How to Pray - Salaat Part 1

THE IMPORTANCE OF SALAAT

Salaat is the second most important pillar of Islam after Iman (Faith). The word Salaat means attending to, praying to or seeking nearness to Allah. Technically it refers to the five daily prayers in Islam. Allah made Salaat obligatory for the followers of all the Prophets.

There are a total of 67 verses in the Quran where the word Salaat has been mentioned describing either its importance or blessings.

Salaat distinguishes a Believer from non-Believer:

Establish regular Salaat, and be not among those who join (other) gods with Allah. (Rum 30:31)

Salaat is essential for receiving guidance from the Quran:

Alif Lam Meem, This is the Book, in it is guidance without doubt to those who fear Allah, who believes in the unseen (and) who are steadfast in (their) Salaat. (Al Baqara 2: 1-3)

Salaat is an essential attribute of Muslims:

The Believers men and women are protecting friends: They enjoin right and forbid wrong and they establish Salaat, practice charity and they obey Allah and His Messenger. (AI Tauba 9:71)

Punishment for those who neglect Salaat:

Each soul is a pledge for its own deeds except those of the right hand; they in the garden will ask the sinners: What drove you into Hell? They will say: We were not of those who observed Salaat (regularly), nor were of those who fed the indigent; but we used to talk vanities with vain talkers. (AI Muddassir 74:38-45)

On the Dreadful Day they shall be summoned to prostrate (in reverence), but they shall not be able to do so: Their eyes will be-cast down, ignominy will cover them: seeing that they had been commanded aforetime (to bow themselves), while they were hale and hearty, (but they refused to bow). (AI Qalam 68:42-44)

THE BLESSINGS OF SALAAT

It is a means of achieving nearness of Allah:

Bow down in adoration (in Salaat), and bring yourself closer (to Allah). (Al Iqra 96: 19)

Salaat is a means of self-purification:

.... and establish regular Salaat, for Salaat restrains from shameful  and unjust deeds. (AI Ankabut 29:45)

Salaat is a means of tranquility to the heart:

Behold! The hearts find solace in the remembrance of Allah. (Al R 'ad 13:28)

Salaat is a source of strength and patience:

0 ye who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and Salaat, for Allah is with those who patiently persevere. (Al Baqara2:153)

Following are a few Ahadis that further elaborate the importance and the blessings of Salaat.

It is a means of attaining Allah's Forgiveness:

Abu-Hurairah RA  reported Prophet   Peace Be Upon Him said: Tell me: if there be a river by the side of the door of someone wherein he takes bath five times a day, will there remain any dirt (on his body)? "No", said the companions. He then said: Thus are the five daily Salaat. Allah blots out all sins therewith (provided the great sins are avoided). (Bukhari, Muslim)

DIFFERENT KINDS OF SALAATS

1. Fardh (Imperative). It is obligatory to pray the Fardh Salaat. Missing a Fardh Salaat constitutes a grave sin.

2. Wajib (Obligatory). It is obligatory to pray the Wajib Salaat as well. Missing a Wajib Salaat also constitutes a sin, but not as great as that of missing a Fardh Salaat.

3. Sunnah (Prophet's Practice). There are two kinds of Sunnah Salaat. One is known as Muakkadah. This is the one which Prophet Peace Be upon Him offered regularly; hence missing it also constitutes a sin. The other is known as Ghair Muakkadah. This is the one which Prophet Peace Be upon Him occasionally. Hence one may or may not observe it.

4. Nafil Voluntary. One may offer it for extra virtues but missing it does not constitute a sin.

ALLAH'S COMMANDMENT FOR DAILY SALAATS

Establish Salaat at the two ends of the day (Fajr and Maghrib), and at the appearance of night (Isha)( Al Hujrat)

 Establish Salaat at the going down of the sun (Zuhr). (Bani Israeel 1 7: 78)

Guard strictly your Salaat, especially the middle Salaat.( 'Asr). (Al  Baqara 2:238)

Times for Daily Fardh Salaat

1. Fajr: Dawn Salaat - From dawn break till prior to sun rise.

2. Zuhr: Early afternoon Salaat-  From the beginning of the decline of the sun till the time when the shadows of objects double in size

3. 'Asr: Late Afternoon Salaat -  Just after the end of Zuhr time till the sun begins to set

4. Maghrib: Sunset Salaat-  From the time of sunset till the disappearance of twilight. The latest time of Maghrib Salaat is about one and a quarter hour from the time of sunset.

