Originally posted 2016-10-09 00:00:44.

 By Fatma Bayram

Why Prayer Is Essential

Salah is more than ritual. It is the active manifestation of Tawheed (belief in the Oneness of God) and an expression of servitude and submission to the Creator. Human behavior studies suggest that feelings or beliefs not reinforced by regular action tend to diminish. Thus, Prayer sustains faith.

The Qur’an highlights the value of consistency:

“Those who are constant in their Prayer.”
(Al-Ma‘arij 70:23)

It is in this constancy that believers find spiritual nourishment. The Prophet (peace be upon him) called Prayer the “pillar of religion” and stated that it differentiates between belief and disbelief. Abandoning Prayer, he warned, can draw one closer to spiritual ruin—even likening it to the arrogance of Pharaoh.

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Prayer as Purification and Elevation

Prayer offers a conscious retreat from worldly distractions, realigning the soul with its divine origin. As the Prophet (peace be upon him) described:

“If there were a river outside your door in which you bathed five times a day, would any dirt remain on you? That is how Salah cleanses sins.”
(Muslim)

This metaphor reveals the transformational power of Prayer. It cleanses not just physically, but spiritually, removing the dirt of sin, ego, and heedlessness.

Still, we may ask: What about those who pray but show no visible improvement in character?

The real question is: “What would they be like without Prayer?” We don’t always perceive the inner journey of a soul. But each act of Prayer is a step on the path of transformation, deepening awareness and drawing one nearer to Allah.

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Cleanliness in Prayer: Outer and Inner

Islam requires both physical and spiritual purity for Salah:

• Physical: Clean clothes, body, and place of Prayer.

• Spiritual (symbolic): Ablution (wudu) or full bath (ghusl) when required, or tayammum (dry ablution) if water is unavailable.

These rituals are not mere hygiene—they symbolize preparation for divine presence. Even if someone is physically clean, without ablution they are not considered spiritually ready to stand before Allah.

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Prayer as Spiritual Ascension

When a believer declares “Allahu Akbar,” all worldly affairs are left behind. This act of turning to Allah alone is why the Prophet called Prayer the “mi‘raj (ascension) of the believer.”

The tahiyyat recited during Prayer reflects the very words exchanged between the Prophet and his Lord during Al-Mi‘raj. The angels, awestruck by this divine meeting, also join in salutation. Each Prayer re-enacts this sacred encounter.

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Comprehensive Worship in One Act

Salah is not just a physical ritual. It includes:

• Tawheed: Affirmation of God’s Oneness.

• Dhikr: Remembrance of Allah.

• Shukr: Gratitude.

• Istighfar: Seeking forgiveness.

• Du‘a: Personal supplication.

• Tadabbur: Reflection on creation and purpose.

Movements in Prayer mirror the worship of all creation: standing, bowing, prostrating—echoing the way stars orbit, trees bow, and animals instinctively submit to divine will.

Prayer places us in the cosmic chorus of worship, linking the human to the heavens.

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A Global Rhythm of Worship

Prayer times are aligned with the sun’s movement. At every moment on earth, someone is bowing to Allah. This ongoing cycle of worship never pauses. Unlike many religious rituals, Prayer in Islam does not require clergy, temples, or exclusivity—just purity, humility, and presence.

Facing the Qiblah (direction of the Ka‘bah) unites Muslims globally. Whether in a mosque or on a mountaintop, we form a single body of worship, bound not by race or class but by devotion.

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The Power of Congregation and Unity

Islam strongly encourages congregational Prayer—especially:

• Five daily Prayers in mosque (recommended)

• Friday Jumu‘ah Prayer (obligatory)

• Eid Prayers (sunnah)

• Hajj congregation (obligatory once in a lifetime)

These foster unity, equality, and discipline. Rows of worshippers—rich and poor, young and old—stand shoulder to shoulder. The first to arrive, not the most prominent, stands closest to the imam. All are equal before Allah.

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Sincerity and Presence: The Heart of Prayer

True Prayer isn’t mechanical. The Qur’an calls Salah “dhikr” (remembrance):

“Indeed, I am Allah. There is no deity except Me, so worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance.”
(Ta-Ha 20:14)

To “give the mihrab its due right” is to enter Prayer as a battle against the ego and Satan, striving to maintain humility and concentration. Even a fleeting moment of sincerity in Prayer is a monumental achievement.

The first “Allahu Akbar” of Salah should carry this weight—infusing the rest of the Prayer with presence and awe.

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The Messenger’s Guidance

Although the Qur’an mandates Prayer, it doesn’t specify exact rak‘ahs or movements. These were clarified through the Sunnah of the Prophet, who received divine instruction.

His guidance on Prayer forms part of the living tradition of Islam, embodying both Revelation and Prophetic action.

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Conclusion: Prayer as Life’s Compass

Prayer is more than worship—it is a lifestyle, a worldview, and a framework for existence. It governs our:

• Spiritual development

• Ethical behavior

• Social engagement

• Time management

In its structure and symbolism, Prayer embodies the essence of Islam: submission, awareness, and unity. To pray with heart, mind, and body is to live with purpose. It is to say with every bow and prostration: “You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.”
(Al-Fatihah 1:4)

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Taken with kind permission from: www.lastprophet.info.