Salah, one of the five pillars of Islam, is the Arabic term for the obligatory prayer performed five times a day by Muslims. The importance of Salah is emphasised in the Quran in Surah Maryam -
"But they were succeeded by generations who neglected prayer and followed their lusts and so will soon face the evil consequences." (Quran 19:59)
Apart from fulfilling the basic duty of a Muslim, praying five times a day also benefits Muslims in many ways. One of the benefits of praying is that it disciplines you.
From waking up in the morning, listening to the muazzin call for prayer and standing up in prayer every five times the Azan is called out, Salah is not just an act of worship.
Praying involves precise body postures, including standing, bowing and prostrating. When Muslims stand in prayer, they are seen standing in rows of straight lines. Standing together, bowing down together, kneeling and sitting together – Close knit!
The congregational prayer led by one Imam shows nothing but discipline.
Praying five times a day plays an important role in the life of all Muslims who are capable of doing so.
Prayer is a means of getting closer to Allah, so if a person prays regularly and in accordance with their real purpose, he is protected from sin. This is why we at Afiyah Financial Services don't compromise faith when dealing with Islamic home loans.
It is clearly mentioned in the Quran in Surah Al- Ankabut -
"Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, genuine prayer should deter one from indecency and wickedness. The remembrance of Allah is an even greater deterrent. And Allah fully knows what you all do." (Quran 29:45)
When a person prays his five daily prayers with sincerity, he is frequently reminded of Allah. The remembrance of Allah will make him fear sinning and refrain from all kinds of shameful acts.
Regular prayer five times a day enables spiritual and bodily discipline for the believer.
When a person prays, he gets used to the feeling of the presence of God and gets accustomed to the feeling that Allah is watching.
This sense of God-consciousness makes a believer remain disciplined while praying and even after, as he knows that Allah is watching him at all times.
It is mentioned in the Quran in Surah Taha -
"It is truly I. I am Allah! There is no god worthy of worship except Me. So worship Me alone, and establish prayer for My remembrance."(Quran 20:14)
The one who is not regular in his prayers can forget God's presence, so he will not be disciplined in his daily activities.
Praying regularly means a believer takes ablution five times a day too. As fresh water is used to take ablution, it acts as a means of purifying and cleansing the body.
Regular prayer can also purify the soul of a believer. If performed properly, Salah cleanses the soul from hypocrisy and arrogance. Bowing down in prayer humbles our souls and keeps us away from pride. Thus, prayer is a tool for the cleanliness of the body and soul.
As it is important to pray on time, a believer will leave aside whatever he is doing to perform Salah as he hears the call for prayer. Allah has set the times for the five daily prayers to worship Him for a few minutes of our life.
Doing so five times a day makes a believer discipline himself by being punctual as he learns how rewarding it is and essential to perform the right thing at the correct time. This alone will make him accustomed to bringing it to practice in his day-to-day activities.
It is the nature of humans to make mistakes, but the best among the believer is those who repent. Allah loves those who sincerely seek forgiveness from Him and is always willing to forgive.
To be reminded of one's sins, a person must perform Salah regularly. Without regular prayer and communication with Allah, one will not easily remember his sins and feel guilty about them. Bowing down in prayer instantly reminds a believer of whatever sins he has committed, and through regular prayer, he has the opportunity to repent and seek forgiveness. Frequent reminders of mistakes and guilt can also help a believer keep himself away from sins.
If Salah is performed correctly, it becomes one powerful act as it is packed with so many rewards in this life and the Hereafter. It is also mentioned in the Quran in the verses of Surah Al- Mudaththir -
"Every soul will be detained for what it has done, except the people of the right,
who will be in Gardens, asking one another about the wicked who will then be asked:
"What has landed you in Hell?" They will reply, "We were not of those who prayed," (Quran, Surah Al-Mudaththir verses 38-43)
Never miss your prayers, pray on time the five daily prayers with sincerity and piety and just see how your mind and body are significantly disciplined.
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