All believers purify their morals and attain the dignified state of humanity through prayer no matter how it is performed.

By Haluk Nurbaki

🕋 The Inner Reality and Journey of Salah

 1. Salah: A Gift from the Mi‘raj

• Salah is the only command directly revealed to the Prophet ﷺ during the Night Journey (Mi‘raj).

• It is not a burden, but a divine invitation to ascend spiritually, like the Prophet ﷺ did.

2. Prayer Is a Rose in Bloom

• The outer motions and recitations are like the outer petals of a rose.

• As one deepens in sincerity and presence, layers unfold until reaching the essence.

• Every prayer, even if distracted, has value—but we are invited to seek depth.

 3. From Imitation to Realization

• Prayer has levels:

  • Imitative (performed with minimal awareness)

  • Transitional (growing awareness and yearning)

  • Genuine (full presence of heart before Allah)

• These are not binary; we grow gradually from outer form to inner meaning.

 4. The True Aim: Moral and Spiritual Refinement

• Salah shapes character and purifies the soul.

• Performing prayer without understanding its nature can lead to mechanical actions without transformation.

• True prayer integrates external performance and internal awareness, resulting in noble behavior.

 5. What Is Prayer, Truly?

• A journey of joy and remembrance that strengthens the body, soothes the soul, and opens the heart.

• A secret divine connection, an invitation to witness Allah’s artistry in your being.

• A spiritual refuge, where we vibrate with divine mercy even amid unbearable hardship.

 6. Never Quit the Prayer—Grow Within It

• Don’t abandon prayer if you feel disconnected.

• Even if it feels dry, it’s still a lifeline—better to imitate with sincerity than to abandon altogether.

• Every sincere effort, even if flawed, is accepted by Allah.

“There are many levels between imitation and genuineness. We must strive to pass through each, seeking the real prayer.”

 7. How to Approach Salah Differently

• Prepare inwardly, not just outwardly.

• Learn the meanings of the words and significance of the actions.

• Aim to be present, not perfect. Let each prayer be a step on your ascent.

• Understand that prayer is not static—it is a dynamic process of purification and elevation.

Final Reflection

Prayer is not simply a ritual to fulfill—it is the spiritual architecture that refines the soul, strengthens our bond with Allah, and lifts us closer to our divine purpose. Even when we fall short, the effort itself is a mercy. What matters most is that we never stop seeking the heart of the prayer.