5. Isha: Night Salaat - Just after the end of the Maghrib Salaat till the break of dawn

Times for Wajib Salaat

According to Imam Abu Hanifah there are three different Wajib Salaats.

1. Witr: It is usually offered immediately after the Isha Salaat. The preferred time for praying Witr  is after Tahajjid (late night) Salaat. The other schools of Fiqh consider Witr as Sunnah Muakkadah.

2. Eid Salaats: Eid Salaats are offered on the two Eid days after the sun rises, and has brightened distinctly. It can be offered till the decline of sun, but the preferred time is the early morning hours.

Hambali consider Eid Salaat as Fardh, whereas Shafa 'i and Maliki consider it to be Sunnah Muakkadah.

3. Once a person starts a NAFL l Salaat, it becomes Wajib for him to complete it, that is if for any reason he needs to leave it uncompleted he has to offer it later on.

Times when Salaat is Haraam (Forbidden)

1. When the sun is rising.

2. When the sun is setting.

3. At mid-day when the sun is at the highest point.

Times when Salaat is Makrooh (Undesirable)

I 1. The period between Fajr Salaat and the sunrise.

1 2. The period between 'Asr Salaat and the sunset.

This is based on the following Hadis narrated by Abu Sa'eed Khudri. No prayer should be offered after the Fajr Salaat until the sun rises or after the 'Asr Salaat until the sun sets. (Bukhari, Muslim)

3. When the food is ready to be served.

4. When one feels the need for passing stool, urine or gas.

5. When Fardh congregational Salaat is about to start or has started.

This is based on the following Hadis narrated by Abu Hurairah: When the Iqamah has been said, there is no valid Salaat except the Fardh Salaat for which the Iqamah was said. (Ahmad, Muslm)

6. When the Imam has started his sermon either on Friday or Eid days.

This is the Hanafi view. Other Jurists recommend praying of two Rak 'aat of Tahiyyat a1 Masjid even when the Imam has started his sermon.

RAK'AAT OF DIFFERENT SALAAT

A Rak 'at is a unit of Salaat. It consists of Qayom (standing in erect position), one Ruku (bowing down) and two Sajdu (Prostrations). Each Salaat consists of two to four Rak'aat. According to Hanafi  Fiqh, the five daily Salaats consists of the following sets of Rak 'aat.

Fajr: 2 Sunnah Muakkudah before 2 Fardh.

Zuhr: 4 Sunnah Muakkudah before 4 Fardh followed by 2 Sunnah Muakkudah and 2 Nafil.

'Asr: 4 Sunnah Ghair Muakhdah before 4 Fardh

Maghrib: 3 Fardh followed by 2 Sunnah Muakkadah and 2 Nafil.

Isha : 4 Sunnah Ghair Muakhdah prior to 4 Fardh, then 2 Sunnah Muakkadah, 2 Nafl , 3 Witr and 2 Nafil.

How to Pray Fardh, Sunnah and Nafil Salaat

1. Begin the Salaat with the proper intention either in your mind or verbally, that is, the kind of Salaat you are offering; Fardh, Sunnah or NafiI and the time of Salaat; that is, Fajr, Zuhr or 'Asr etc.

2. Face the Qibla and standup in a natural position. Put your feet at least four inches apart and your gaze towards the place of your Sajdah. Men should raise their hands up to the ear lobes and the women up to their shoulders. The palms should be open and facing the Qibla.

It should be added that according to Imams Hambal and Shafa'i the hands should be put on the chest.

The first uttering of AIIaho Akbar is called Takbeer-e- Tahrimah. The worshipper then enters the act of Salaat. All worldly actions, talking and even unnecessary motions are then forbidden.

The worshipper should keep his eyes open and look only towards the place where the forehead rests for prostration.

4. Begin the Salaat with the recitation of Sana.

Glory be to you, 0 Allah!, and I praise you. Blessed is your name, and you are exalted. There is no God other than you.

5. Recite Auzbillah and then bimillah (I seek Allah's protection from Satan, ths accursed. I begin in the name of Allah, who is Most Kind and Most Merciful.)

