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Importance of the Salat in Islam

Salat is an Arabic word which means submission and supplication. In Islamic terms, salat means to worship Allah in a way that has been prescribed in the religion Islam and taught by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to his followers.

Salat is the second pillar of Islam after the Shahadah, or declaration of faith. Allah has made prayers obligatory upon every mature and sane Muslim man and woman and ordained it five times during day and night. Islam considers salat the foundation of religion Islam. It is also the first of the actions about which a person will be questioned on the Day of Judgment.

The merits of salat are beyond compare and its virtues are limitless. The importance of Salat can be judged from the fact that it has been deemed the decisive criterion between a Muslim and a non-Muslim, the true believer and the hypocrite. Anyone who does not perform salat is, strictly speaking, a non-Muslim. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The covenant between us and them (the disbelievers) is the prayers. So if anyone abandons it, he has become a disbeliever. (Reported by Ahmad, At-Tirmidhee and An-Nasai)

He also said, “What lies between a man, polytheism and disbelief (kufr) is the abandonment of Salat.” (Reported by Muslim)

Those who observe it in the right manner experience a unique feeling of awe and piety. This helps them to avoid all sinful acts. It is no wonder that the Quran says:

“Observe Salat. Surely salat restrains one from indecency and manifest evil and remembrance of Allah is indeed the greatest virtue.” (Surah Al-Ankaboot 29:45)

The frequency and timings of obligatory prayers never let a Muslim forget the reason for which Allah created him. Prayers are indeed a test of man’s love for Allah and his obedience to his Creator. In the midst of worldly activities, a true Muslim would distance himself from all that distracts him and stand before Allah to acknowledge His greatness.

Salat also teaches Muslims to observe punctuality, as prayers are offered at stated times.

It is stated in the Quran:

“Verily, salat has been enjoined on the believers at fixed times. (Surah An-Nisa 4: 103)

When the faithful observe salat regularly, they develop a strong desire to do virtuous deeds, anticipating great rewards from Allah in the Hereafter. It helps to keep the Muslim steadfast and fulfill all his other religious obligations easily, like fasting, giving charity and helping others.

When Salat is performed in congregation, Muslims establish strong social relationships with others and strengthen brotherly ties. While praying together, they prostrate themselves in a unique symbol of piety and humility before Allah regardless of their race, color, social and economic status. By standing shoulder to shoulder they all become equal, which is the true hallmark of an Islamic society.

The body and the clothes of the worshippers also remain clean and pure as cleanliness is one of the prerequisites of standing for a prayer. According to a hadith by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), establishing regular prayers makes a Muslim shed his sins like leaves in autumn.

At another occasion, he stated that daily prayers wash away the sins of a believer in the same way dirt is removed from the body by bathing in clean water five times a day.

Salat is also an abundant source of courage and patience in times of tribulations. Salat makes the Muslim feel that Allah is always with him. He never feels alone or overwhelmed by adverse circumstances. His heart remains free from grief and fears as he learns to place all his matters before Allah. The Quran says

“And seek help in patience and salat.” Surah Al-Baqarah (2:45)

Source: helium.com