Prayer is one of the highest ranks of worship for the Muslim and the most obvious proof of obedience to the Almighty Allah. Therefore, Islam has given a special attention to the prayer as it the link between Allah and His slave.
In the following talk, Sheikh Mufti Menk explains some important points regarding the prayer. He begins his talk by narrating a verse from the Surat Al-Baqrah showing the obligation of prayer as follows:
And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience]. (Al-Baqrah 2:43)
So the first point regarding prayer is that it has been repeated many times in the Qur’an which proves the obligation and highness of prayer in Islam.
Second, Prayer or any other worship must be offered only for the sake of Allah, the almighty Allah said in the Qur’an:
Say (O Muhammad), “Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah , Lord of the worlds. (Al-An`am 6:162)
Third, the Almighty Allah praises those who fulfill their prayers properly and called them the most righteous people as we read in Surat Al-Baqarah:
…A guidance for those conscious of Allah-Who believe in the unseen, establish prayer… (Al-Baqarah 1:2-3)
Fourth, it is important to note that Muslims do not worship the black box known as the Ka`bah (Qiblah) rather it is just the direction of prayer.
…O Muhammad turn your face toward al- Masjid al-Haram… (Al-Baqarah 2:149)
Facing the Qiblah is one of the conditions of prayer, but in case the worshipper is confused about it; he should do his best and then offer the prayer and it will be accepted even if the person has faced the wrong direction.
Fifth, being in a state of purity before offering the prayer. The Almighty Allah says:
O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles… (Al-Ma’idah 5:6)
The Shari`ah (Islamic Law) teaches us to offer ablution as a pillar before offering the prayer without it the prayer is invalid.
Sixth, the Muslim should go to the mosque while wearing his best clothes as one is going to meet his Lord.
O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess. (Al-A`raf 7:31)
Enjoy watching this interesting talk with Sheikh Mufti Menk.