6. Recite chapter Al Fatiha and say Aameen at the end of its recitation. Afterwards recite at least three short verses or one long verse from the Quran.

7. While praying Sunnah and Nofil Salaat, recite the extra verses from the Quran besides chapter Al Fatiha in each Rak'at. While praying Fardh Salaat, recite the extra verses of the Quran only in the first two Rak'aat. In the remaining Rak'aat recite only chapter Al Fatiha.

8. Saying Allaho Akbar, bend down for Ruku (bowing). Keep your head aligned with your back and tightly hold the knees with your palm. Now recite the following Tasbeeh three or any odd number of times.

Glorified is my Lord, the Great.

9. Saying the following, resume the upright position, which is called Qaumah.

Allah listens to him who praises Him. According to Hambali Fiqh, one should raise both hands up to his ear lobes while going down and also while rising from the position of Ruku, and when standing up from the position of Sajdah. The other jurists do not recommend this practice.

10. Stand at ease for a while and leave your hands hanging by the sides of your body and say the following.

Our Lord! Praise is only for you.

1 1. Saying Allaho Akbar, go down for Sajdah (Prostration). Put your face on the ground between your palms in such a way that the thumbs are lined with the ear lobes. The stomach should be raised above the thighs. The whole body should rest on the knees and the toes should point towards Qibla. In this position recite the following Tasbeeh three or any odd number of times.

Glorified is my Lord, the Exalted.

12. Saying Allaho Akbar, assume the upright siting position which is called Jalsah. Keep your right foot up as in Sajdah and place your left foot flat on the ground. Rest the two hands on the thighs with the fingers reaching the knees. Wait for a few moments, then by saying Allaho Akbar, go down for the second Sajdah and recite the Tasbeeh as in the first Sajdah.

13. Saying Allaho Akbar, stand up in the erect position. This completes one Rak 'at of Salaat.

In a similar manner complete the number of Rak 'aat prescribed for different Salaat.

14. After completing the two Sajda in the second Rak 'at, assume the sitting position of Jalsah, and recite Tashahhud, this is known as the position of Qaidah.

Allah's peace be upon you, 0 Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu AIaihi wasallam and His Mercy and Blessings. Peace be on us and on all righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no god but

Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam is His servant and Messenger.

While saying, "There is no god but Allah". make a fist with right hand and raise only the fore-finger, denoting the oneness of Allah.

15. If the Salaat consists of more than two Rakat, one should say Takbeer i.e. Allaho Akbar after the recitation of Tashahhud and stand up for the remaining part of Salaat.

16. If the Salaat consists of only two Rak 'aat, then after recitation of Tashahhud, recite the following invocation on Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasdam. 0 Allah! have mercy on Muhammad and those related to Muhammad just as you had mercy on Ibrahim and those related to Ibrahim. Surely, you are praiseworthy, the exalted. 0 Allah! send blessings on Muhammad and on those related to Muhammad just as you sent blessings on Ibrahim and those related to Ibrahim. Surely, You are praiseworthy, the exalted.

17. After this, say any of the following Du 'a (supplication) :

0 Allah, I have been unjust to myself and no-one grants pardon for sins except You, therefore, forgive me with Your forgiveness and have mercy on me. Surely, You are the Forgiver, the Merciful.

18. Turn your face first to right and then to left shoulder. Each time say the following:

Peace be on you and Allah's Mercy.

19. This act is called Tasleem. It constitutes the end of Salaat. The person then may resume the normal activities of life.

20. It is most recommended to offer Dua (supplication) after the completion of Fardh Salaat. In one of the Hadis reported in Tirmidhi it is narrated that invocations made after Fardh Salaat are granted. Following are a few of recommended invocations:

Allah! You are the peace and You are the source of peace. You are blessed and the possessor of (all) Glory and Honor. (Muslim)

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Spiritual Aspects of Salaat

SPIRBTUAL ASPECT OF SALAAT

Salaat has two parts, one is physical and the other is spiritual. The physical part consists of establishing the rituals of Salaat according to the Fiqh one follows. The spiritual part consists of the inner state of devotion and humility that a person should feel during his prayers. This is the very essence of Salaat without which Salaat is like a body without a soul.

