Importance of the Prayer
THE HIGH STATUS OF THE PRAYER
Our Salah is the first thing we will be asked about on the Day of Judgement
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "The first thing for which a person will be brought to account will be his Salah. If it is complete (all well and good), otherwise Allah will say: 'Look and see if My slave did any voluntary prayer.' If he is found to have done voluntary prayers, his obligatory prayers will be completed therewith." (An Nasai)
The last words uttered by the Prophet Muhammed were concerning the Salah
Ali ibn Abu Talib Narrated: The last words which the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) spoke were: Prayer, prayer, fear Allah about those whom your right hands possess. (Abi Dawud)
After the Shahada, performance of Salah is the second pillar of Islam
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: (The superstructure of) Al-Islam is raised on five (pillars), testifying (the fact) that there is no god but Allah, that Muhammad is His bondsman and messenger, and the establishment of prayer, payment of Zakat, Pilgrimage to the House (Ka'ba) and the fast of Ramadan. (Sahih Muslim)
50 prayers per day were once obligatory for us!
"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, enjoined fifty prayers upon my Ummah, and I came back with that until I passed by Musa, peace be upon him, who said: 'What has your Lord enjoined upon your Ummah?' I said: 'He has enjoined fifty prayers on them.' Musa said to me: 'Go back to your Lord, the Mighty and Sublime, for your Ummah will not be able to do that.' So I went back to my Lord, the Mighty and Sublime, and He reduced a portion of it. Then I came back to Musa and told him, and he said: 'Go back to you Lord, for your Ummah will not be able to do that.' So I went back to my Lord, the Mighty and Sublime, and He said: 'They are five (prayers) but they are fifty (in reward), and the Word that comes from Me cannot be changed.' I came back to Musa and he said: 'Go back to your Lord.' I said: 'I feel too shy before my Lord, the Mighty and Sublime.'" (An Nasai)
THE IMPORTANCE OF KHUSHU IN PRAYER
Khushu means having humility, attentiveness and a present heart when standing before Allah. It is to pray with the awareness that you are standing in front of your Lord, turning your heart away from distractions and focusing on the words you are reciting.
“Certainly will the believers have succeeded: Those who are during their prayer humbly intent.”
(Qur’an 23:1–2)
Want to develop more khushu in your prayer?
Khushu in Prayer is a FREE printable booklet designed to help you develop greater attentiveness and humility during Salah. It brings together simple reflections, translations and reminders to help you understand the words you recite and become more present in your prayer. Print it and keep it beside your prayer mat, so you can return to it whenever you pray and need a gentle reminder to slow down, refocus and bring your heart back to Allah.
Click the image below to download the PDF booklet
STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO THE PRAYER
