Originally posted 2019-07-23 10:53:57.

The Fruits and Virtues of Prayer

1. It was ordained in the heavens on the night of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) ascension (Al-Isra’ wal-Mi‘raj), while all other acts of worship were revealed on earth. This signifies its immense importance, sacredness, and elevated status.

2. It is the only pillar of Islam that is performed five times daily and is never waived—except for women during menstruation or postnatal bleeding.

3. It is among the most virtuous and beloved deeds to Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
   “Know that the best of your deeds is prayer, and only a true believer maintains the state of ablution.” (Ahmad)

4. It is the backbone of Islam and a source of comfort for the righteous. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
   “The most important matter is Islam; its backbone is prayer, and its highest peak is Jihad for the sake of Allah.” (Ahmad)

5. It is a testimony of faith, a sign of belief, and a means of safeguarding life. Allah says (what means):
   “But if they repent, establish prayer, and give zakat, then they are your brothers in religion.” (At-Tawbah: 11)

6. It is a sign of sincerity and a shield against hypocrisy. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
   “Whoever prays for forty days in congregation, catching the opening Takbir (Allahu Akbar), will be granted freedom from two things: Hellfire and hypocrisy.” (Ahmad)

7. It is the most honorable occupation, the best form of trade, and the most effective in instilling humility. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
   “Prayer is the best matter to be engaged in, so whoever is able to perform much of it, let him do so.” (Ahmad)

8. It is a divine command, the advice of the Prophet (peace be upon him), and a hallmark of the people of faith. Allah says (what means):
   “Guard strictly the (five obligatory) prayers, especially the middle prayer, and stand before Allah with devotion.” (Al-Baqarah: 238)

9. It elevates one’s rank and erases sins. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
   “Tell me: if there were a river at one’s door in which he bathed five times a day, would any dirt remain on him?” They said, “No dirt would remain.” He said, “That is the example of the five daily prayers. Through them, Allah wipes away sins.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

10. It protects from Hellfire, shields against harm, and is a gateway to Paradise. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
    “Whoever prays before sunrise (Fajr) and before sunset (`Asr) will not enter the Hellfire.” (Muslim)

11. It is a sign of success and a mark of being accepted. Allah says (what means):
    “Successful indeed are the believers, those who offer their prayers with humility and attentiveness…” (Al-Mu’minun: 1–2)
    And:
    “…and those who strictly guard their five compulsory prayers. These are the inheritors who shall inherit Paradise (Al-Firdaus), wherein they will abide forever.” (Al-Mu’minun: 9–11)

12. It is the first deed to be judged on the Day of Resurrection. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
    “The first matter that the servant will be held accountable for on the Day of Judgment is his prayer. If it is sound, the rest of his deeds will be sound. And if it is corrupt, the rest of his deeds will be corrupt.” (At-Tabarani)

13. It is nourishment for the soul, comfort for the heart and body, light for the heart, purification for the soul, and a sign of salvation. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
    “O Bilal, call the Iqamah for prayer! Give us comfort through it.” (Ahmad and Abu Dawud)

14. It enrages Satan and the disbelievers. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
    “When the son of Adam recites a verse containing a prostration and then prostrates, Satan withdraws and cries, saying: ‘Woe to me! The son of Adam was commanded to prostrate and he did so and will be rewarded with Paradise, but I was commanded to prostrate and I refused, so I will be thrown into Hellfire.’” (Muslim)

15. It is an expression of gratitude and glorification of Allah. When the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked about his frequent prayers, he responded:
    “Should I not be a thankful servant?” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

16. It guards against sinful desires, protects from immoral acts, and serves as a cure for spiritual and physical ailments. Allah says (what means):
    “Verily, prayer prevents indecency and wrongdoing.” (Al-‘Ankabut: 45)

    The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said:
    “Pray the night prayer (Qiyam), for it is the practice of the righteous before you. It brings you closer to your Lord, prevents sin, expiates bad deeds, and drives away sickness.” (At-Tirmidhi)

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Source: Respond to the Call for Prayer’s book.