Salaat is a means of attaining nearness to Allah, a prerequisite for receiving guidance from the Quran, a source of strength and patience and also a means of self-purification. These objects of Salaat can be achieved not by mere rituals of bowing and prostration, but by observing these spiritual aspects of Salaat. It is this very state that the Quran refers to in the following verses.

 Successful indeed are the Believers, those who humble themselves in their Salaat. (A1 Muminun 23: 1-2)

And truly it (Salaat) is hard except to those who are humble minded. (A/ Baqarah 2:45)

The physical state of Khushu demands that each part of body and its action during Salaat should express extreme humility and reverence towards Allah. The body should be at ease, the head should be slightly bowed down, the voice should be low, the eyes should be cast down, the sight should stay towards the place of Sajdah and all the actions of Salaat should be performed with perfect ease, calm and reverence.

The Khushu or the internal state of mind and heart is the very essence of Salaat. A Salaat without Khushu is like a body without soul. One should try his best to achieve it in as high degree as possible. Following are some helpful recommendations

1. Preparation for Salaat

Before a person begins his Salaat he should pause for a few moments and realize that by saying AIIaho Akbar (Takbeer) he would enter into a personal dialogue with his Almighty Lord. He should think of the Grandeur, Majesty and the Supreme Power of his Lord. At the same time he should think also of his humble and low position before his Lord. This would, hopefully, inculcate the desired internal state of Khushu required in the Salaat.

2. Beginning of Salaat

The very act of saying Allaho Akbar should make a person realize that he is physically standing before the Lord of the whole universe. He should then assume a posture and attitude worthy of standing before such a Supreme Lord. The Quran states: 0 Prophet! Remember your Lord morning and evening deep in your heart with humility and fear and also in low voice with your tongue; and do not be of those who are heedless. (AI ~'araf7:205)

3. Realization of Allah's Supreme Power!

One should realize that the Lord before whom he is standing is not only the Mightiest of all, but also has the power of knowing what goes through one's mind and heart. He should therefore try to control his thoughts and feelings and develop an attitude of total submission and devotion to his Almighty Lord. The Quran states:

... And 0 Prophet! Give good news to those who adopt an attitude of humility and submissiveness; whose hearts tremble when they hear Allah being mentioned and show fortitude in affection and establish Salaat ..... (A1 Hajj 22:34-35)

4. Remembrance of Allah

Salaat is the most comprehensive means of remembering Allah. The Quran states:

And establish Salaat for My remembrance. (Ta Ha 2o:l4)

The Quran states: Woe unto worshipers who are heedless of their Salaat. (A1 Maun 107:4-5)

5. Bowing and Prostration

Ruku and Sajdah are the two acts of bowing before Allah. The Quran says:

Fall prostrate and seek nearness (to Allah). (A/ Alaq 96:19)

Prophet PBUH said: Man is nearest to Allah when he prostrates before him. (Muslim)

One should therefore try to develop the feeling of being near to Allah, especially during the act of Sajdah. This should make Sajdah the real act of showing physical and internal meekness and humility towards Allah.

6. Recitation of Chapter Al Fatiha

Chapter A Fatiha has to be recited in each Rak 'at of every Salaat. This is the supplication which Allah Himself has taught us. He has told us what we should ask him and has also told us how we should ask.

7. Recitation of the Quran

The subject matter of the Quran is very comprehensive. One should try to memorize those verses that inspire him spiritually and recite them in Salaat reflecting upon their meaning and tone.

The Quran states: Allah has purchased of the Believers their persons and their belongings; For them(in return) is the Garden (of Paradise). (A1 Tawbah 9:111)

If a person constantly transgresses the limits of Allah lives only for his worldly gains, then such a person cannot achieve much Khushu in Salaat. On the contrary if a person lives virtuous life and struggles for the propagation of Allah's Deen, then such a person will have the sweet taste of Khushu in his Salaat.

