It is an instinct of man to be inclined to adore the greatest being, and to aspire to the loftiest goal of all; God.

Dr. Hammudah Abdalati

The Power and Purpose of Islamic Prayer (Salah)

 Why Prayer Is Foundational

• Salah is one of the five pillars of Islam, the backbone of a believer’s faith.

• Neglecting it without valid excuse is a grave offense, not only against God but against our own nature and spiritual well-being.

 What Happens When Prayer Is Neglected

• Denies the human soul its right to:

  • Adore and love

  • Aspire and ascend

  • Excel and grow morally and spiritually

• This spiritual repression damages our inner potential.

 Why God Commands Prayer

• God is self-sufficient. He doesn’t need our prayer.

• His commandments are for our benefit, helping us prosper and develop.

• Whatever we do—good or bad—impacts us, not Him.

 Immeasurable Benefits of Salah

1. Deepens belief in God’s existence and mercy

2. Makes faith active and life-changing

3. Awakens the soul’s aspiration for greatness

4. Purifies the heart, strengthens the mind

5. Suppresses evil, enhances noble traits

 The Uniqueness of Islamic Prayer

• Salah is not mere motion or recitation.

• It’s a blend of:

  • Intellectual meditation

  • Spiritual devotion

  • Moral elevation

  • Physical discipline

• It unites every part of the body and soul in worship.

 What Salah Teaches and Offers

1. Discipline and willpower

2. Devotion to God and noble goals

3. Daily remembrance of divine mercy

4. Spiritual growth and moral strength

5. A path to upright living

6. Protection from evil and temptation

7. Unity and brotherhood

8. Gratitude and reverence

9. Inner peace and emotional balance

10. Hope, patience, courage, and confidence

 Experience is the Ultimate Proof

Words cannot fully capture what Salah gives. Only living it—regularly and sincerely—will reveal its true power and beauty.

“Verily, the prayer keeps one from the great sins and evil deeds.”
(Qur’an, 29:45)

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The article is an excerpt from a book by the author titled ‘Islam in Focus’.