheikh Tawfique begins by reciting the following verse from the Qur’an:

“The Day the shin will be uncovered and they are invited to prostration but the disbelievers will not be able.”
(Al-Qalam 68:42)

This verse highlights the humiliation that will befall those who neglected their prayers in this worldly life. On that Day, they will be called to prostrate, but they will be unable to do so—a sign of disgrace and divine rejection.

Sheikh Tawfique reminds us that abandoning prayer is not a small matter. Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

“Anyone who intentionally misses one prayer has committed an act of disbelief.”

Though scholars differ in interpretation, the statement reflects the severity of intentionally neglecting this foundational act of worship.

We encourage you to watch this talk by Sheikh Tawfique Chowdhury to gain a deeper understanding of the grave consequences of leaving prayer, and the importance of preserving this essential connection with Allah