SALAAT OF THE RIGHTEOUS

An effective means to improve our Salaat is to have a few models of Salaat that we should follow in our lives. Needless to state the best model for us in every matter of life is the conduct of Prophet ( PBUH) should therefore have some knowledge of his Salaat

'Aishah Razi Allah Unha narrated : Once during Tahajjud salaat, Rasulullah Peace Be Upon Himrecited the following verse : If You punish them, they are Your servants; If You forgive them, You are the Exalted in Power, the Wise. (5: 1 18). He was so moved by this verse that he kept on repeating this verse in his Salaat all night. (Tirmidhi)

Mughirah ibn Sh'ubah narrated: Rasulullah Peace Be Upon Him would stand in Tahajjud Salaat so long that his feet would swell up. ( B u k i , Muslim)

It is reported that once when 'Umar Farooq, leading a Salaat, read the following verse in the Salaat: I complain of my distress and anguish only to Allah (12:86) he started crying so loudly that even those who were praying in the last row of the congregation could hear him crying.

On another occasion he recited the following verse: And when they are cast, bound together, into a constricted place therein (in Hell), they will plead for (their death and) destruction there once then(25: 13). This verse moved him so much that he went into a trance. He appeared so shook up and terrified that had the people not known the effect of such verses on.’Umar, they would have thought that he had died.

Imam Ghazali has reported in Ihya Al 'Ulum that when Ali ibn Abi Talib would get ready for his Salaat, his face would often turn pale. Someone questioned him about this. He referred to the following verse: We did indeed offer the trust to the Heavens and the earth and the mountain, but they refused to undertake it, being afraid thereof; but the men undertook it (33:72). He then said that Salaat reminded him the responsibility of undertaking this trust and that he was scared to meet this responsibility.  Anas was one of the Sahaba who spent all of his life in the service of RasulullahPeace Be Upon Him. Bukhari reported that he would often stand up from the position of Ruku and stay in this position so long and so motionless that others would think that he had forgotten to go down for Sajdah. He is known for his love of Salaat. Often he would stand so long in Salaat that his feet would swell and their skin would crack.

Abu Hurairah is also known for his love for Salaat . Imam Bukhari reported that he had divided the night into three portions. He, his wife, and his servant would perform Salaat by taking turn in such a way that someone in his home was engaged in Salaat during the whole night.

Abdullah ibn Zubair, another Sahabi, is also known for his love and devotion in Salaat. It is reported that when he stood up for Salaat, he was as motionless as the trunk of a tree. His Ruku was so prolonged that others during this time could recite the whole chapter of Al Baqara. Similarly his Sajdah was so prolonged and motionless that birds would often sit on his body.

Imam Tirmidhi reported the following incident.

Bahz ibn Hakirn namted that Zarrarah ibn Aufi was the Qadhi of Basrah. Once during the Fajr Salaat he recited the following verse: Finally when the trumpet is sounded; that will be the Day; A Day of distress, far from easy for those without Faith.(74:8-10). This verse scared him so much that he went into shock and died.

The Quran states: 0 You who believe! Enter into Islam whole-heartedly and follow not the footsteps of the devil (2:208). Entering into the fold of Islam does not mean just following the commandments of Islam in our personal lives. It also calls for, striving and struggling for the cause of Islam. A Believer is supposed to practice Islam and also to propagate its message to others. The righteousness in life can be achieved only by doing justice to both these aspects of Islam. Almighty Allah has made a very special promise to those who struggle for the cause of Allah: And those who strive in our (cause). We will certainly guide them to our Path; for verily Allah is with those who do right (29:69). The more we shall struggle for His cause, the more Allah will make our Path easy. This would be a very effective means for achieving righteousness in our lives and thus improve the state of our Salaat

Why Do We Pray

Recite what is sent of the Book by inspiration to thee, and establish regular Prayer: for Prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds; and remembrance of Allah is the greatest (thing in life) without doubt. And Allah knows the (deeds) that ye do.

Quran 29:45

(29:45) (O Prophet), recite the Book that has been revealed to you and establish Prayer.  Surely Prayer forbids indecency and evil. And Allah’s remembrance is of even greater merit. Allah knows all that you do.

Why does man need to pray?

After a long and hectic day at work, how difficult it is for a tired person to stand on the prayer-mat and concentrate on his prayers to Allah Almighty. Snuggled in a warm and cosy bed, how difficult it is to get up at the call of Mu'adhdhin:

Allah Almighty says: "On the Day when every soul will be confronted with all the good it has done and all the evil it has done, it will wish there were a great distance between it and its evil. But Allah cautions you (to remember) Himself. And Allah is full of kindness to those that serve Him."

