Salah, or prayer is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for every living Muslim. It is performed five times daily as taught by the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Prayer is more than just a simple act of worship or religious practice; it is a way to connect with Allah (SWT), our Lord and Creator. Through Salah, we express our gratitude, seek forgiveness, and ask for anything our hearts desire – whether it’s blessings, comfort, or guidance.
The importance of Salah can be judged by the fact that it is mentioned countless times in the hadiths and Quran, which explains its benefits and why it is an obligatory act. In one of the hadiths, the Prophet (PBUH) says:
“Between a man and shirk (associating partners with Allah) and disbelief is abandoning the prayer”
(Sahih Muslim, 82a)
This hadith shows how important Salah is for Muslims, and it differs a believer from a non-believer other than committing shirk. Let's continue reading as we discuss the importance of Salah and its rewards.
What is Salah?
Salah, also known as Salat or Prayer, is one of the five pillars of Islam and an essential part of Muslims' religious practices. It requires praying five times a day at specific times and is a direct means of communicating with Allah (SWT).
Muslims perform Salah as part of their daily routine to ask Allah for guidance, forgiveness, and blessings and to fulfil their religious obligations toward Him. It involves reciting Quranic verses and performing certain physical movements while facing the Qiblah (direction of the Kaaba in Makkah). During Salah, the key is to focus and concentrate on Allah's (SWT) presence.
Check out our step-by-step guide on how to pray Salah.
When was Salah Made Obligatory?
Salah was made obligatory during the Night Journey and Ascension (Isra and Mi'raj), which occurred in the 10th year of Prophethood. During this miraculous journey, the Prophet (PBUH) was taken from Masjid al-Haram (the Sacred Mosque in Makkah) to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem and then ascended to the heavens.
During this event, Allah (SWT) directly commanded the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his Ummah (Muslim community) to pray fifty times a day, which was later reduced to five daily prayers after the Holy Prophet (PBUH) repeatedly sought ease for his followers.
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
"Allah enjoined fifty prayers upon my followers. I kept returning to Him and asking for a reduction until He said, 'O Muhammad, they are five prayers daily, but they are equal to fifty in reward, for My word does not change.'”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 349)
Importance of Salah in Islam
Salah is the second pillar of Islam and the most important physical act of worship. It was made obligatory on all the Prophets sent by Allah (SWT). It has numerous benefits, each of which shows its importance.
1. Obligatory Act of Worship
Salah is an obligatory act of worship performed by every living Muslim. Allah (SWT) specifically commanded the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to ask his Ummah (Muslim community) to pray Salah five times daily on his night journey (Isra & Miraj). This shows the importance of Salah and its status in Islam.
As the Quran says:
“Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times.”
(Surah An-Nisa, 4:103)
This verse highlights that salah is not just recommended but a mandatory duty for every believer. It’s a way to show our obedience and gratitude to Allah (SWT), acknowledging Him as our Creator and Sustainer.
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2. A Connection with Allah
Salah is more than just a set of rituals; it is a way of having a personal conversation with Allah (SWT). When we stand in prayer, we directly communicate with our Lord, asking for guidance, mercy, and blessings. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“When any one of you stands for prayer, he is communicating with his Lord. So let him pay attention to how he speaks to Him.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 405)
This direct connection strengthens our faith and reminds us of Allah’s (SWT) constant presence in our lives. We can feel assured that he is present with us and takes care of everything. Everything that happens, now or in the future, is by Allah’s (SWT) blessings, so we should trust Him.
3. A Means of Seeking Forgiveness
How many times do we make mistakes and sin in our daily lives and feel ashamed about it and seek ways to ask for forgiveness? Salah is the easiest way to ask Allah (SWT) for forgiveness and blessings to avoid mistakes in the future. As the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said:
If a person had a stream outside his door and he bathed in it five times a day, do you think he would have any filth left on him?” The people said, “No filth would remain on him whatsoever.” The Prophet (PBUH) then said, “That is like the five daily prayers: Allah wipes away the sins by them.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 528)
When we bow and prostrate during Salah, we humble ourselves before Allah (SWT) and ask for His mercy and forgiveness.
