Quranic Verses on the Punishment for Neglecting Prayer
Prayer (Salah) is the backbone of faith and constitutes the second pillar of the five fundamental pillars of Islam. It holds a unique significance within Islamic law. Allah Almighty and His Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), have warned against neglecting prayer or delaying its performance beyond its appointed time. Several verses from the Holy Quran elucidate the consequences for those who abandon prayer. Below are key verses that address this matter:
Neglecting Prayer is a Major Sin
Allah Almighty states: (فَخَلَفَ مِن بَعدِهِم خَلفٌ أَضاعُوا الصَّلاةَ وَاتَّبَعُوا الشَّهَواتِ فَسَوفَ يَلقَونَ غَيًّا). In his interpretation, Al-Qurtubi identifies four main issues regarding this verse:
- (فَخَلَفَ مِن بَعدِهِم خَلفٌ): This indicates that following the righteous, there arose a generation of misguided offspring amongst the Ummah of Muhammad (peace be upon him).
- (أَضاعُوا الصَّلاةَ): This passage condemns neglecting prayer as a major sin. It asserts that one who neglects prayer is likely to neglect even more significant matters. There is a scholarly debate on what constitutes neglect: whether it refers to outright disbelief and denial, or merely failing to perform prayers in a timely manner while omitting their essential rights.
- (وَاتَّبَعُوا الشَّهَواتِ): This conveys that they pursue desires that are prohibited and do not adhere to what is right, as every desire is surrounded by temptations.
- (فَسَوفَ يَلقَونَ غَيًّا): “Ghayi” refers to a valley in Hell, characterized by its extreme heat and depth. The scholars explain that it includes a pit known as “Al-Bahim,” which ignites when Hell’s flames diminish.
Al-Qurtubi explains that those who neglect prayer could refer to both Christians and Jews or to Muslims who perform their prayers lightly without fulfilling their essential components and timings. The condition of the Ummah suggests that the mention of neglect in the Quran pertains to Muslims who have chosen lesser deeds over greater ones, opting for worldly desires instead of devotion and prayer.
The Angels Questioning Inhabitants of Hellfire
Allah Almighty states: (مَا سَلَكَكُمْ فِي سَقَرَ* قَالُوا لَمْ نَكُ مِنَ الْمُصَلِّينَ). Abandoning prayer is listed as one of the reasons for entering into “Saqr,” a specific layer of Hell. Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) described it as the sixth layer or pit of Hell, which consumes everything and spares nothing.
Woe to Those Who Delay Prayer
Allah Almighty states: (فَوَيْلٌ لِّلْمُصَلِّينَ* الَّذِينَ هُمْ عَن صَلَاتِهِمْ سَاهُونَ). The term “woe” is associated with those who procrastinate or delay their prayers until their designated time passes. They are described as performing prayer only to be seen by others, implying insincerity.
Encouragement and Incentives for Prayer
Allah Almighty commands: (وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَارْكَعُوا مَعَ الرَّاكِعِينَ* أَتَأْمُرُونَ النَّاسَ بِالْبِرِّ وَتَنسَوْنَ أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ تَتْلُونَ الْكِتَابَ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ* وَاسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاةِ وَإِنَّهَا لَكَبِيرَةٌ إِلَّا عَلَى الْخَاشِعِينَ* الَّذِينَ يَظُنُّونَ أَنَّهُم مُّلَاقُو رَبِّهِمْ وَأَنَّهُمْ إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ). The benefits derived from this passage include:
- The importance of seeking assistance through patience and prayer, highlighting their role in achieving Allah’s pleasure.
- Prayer serves as a significant support in maintaining faith and resilience in practicing religion.
- While prayer may seem burdensome to those lacking humility, for those who are humble, it brings tranquility and peace.