Prayer
Allah has mandated five daily prayers upon us, a divine requirement that highlights its significance. The command for these prayers was revealed during the Night of Ascension and Miraj, initially prescribing fifty prayers; however, Allah, in His mercy, reduced this to five while granting the reward of fifty. This exceptional act emphasizes the grandeur of the moment when a servant stands before their Lord, praying and pleading for forgiveness and mercy. It represents the purest form of servitude and is a scene far more exalted than standing before earthly kings, for Allah is the Sovereign of all sovereigns and Master of all affairs.
The Virtue of Prayer
Prayer is unquestionably the most beloved act to Allah, as evident when the Prophet Muhammad was asked about the most cherished deeds. He responded, “Prayer at its appointed time.” Numerous verses and Hadiths underscore the importance of prayer and its virtues. Allah states in the Qur’an: “Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers at prescribed times,” highlighting the necessity of performing prayers within their designated times, thus signaling the prohibition of performing them after their time has elapsed. Prayer is the cornerstone of faith, second only to the declaration of faith (Shahada); it serves as the pillar of religion, for if a person’s prayers are sound, their other deeds will follow suit, and if their prayers are corrupted, so too will their actions. Thus, it is obligatory for every sane, mature Muslim, and it is the first act for which one will be held accountable on the Day of Judgment.
The Ruling on Abandoning Prayer
If prayer is obligatory for every Muslim, then neglecting it is sinful and places the individual at fault for their abandonment. Laziness and negligence in performing prayers are traits associated with hypocrites, who are warned by Allah of disgrace in this life and severe punishment in the Hereafter. As stated, “So woe to those who pray, but are heedless of their prayer,” with “woe” referring to a valley in Hell.
Reasons for Abandoning Prayer
There are various and multifaceted reasons for neglecting prayer, with the most prominent being a lack of faith, a deficiency of religious commitment, and the dominance of worldly desires. A heart that draws closer to Allah is more likely to respect His commandments and be committed to actions that please Him, as it is a heart full of remembrance and tranquility. Conversely, a heart distanced from Allah becomes susceptible to the whispers of devils, resembling a dilapidated house vulnerable to theft at any time. Thus, this heart either guides one toward good or leads one toward ruin. As Allah mentions: “Then there came after them successors who abandoned prayer and followed desires; so they will be in error.” This neglect of prayer exacerbates their downfall and leads to their misguidance. Additionally, the frequent committing of sins can deter one from prayer, as can associating with bad company that promotes similar behaviors. The Prophet warned against this, saying: “A person is influenced by the faith of their close companions, so let one of you be wary of whom they befriend.”
Maintaining Prayer
The first step toward revitalizing one’s devotion is to abstain from sins and eliminate any barriers impeding the preservation of prayer. A return to Allah must be coupled with sincere repentance and initiation of a new covenant with Him. Employing means of affirmation—such as seeking forgiveness and making supplications, especially in prostration—is crucial. The Prophet often prayed in his prostration: “O Turner of hearts, make my heart steadfast upon Your religion.” Regular remembrance of Allah and the reading of the Qur’an is essential, alongside distancing oneself from bad company and seeking out righteous friends. A good friend is one who reminds you of Allah, thus serving as a pillar for your steadfastness. Therefore, it is often said: choose your companion before choosing your path.