G o t  G o d ?

Islam is a religion of peace and obedience to the will of Allah. How do Muslims obey Allah? It’s simple. Prayer or salah is the answer. Prayer is the foundation of Islam. In fact Allah states, “And I have chosen you, so listen to that which is inspired to you. Verily, I am Allah! There is none wothy of worship but I, so worship Me and offer prayer perfectly for My remembrance.” [Taaha: 13-14]

Performing prayer establishes a strong relationship between you and Allah. The word salah literally means “connection”. Praying strengthens one’s faith, god-consciousness, and sincerity and worship towards Allah. Praying is direct contact with the almighty creator, Allah; for example bowing and prostrating to Him. If prayer is done sincerely, prayer is very powerful because it can cleanse the heart and builds the “…inner sense of peace, certainty, and discipline in the individual.” Praying also makes us better people because it creates good moral values within ourselves.

There are many benefits of praying:

1. Increasing your awareness to Allah, which will help prevent you from committing sin. 2. Removing sins one might have committed. 3. Increase in faith, which results in increase in confidence. 4. Purifies the heart, the mind, the body, and the soul. 5. Gives one a sense of security. 6. Provides spiritual balance. 7. The key to paradise. 8. Reminds us to be aware of our actions. 9. Establishing high moral values. 10. Bonding with Allah.

Prophet Muhammad PBUH always reminded people how important prayer was. He asked his companions:

“Tell me, if one of you had a river at his door and took a bath in it five times a day, would any dirt remain on his body?’ The companions replied ‘No, no dirt would be left on his body.’ The Prophet then said ‘This is an example of the five prayers by which Allah washes away the sins.”

Prayer reminds us how much closer we are to the Day of Judgment and to be aware of our actions. Prayer is so important that it’s one of the five pillars of Islam. If a Muslim misses prayer, it is as though he/she is ignoring Allah. Remember Allah does not need anyone; it is us that need Allah, because he is the creator of all mankind and the supreme sustainer of the universe. Without Allah, all mankind is in loss. It is said, “Your salah strengthens your identity as a Muslim”. Praying is putting your trust and faith in Allah, and Allah will answer your prayers. When a person bows in front of Allah, they become worthy of Allah’s love and generosity. It is a great feeling to be showered in Allah’s mercy!