Prayer in Islam

Eman Mahmoud

04 Feb 2018

When Muslims hear the prayer call “Adhan” from a nearby mosque, they are aware that it is the time to pray, but what is prayer in Islam? Prayer or Salah is the second pillar of Islam and one of the most obligatory acts of worship. We pray five times per day from dawn to midnight. Though prayer was declared as obligatory during the night of Al Miraj, when the Prophet (PBUH) was ascended to the heavens, it was also an obligatory act for all former prophets and people.

In the Quran, we can find different verses addressing the importance of praying. Allah says, “So worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance.” [Taha, 14], and “[O Muhammad], tell My servants who have believed to establish prayer” [Ibrahim, 31].

So why do Muslims pray? Apart from the fact that it is a direct order from Allah Almighty, prayer will always be a connection between Allah and the Muslim. We can seek help in praying as Allah says, “And seek help through patience and prayer” [Al-Baqarah, 45]. During prostration, Allah is closer to the believer and listens to all his pain and needs. It is the moment when you willingly submit yourself to Allah seeking counseling and reassurance.

Our Prophet (PBUH) had stated the importance of prayer emphasizing that it is the first thing that a believer will be asked for. The Prophet said, “The first thing concerning which a person will be brought to account will be the Salah” [Sunan an-Nasa’I, 26].

Prayer will always be the most powerful connection a Muslim will have with Allah. It only takes a few minutes to perform, but it provokes different feelings of peace, blessing, and comfort. We need it to feel the love and mercy of Allah Almighty and to restore our faith.

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