Originally posted 2023-12-18 13:22:36.

We must remember that prayer is both an important duty towards Allah and a means that will help us attain our next lives.

Prayer: A Bond of Faith, Hope, and Humility

One of the essential pillars of sincere prayer is firm belief in Allah. In moments of hardship and desperation, people instinctively turn to God—feeling, without doubt, His presence and power. Yet, it is not only in crises that one should sense the might, mercy, and nearness of Allah. A believer must feel this awareness at all times, whether in ease or hardship, whether in prayer or going about daily life.

Prayer: A Constant Connection

True belief calls for constant remembrance and supplication. The believer understands that prayer is not confined to a few ritualistic acts, but is a continuous relationship with Allah—a personal bond in which one expresses needs, gratitude, fears, and repentance. Allah listens and answers, and the Qur’an assures us of this promise:

“Your Lord says: ‘Call upon Me, and I will respond to you. Surely those who are too proud to worship Me will enter Hell in humiliation.’”
(Ghafir 40:60)

The Qur’anic concept of du‘a (supplication) encompasses every state of being. Allah commands:

“…Remember Allah, standing, sitting, and lying on your sides.”
(An-Nisaa’ 4:103)

This indicates that turning to Allah requires no elaborate ceremony. What matters is sincerity, humility, and the conscious presence of the heart.

Distortion Through Superstition

Prayer loses its meaning when it is stripped of sincerity and turned into superstitious ritualism. Practices like tying clothes to trees, blowing into water, or praying at graves are remnants of ignorance. Rather than turning directly to Allah, some turn to symbols or intermediaries, attributing to them powers they themselves cannot explain.

Islam is clear in its monotheism: prayer is solely to Allah, without intermediaries. Visiting graves should remind one of death and the power of Allah, not serve as a place for requests or idol-like rituals.

“Remember the name of your Lord and devote yourself to Him completely.”
(Al-Muzzammil 73:8)

The Balance of Hope and Fear

In teaching us how to pray, the Qur’an emphasizes two essential emotions: hope and fear. A believer must pray with confidence in Allah’s mercy, but also with awareness of His justice.

Allah describes Himself as:

“…the Most Merciful of the merciful.”
(Al-Anbiyaa’ 21:83)

He also states:

“Whoever does evil or wrongs himself but afterwards seeks Allah’s forgiveness, he will find Allah Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
(An-Nisaa’ 4:110)

Therefore, no sin is too great for forgiveness, and no believer should despair. Allah tells us:

“…Do not despair of solace from Allah. No one despairs of Allah’s mercy except the disbelievers.”
(Yusuf 12:87)

At the same time, fear of divine punishment must never be forgotten:

“No one is safe from the punishment of his Lord.”
(Al-Ma’arij 70:28)

Even the most devout must be cautious, for life is a test, and no one is immune to Satan’s deception. Paradise is not guaranteed to anyone, and Hell is a real threat for those who turn away.

This balanced state—yearning for Paradise, while fearing Hell—is the hallmark of true faith. The Qur’an says:

“Do not cause corruption on the earth after it has been set right. Call on Him with fear and hope. Surely, the mercy of Allah is close to the good-doers.”
(Al-A`raf 7:56)

“Their sides forsake their beds, as they call on their Lord in fear and in hope…”
(As-Sajda 32:16)

The Consequences of Abandoning Prayer

Prayer is not only an expression of faith but a responsibility toward our Creator. It is the foundation of spiritual growth and the ladder to the Hereafter. Neglecting prayer leads to spiritual ruin and, ultimately, loss in the next life.

“So woe to those who pray—yet are heedless of their prayer…”
(Al-Ma’un 107:4-5)

“[They will be told:] ‘What led you into Hell?’ They will say: ‘We were not of those who used to pray.’”
(Al-Muddaththir 74:42-43)

Indeed, failing to pray or arrogantly refusing to turn to Allah is a sign of spiritual pride, for which the Qur’an warns of Hell as the consequence.

Conclusion: A Call to Conscious Prayer

The prayer of a believer is not merely physical movement. It is a sincere call, a moment of vulnerability and connection with Allah. It is filled with hope for mercy, and grounded in fear of falling short. It’s a living expression of faith that influences every part of life—not just the moments between takbir and salam.

Let us remember:

“Your Lord says, ‘Call on Me and I will answer you.’”
(Ghafir 40:60)

May we never grow heedless of our prayers. May we always turn to Allah with full hearts, in sincere devotion, balance, and remembrance.

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The article was first published in Harun Yahya’s book: Prayer in the Qur’an. Here taken with kind permission from www.harunyahya.com.