The obligatory five daily prayers were prescribed during the night the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam (may Allah exalt his mention), ascended to the heavens, while the commands for the remaining acts of worship were revealed to the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, on earth. This indicates the special status and importance of prayer as an act of worship.
lIt is the only pillar of Islam that is repeated five times each day, and is never waived except for the woman during her menstrual period and post-partum bleeding.
lIt is the one of the most virtuous deeds, and most beloved to Allah as the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “Know that the best of your deeds are your prayers, and only a true believer maintains the state of ablution.” [Ahmad]
lIt is the backbone of one’s religion, and the coolness of the eyes of the righteous. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “The most important of all matters is Islam, its spinal cord is prayer and the highest rank is Jihaad for the sake of Allah.” [Ahmad]
lIt is an indication of Islam and belief, and preserves a person’s blood from being shed, Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {“But if they repent [by rejecting Shirk (polytheism) and accept Islamic Monotheism], perform Salah and give Zakat, then they are your brethren in religion”} [Qur’an, 9: 11].
lIt is a sign of honesty and frees a person from hypocrisy. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “Whosoever prays 40 days with the congregation, attending the initial (Allahu Akbar) of the prayer, will be free of two things: Hell Fire and hypocrisy.” [Ahmad]
lIt is the best issue to be occupied with, the most profitable dealing, and the most likely amongst all acts of worship to cause the person to become humble and submissive. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “Prayer is the best thing to be occupied with, so perform as much of it as you can.” [Ahmad]
lIt is a command from Allah The Almighty, Who Says (what means): {“Guard strictly (five obligatory) As-Salawaat (the prayers) especially the middle Salaat (i.e. the best prayer – ‘Asr). And stand before Allah with obedience [and do not speak to others during the Salaat (prayers)].”} [Qur’an, 2: 238].
lIt elevates a person’s ranks and expiates sins, as the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “Tell me, if there is an overflowing river in front of the house of one of you in which he baths five times a day, will there remain any dirt on him? They said, ‘No dirt will remain on him’. He then said: “That is the example of the five daily obligatory prayers by which Allah erases sins.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
lIt rescues from Hell, protects against danger, and enables a person to win Paradise. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “The one who prays before sunrise (Fajr prayer) and before sunset (‘Asr prayer) will not enter Hell Fire.” [Muslim]
lIt is a sign of success and victory, and an indication of being accepted. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {“Successful indeed are the believers. Those who offer their Salah (prayers) with all solemnity and full submissiveness.”} [Qur’an, 23: 1-2] and also {“And those who strictly guard their (five compulsory congregational) prayers (at their fixed stated hours). These are indeed the inheritors. Who shall inherit the Firdaws (Paradise). They shall dwell therein forever.”} [Qur’an, 23: 9-11]
lIt is the first thing for which the slave will be held accountable. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “The first thing for which the slave will be held accountable for on the day of Resurrection is his prayer; if it is good (by performing it properly and on time), then all his affairs will be good, and if it is ruined (by neglecting it), then all his affairs will be ruined.” [At-Tabaraani]
lIt is the provision on the way, relaxation for the soul, light for the heart, purification for the soul and a sign for salvation. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “O Bilaal! Call the Iqaamah in order for our hearts to relax.” [Ahmad and Abu Daawood].
lIt frustrates Satan and disbelievers. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “When the son of Aadam recites a verse which recommends him to prostrate and he does, Satan starts crying, and says, woe to me, the son of Aadam was commanded and he did, and he will get Paradise as a reward, while I was commanded to prostrate and refused and will enter Hell.” [Muslim]
lIt is a form of expressing appreciation and gratitude, as well as being a treasure full of the exaltation of Allah The Almighty and glorification and praise to Him. When the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, was asked about the reason behind his excessive prayer, he said: “Should I not be a thankful slave?” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
lIt protects against following desires, evil sins and cures from sicknesses, as Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {“Verily, Salah prevents from Al-Fahshaa’ (i.e. great sins of every kind, unlawful sexual intercourse) and Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism, and every kind of evil wicked deed)”} [Qur’an, 29: 45].
The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “Pray the optional night prayer, because it is the way of righteous people before you, it brings you close to your Lord, prevents you from committing sins, expiates your sins and cures you from sicknesses.” [At-Tirmithi]
Article source: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/
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