(3:30) The Day is approaching when every soul shall find itself confronted with whatever good it has done and whatever evil it has wrought. It will then wish there is a wide space between it and the Day! Allah warns you to beware of Him; He is most tender towards His servants. *27

 (3:31) (O Messenger!) Tell people: 'If you indeed love Allah, follow me, and Allah will love you and will forgive you your sins. Allah is All-Forgiving, All-Compassionate.'

Prayer: A cry of the inner soul

The Qur'an tells us the reality of man's nature.

It is Allah Who created you in a state of (helpless) weakness, then gave (you) strength after weakness, then, after strength, gave (you) weakness and a hoary head: He creates as He wills, and it is He Who has all knowledge and power.  (30:54)

Weakness in the beginning and weakness in the end, this is the essence of man. He is so weak and helpless at birth that his entire existence depends on his parents and family. If he were to be abandoned in these crucial first years, he could not survive on his own. He needs a gentle and loving hand, not only in his infancy but in his childhood and even in the teenage years. As this child enters the years of youth and independence, he begins to take control of his own life. He looks with pride at his strong physique, his handsome features and his many talents. He begins to despise those of lesser abilities, even scorning those parents who exhausted their own health to nurture him. He becomes unjust and cruel, using his strength and vigor to dominate others. He thinks he is a master, free to act as he wills. But does this youth, these good looks and this strength last forever? Only in a few decades he begins to lose his strength. His health begins to deteriorate, grey hair covers his head and slowly, his youth is replaced by old age. This transformation from young to old is slow, but it is there. The seconds of time are ticking away mercilessly, taking every young person towards their old age. The young dictator will one day be as feeble and weak as the day he was born. But this time there will be no parents to nurture him; if, as is often the case, he is rejected by his own family, his future will be a desolate one in some old persons home.

"Weakness in the beginning and weakness in the end is the reality of Human Being." The message is clear: the real Master is Allah. He Alone is Mighty, He Alone is Great. He Alone is never tired, never needs rest, never dependent upon anyone. Allahu Akbar - Allah is the Greatest. With this message clear in his mind, man realizes that he should show his humility to the Almighty Lord, the One Who created him. And what can be a better way to show ones humility than to stand like a slave before Him; to bow and prostrate to Him; to raise hands in supplication to Him.

Prayer is not a burden forced upon man but is the inner cry of every soul. Prayer is  a cry of each heart to recognize its Creator. It is but a small token of gratitude for all the innumerable bounties bestowed upon mankind by the Creator. In our everyday lives, we smile and say a warm thank-you to the small acts of kindness which others do for us. Just observe the beauty and perfection of the earth around you, and fall down in gratitude to your Lord.

Prayer: The ascension for a believer

This recitation is not a dull monologue by the believer, but Allah promises that it is a conversation between Him and the worshipper. The Messenger reported that Allah Almighty says:

"When My slave says (in his prayer): 'All praise is for Allah, the Lord of the worlds', I say: 'My slave has praised Me.' When he says: 'The Merciful, the Compassionate, Master of the Day of Judgment', I say: 'My slave has praised and glorified Me'. When he says: 'You Alone we worship, and Your Aid we seek,' I say: 'This is between My slave and Myself.' When he says: 'Show us the Straight Path, the path of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, not of those who earned Your anger nor of those who went astray.' I say: 'This is for My slave, and I give My slave what he wants,"'(Hadith Qudsi)

The number of prayers in a day has been set at five by Allah Almighty. The believer has no choice in the matter but to obey. To reduce the number of prayers world not only be disobedience, it would also lose the benefits of prayer.

Prayer: A pillar of Islam

Allah's Messenger PBUH once said:

"Prayer is the pillar of the religion." (AI-Baihaqi)

The Prophet  PBUH also said: "Islam is erected on five pillars: to testify that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger; to establish prayer; to pay Zakat; to perform Hajj to the Sacred House, and to fast in the month of Ramadan."(Bukhari, Muslim)

This Hadith makes the image very clear. Islam is like a building, supported by five columns. Remove just one column, and the entire building weakens. If strong winds batter the town, the building which will certainly collapse is the one with a pillar missing. In the same way, when a person stops praying, his Faith becomes weak and the mildest of blows can cause it to crumble.

