Originally posted 2023-11-18 19:30:20.

Prayer in Islam: A Deeply Personal and Sincere Act of Worship

“When was the last time you prayed?”
Answers may vary, but one thing remains constant: at some point in life, nearly everyone turns to prayer. Whether in joy or distress, people instinctively seek connection with their Creator. Islam emphasizes that one can pray to Allah at any time, in any place, and for any reason. The Qur’an describes those who remember Allah:

“[They are] those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth [saying], ‘Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire… Our Lord, we have heard a caller calling to faith, [saying], ‘Believe in your Lord,’ and we have believed…”
(Aal ‘Imran 3:191–195)

1. Prayer That Allah Loves Most: Humble and Sincere

The type of prayer most beloved to Allah is humble, sincere, and private—a conversation between the servant and the Lord, free from show or distraction. When distressed or grateful, one naturally seeks a quiet space to reflect and pour out their heart. The Qur’an presents the example of Prophet Zakariyya (peace be upon him):

“When he called to his Lord privately, saying, ‘My Lord, indeed my bones have weakened, and my head has filled with white, but never have I been disappointed in my supplication to You, my Lord.’”
(Maryam 19:3–4)

Allah instructs believers:

“Call upon your Lord humbly and secretly. Indeed, He does not like transgressors.”
(Al-A‘raf 7:55)

“And remember your Lord within yourself in humility and in fear, without being apparent in speech—in the mornings and the evenings. And do not be among the heedless.”
(Al-A‘raf 7:205)

The essence of such prayer is recognizing one’s own weakness and absolute need for Allah’s mercy, not the outward performance or loudness of voice.

2. Allah is Closer Than We Imagine

There is no need to raise our voices in prayer. Allah is All-Knowing, and He hears even the quietest whisper or unspoken thought. The Qur’an reminds us:

“And We have already created man and know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein.”
(Qaf 50:16)

Moderation, sincerity, and humility in prayer are signs of spiritual awareness:

“Be moderate in your pace and lower your voice; indeed, the most disagreeable of sounds is the voice of donkeys.”
(Luqman 31:19)

“Do not raise your voice too loudly in prayer, nor be silent with it, but seek a path between the two.”
(Al-Israa’ 17:110)

3. Worship Free from Ostentation

In Islam, prayer and all acts of worship are to be done solely for Allah’s pleasure. They are not performed for praise, recognition, or social image. The Qur’an repeatedly urges sincerity:

“Call upon Him, making your religion purely for Him.”
(Ghafir 40:14)

“He is the Ever-Living; there is no deity except Him—so call upon Him, being sincere to Him in religion.”
(Ghafir 40:65)

This sincerity is the core condition for the acceptance of any act of worship. Any deviation toward showing off invalidates the spirit of prayer:

“So woe to those who pray—but who are heedless of their prayer—those who make show [of their deeds].”
(Al-Ma‘un 107:4–6)

Conclusion: Return to the Heart of Prayer

True prayer is not a performance but an honest expression of servitude, trust, and love for the Creator. It is in the quiet moments, the tearful pleas, the sincere thanks, and the repentant hearts that prayer becomes transformative.

Let us strive to pray as Allah has taught us—with humility, awareness, and full sincerity—seeking only His pleasure and closeness. Whether in solitude, at night, or in the stillness of dawn, let every prayer be a whisper from the heart, confident that it reaches the One who hears all.

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The article was first published in Harun Yahya’s book: Prayer in the Qur’an. Here taken with kind permission from www.harunyahya.com