Importance of praying Salah

If even Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who was sinless and the most beloved of Allah, was not exempted from performing Salah, then how can we ever think we are exempt?

Hazrat Umar (RA) said:

“The one who abandons Salah has no share in Islam.”

A poet beautifully expressed:

“A man’s prayer is his provision for the Hereafter; and on the Day of Judgment, it will be the very first thing to be accounted for.” Consider this with an example of going to an event without a gate pass. How will the guard treat you without a gate pass? Will you be able o go further? it is a point to ponder!!

For the one who performs Salah, there is success upon success in the Hereafter. But for the one who neglects it, there is only loss and destruction — their abode will be Hellfire.

Salah is the most important and fundamental pillar of Islam. Whoever deliberately abandons it becomes a disbeliever. Allah Almighty has blessed us with countless bounties, and the best way to show gratitude for these blessings is through His worship — especially by performing Salah. True thankfulness means not only expressing gratitude with the tongue but also feeling it in the heart and showing it through our actions.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

“By Allah, if Allah guides even one person through you, it is better for you than possessing red camels (the most valuable wealth at that time).”

Excuses People Give for Not Praying

Many people make excuses such as:

• “We are very busy right now; we’ll pray later when we get time.”
• “Our clothes are dirty; we’ll change into clean ones first.”
• “We are traveling; we’ll pray once we reach home.”
  Some even openly say, “We don’t pray. May Allah guide us.”
  And there are others who mock those who pray, looking down upon them — may Allah protect us from such arrogance.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

“Allah has made five prayers obligatory upon every Muslim. Whoever performs them properly — with good wudu, at their appointed times, with proper bowing and humility — Allah has promised to forgive him. But whoever does not do so, for him there is no such promise: Allah may forgive him or may punish him.”

This shows that praying with khushu (humility and concentration) is essential. The Prophet (ﷺ) said that the prayer performed hastily — without calmness in bowing or prostration — is not accepted as true prayer. He instructed:

“Perform your bowing and prostration with tranquility and peace.”

Reflection

If a person sincerely reflects, they will realize how many favors Allah has bestowed upon them — endless blessings and mercies. Yet, how easily we take them for granted! When someone does us a small favor, we rush to thank them and try to repay them. Then why do we neglect thanking Allah, who constantly showers us with His mercy and sustenance?

If a person can obey the rules of a professor out of fear of scolding, or follow traffic laws to avoid a fine, then how can they ignore the commands of Allah, the Creator of all? Isn’t this the height of foolishness? Even animals in the jungle live by certain natural laws. Then surely, human beings — the most intelligent creation — must also live under divine law, which is none other than the law of Allah.

The First Question on the Day of Judgment

On the Day of Judgment, the first question asked will be about Salah. If the Salah is accepted, then all other deeds will be accepted. But if the Salah is rejected, then no other act of goodness will be of benefit — even if one has given zakah, fasted, or performed Hajj.

My dear brothers and sisters, In the end I would like to say: please start praying Salah. I offer my prayers, and the goodness and blessings I hope for myself, I also wish and invite all of you toward the same.

Hafsa Mehboob

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