 “What drove you to Hell?” They will answer: “We were not among those who observed Prayer, and we did not feed the poor, and we indulged in vain talk with those who indulged in vain talk, and we gave the lie to the Day of Judgment until the inevitable event overtook us.”

Which prayer is acceptable?

"Those who offer their Salat (prayers) with all solemnity and full submissiveness." (23:2)

The emphasis, in this verse, is on humility and concentration in the prayer (Khushu '). There is no doubt that as Shaitdn (Satan) is the bitterest enemy of man; he always tries to disturb the believer's prayer. As soon as a person begins his prayer, he finds his mind suddenly engulfed with memories, problems, worries, work and his family. He may become so engrossed in his thoughts that he has no idea where he is and what he is doing. His prayer becomes a series of automatic actions, and he will often find himself wondering whether he has prayed three Rak'a or four. This is how Shaitdn steals the prayer. It is reported that a Successor saw a man playing with his beard while praying. He commented that: "If there had been Khushu' (concentration) in his heart, the other organs of his body would have concentrated as well

Prayer as a weapon

Allah Almighty says in the Quran' an: "0 you who believe! Seek help in patience and Saldt -(prayer). Truly! Allah is with the patient." (2: 153)

Man is, by nature, weak. He needs help at times of misery and hardship. And the best aid we can have is that of patience in adversity and prayer. Any difficulties, unhappiness and loss should be faced with calm and wisdom.

Prayer as a reminder

A non-Muslim once asked the following question during a discussion: "I can understand why Muslims were required to pray five times a day during the early days of Islam. They did not have many things to do in those days so the Prophet kept them busy with prayer. But our sophisticated and modern life leaves man with little spare time. He is much too busy to be expected to pray five times a day."

The answer given was what the primary objective of prayer is. The Qur'an says: "... and establish prayer for My Remembrance." (20:14).

As man is by nature forgetful, prayer reminds him of the allegiance due to his Creator and Lord. If prayer was needed fourteen hundred years ago when man did not lead such a busy life style, then it is even more necessary in today's hectic world. Man becomes so engrossed in this life that he has no thought for Allah and the Hereafter. The need to remind man of the realities of his existence has thus intensified, and not declined in modem times. Prayer is still of utmost importance and benefit in our high-tech lives. Prayer acts as a shield against evil. Allah Almighty says in the Qur'an:

The quality of the prayer is of utmost importance as well. Consider a house with solid foundations, concrete walls and a strong roof. This house will be able to withstand all forms of bad weather, be it winds, hail or storms. After all, the purpose of a house is to provide shelter and protection against these elements. If, on the other hand, the house is loosely constructed with leaves and grass, it will blow away at the slightest hint of bad weather.

This image applies very clearly to prayer. If a prayer is offered regularly, at the correct time, with sincerity of intention and concentration on what is being recited, it will strengthen the person's Faith and provide comfort and strength in times of trouble. Irregular and insincere prayers will be of little use to a person in times of distress. A healthy body can combat viruses with more ease than can a weak body.

Prayer: The first question on the Day of Judgment

Man was sent to this world for only one purpose: "And I (Allah) created not the jinns and men except them should worship Me (Alone)." (51:56)

Man is to live in this world as a worshipper of his Creator, and the best form of worship is prayer. On the Day of Judgment, man will have to answer for each and every deed committed on this earth. He will be asked about the bounties bestowed upon him in this life:

"Then, on that Day, you shall be asked about the delight (you indulged in, in this world)!" (102:8) But the first question to be asked on that Great Day will be about prayer.

Prayer cannot be an isolated act:

The Qur'an mentions the act of prayer about thirty-five times, but never alone. It always couples prayer with giving Zakat or spending on the poor and needy. The two are inseparable.  Man is surrounded by external and internal problems. To deal with these; he has been given the two weapons of prayer and patience. Patience helps him withstand external hostilities and opposition. Prayer strengthens his internal relationship with Allah; another requirement alongside prayer is that of sacrifice. Prayer is an act of life, and sacrifice symbolizes death. 'Whether our actions are concerned with life or death, our sole purpose must be the Pleasure of Allah. No sacrifice may be offered to any being other than Allah, just as no prayer is valid except if directed to Allah.