Originally posted 2024-04-15 16:23:35.

By: Muhammad Mahmoud As-Sawwaf

Prayer endows and ennobles man with such excellent virtues of character as truthfulness, honesty, moderation, integrity, modesty, fairness, and generosity.

1. Prayer: The Pillar of Religion

Every Muslim affirms and believes in their heart that prayer is the pillar of religion. It is the dividing line between Islam and disbelief. Islam has elevated its status and made it the foundational pillar of faith due to its immense significance, spiritual value, and importance in the sight of Allah and His Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Allah commands us to give special attention to prayer:

“Guard strictly your prayers, especially the middle prayer, and stand before Allah with devotion.”
(Al-Baqarah 2:238)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“The first thing the servant of Allah will be held accountable for on the Day of Judgment is his prayer. If it is sound, then all his deeds will be sound; and if it is corrupt, then all his deeds will be corrupt.”
(At-Tirmidhi)

Prayer is the path to success and happiness, both in this world and the next:

“Indeed, successful are the believers—those who are humble in their prayers.”
(Al-Mu’minun 23:1–2)

2. The Spiritual Influence of Prayer

True, heartfelt prayer—marked by humility and submission—illuminates the heart, purifies the soul, and instills within the worshiper deep reverence for Allah’s greatness and majesty. Through prayer, a Muslim learns devotion, discipline, and spiritual connection with the Divine.

Prayer cultivates noble qualities such as truthfulness, honesty, humility, fairness, modesty, generosity, and spiritual awareness. It strengthens the believer’s character and elevates them above falsehood, arrogance, anger, and sin.

“Indeed, prayer restrains from indecency and wrongdoing. And the remembrance of Allah is greater still. And Allah knows what you do.”
(Al-‘Ankabut 29:45)

By embodying these teachings, a person becomes morally upright and distances themselves from injustice, hatred, pride, and disobedience.

3. Prayer: A Remedy for the Heart

Prayer has both an outer form—the physical performance—and an inner spirit—sincere devotion from the heart. It is both a physical and spiritual exercise, rejuvenating the body and uplifting the soul. The one who performs prayer with sincerity will shine with divine light, and his heart will be filled with tranquility.

Prayer is the bridge between the servant and his Lord. It is one of the most important expressions of faith and the clearest demonstration of gratitude to Allah for His countless blessings. To neglect prayer is to sever the connection with Allah and to forfeit His mercy, generosity, and guidance.

True prayer cleanses the heart from spiritual diseases and protects the soul from falling into sin. It is the light that dispels the darkness of evil.

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:

“I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say: ‘If there was a river at the door of one of you and he bathed in it five times a day, would any dirt remain on him?’ They said, ‘No dirt would remain on him.’ He said, ‘That is the likeness of the five daily prayers by which Allah erases sins.’”
(Muslim)

4. Unity and Equality in Prayer

Prayer exemplifies equality and justice in the purest form. When the muezzin calls, “Come to prayer, come to prosperity,” everyone—rich or poor, young or old, leader or follower—gathers together in the mosque, standing shoulder to shoulder without distinction or superiority.

In the mosque, all worshipers are equal before their Lord. They pray behind one imam, facing one direction, worshiping the One God who has no partner. They humble themselves before Him, united in hope for His mercy and fear of His punishment.

“And the mosques are for Allah (alone), so do not invoke anyone along with Allah.”
(Al-Jinn 72:18)

In this sacred unity, divine mercy descends and envelops the worshipers:

“Call upon Him with fear and hope; indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.”
(Al-A‘raf 7:56)

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Source: Quoted with slight modifications from the author’s The Muslim Prayer Book: Rules, Concepts & Merits.