The Importance of Prayer in Islam

The importance of prayer in Islam can be judged by the fact that it is called the second pillar of Islam. It is a way of communicating with the Almighty Allah. When a person stands for prayer, he submits himself to Allah. Can there be anything more important than getting in touch with Allah?

Importance of prayer in Islam in the light of Quran and Hadith

At many places in the Holy Quran, Allah commands his believers to establish prayers.

“O you who believe! Respond to (the call of) Allah and His Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life.”  (8.24)

Verily the prayer keeps one from the great sins and evil deeds” (29:45)

When a person dies, he would be asked about how well he guarded his prayers. The Holy Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said:

“The first matter that the slave will be brought to account for on the Day of Judgment is the prayer.  If it is sound, then the rest of his deeds will be sound.  And if it is incomplete, then the rest of his deeds will be incomplete.”

Benefits of Prayer

A Source of communication with Allah

This is probably the biggest benefit of establishing prayer. Prayer is the direct form of communication between a person and Allah. In fact, the Arabic word for prayer, salah means communication. Hence, believers must establish prayer and perform them as if Allah is watching them, for sure He is watching them.

Surety of success

There is no doubt about the fact that if a person guards his prayer well, he would be successful not only in this world but in the hereafter as well. Allah blesses those abundantly with his bounties who offer prayers with regularity.

Protects from evil

When a person prays regularly, he is protected from the wrath of the devil. Allah says in the Holy Quran:

Verily, prayer restrains (oneself) from shameful and unjust deeds…” (29:45)

Man is weak by nature and gets deviated easily. It is promised by Satan to Allah that he will deviate his people at every step. In return, Allah said his true believers shall not go astray. So those who offer prayers have the special help of Allah against all forms of evil.

Purifies the soul

When you have a habit of offering prayers regularly, you feel contented. Satisfied with what you have in life is the biggest blessing you can have. It comes with prayers. Prayers enrich and purify the soul.