4. Fight Against Temptation to Sin
By performing regular Salah, one becomes aware of Allah's (SWT) presence, and this allows him/her to fight against the temptation to sin. They remain steadfast even during hardships and trials and never succumb to the temptation of immoral behaviour, which Allah (SWT) and his Prophet (PBUH) have strictly opposed.
Even Allah (SWT) said in the Quran:
“Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing…”
(Surah Al-Ankabut, 29:45)
When we pray consistently, it keeps us mindful of our actions and helps us avoid sins. The regular act of standing before Allah reminds us to lead a life that pleases Him.
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5. First Question on the Day of Judgement
The importance of Salah can be judged from the fact that it will be the first question that will be asked on the day of judgement, as the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said:
“The first matter that the servant will be brought to account for on the Day of Judgment is the salah (prayer). If it is sound, then the rest of his deeds will be sound. If it is deficient, then the rest of his deeds will be deficient.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 413)
This hadith shows how important Salah is for Muslims and its high rewards, which we will receive not only in this world but also in the next one (hereafter).
6. Most Loved Deeds of Allah (SWT)
Salah is considered one of the most beloved acts of worship to Allah (SWT) because it is a direct connection between the servant and their Creator.
“The Prophet (PBUH) was asked: 'Which deed is the best?' So he said: 'Salat in the beginning of its time.'"
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 7534)
This hadith emphasizes that offering Salah exactly at its prescribed time is not only an obligation but also a deed that earns the highest rank in the eyes of Allah (SWT). Praying on time reflects discipline, devotion, and prioritisation of Allah’s (SWT) commands over everything else in one’s daily life. It reminds us to make Salah a central part of our routine, ensuring we never delay it and always give it the importance it deserves.
7. Sunnah (Nafl) Prayers Protects From Hellfire
The Holy Prophet explained the immense rewards of performing voluntary (nafl) prayers in addition to the obligatory (fard) ones, specifically surrounding the Zuhr prayer, which will protect the believer from hellfire.
Whoever observes the practice of performing four rak'ahs before Zuhr prayer and four after it, Allah will shield him against the Fire (of Hell).
(Riyad as-Salihin, 1116)
Here is another example of how the hadith will benefit us in the afterlife. Simply adding Sunnah prayers to our daily routine not only increases our rewards but also protects us from hellfire.
8. A Salah Equals Hajj and Umrah
In another hadith, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) highlights the importance and rewards of Salah, mentioning that performing Fajir Salah is equal to performing Hajj and Umrah.
“Whoever prays Fajr in congregation and then sits remembering Allah until the sun rises, and then prays two units of prayer, will have a reward like that of Hajj and Umrah.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 586)
In this hadith, the Prophet (PBUH) emphasises that simply praying two rak’ahs (units of prayer) of Fajr prayer in the congregation and afterward engaging in dhikr till sunrise equals performing major acts of worship like Hajj and Umrah. It also shows Allah's (SWT) boundless mercy and how He provides countless opportunities for believers to earn rewards.
So, if you have not been regular in your prayers, do so now. It is never too late. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) even said that Muslims could pray their qaza Salah (missed prayers) at appropriate times as soon as they remember.
If anyone forgets a prayer, he should pray it when he remembers it. There is no expiation except to pray the same.
(Sahih Bukhari, 571)
Conclusion
Salah being the second pillar of Islam is of immense importance for the Muslims. It is more than just a simple act of worship; it’s a lifeline, a gift, and a means to connect with Allah (SWT). It helps to forgive our sins, purifies our hearts, and prepares us for the hereafter. By performing salah regularly and with sincerity, we can strengthen our faith, seek Allah’s mercy, and find peace in our hearts.
May Allah guide us all in establishing our prayers and grant us the blessings that come with them. Ameen.
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