Khalid Latif
Prophet Muhammad (saw) once said, "There will come upon people a time when they think that they have established prayers but have not." (hadith narrated by Bukhary & Muslim). This group of people are referred to in the Qur'an in the following verses:
So woe to the worshippers who are neglectful of their prayers (Qur'an 107:4-5)
After them followed a posterity who missed prayers and followed after lusts soon, then, will they face Destruction. (Qur'an 19:59) It is therefore wise that we take heed and realize the purpose, significance, and benefits of prayer. It is also imperative that we establish prayer in the correct spirit and manner. True worship does not rest solely on the form of prayer. The heart and mind have to be earnestly applied to seek their realization of the presence of God.
Purpose of Prayer I have only created Jinns and men, that they may serve Me. (Qur'an 51:56) The prayer is the most visible manifestation of Islam and it is a means of communication between the servant and his Creator. The obligation to establish prayers five times every day and to perform it in congregation wherever possible is a clear sign of the establishment and exuberance of the Religion:
And be steadfast in prayer; practice regular charity; and bow down your heads with those who bow down ( in worship). (Qur'an 2:43) The function of prayer as a means of direct and intimate contact with God is reflected in the hadith: The closest moment a servant gets to his Lord is when he prostrates himself in prayer. So increase your du'a during the prostration. (narrated by Muslim, Abu Daud & An-Nasay).
Significance of Prayer The Qur'an clearly states that one of the characteristics of a God-fearing servant, a muttaqin, is one who is steadfast in prayer:
This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear God; who believe in the unseen, are steadfast in prayers, and spend out of what We have provided for them. (Qur'an 2:2-3) It is significant that the Qur'an describes the muttaqin as one who first believes in the Unseen. It is upon this belief that he establishes prayer. And it is a consequence of prayer that he is motivated to spend our what he has to the needy. In other words, it is the result of prayer that a believer manifests his duty towards the community:
Prayer strengthens and nourishes the inner life of a believer. He lives earnestly because of his faith and trust in God, and is given bounty by God in return. It is through prayers that his status as a believer is elevated:
For believers are those who, when God is mentioned, feel a tremor in their hearts, and when they hear His signs rehearsed, find their faith strengthened, and put (all) their trust in their Lord; who establish regular prayers and spend (freely) out of the gifts We have given them for sustenance: Such in truth are the believers: they have grades of dignity with their Lord, and forgiveness, and generous sustenance. (Qur'an 8:2-4)
Benefits of Prayer Prayer, if performed correctly and earnestly, is guaranteed by God to ward off shameful and unjust deeds. And we may ask," How? ". The answer lies in the fact that it is through prayer that the teachings and spirit of the Qur'an is imbibed by the worshipper. It is therefore imperative that we know the meaning and significance of the verses of the Qur'an that we say loudly and silently during prayer. Aisyah (ra), the wife of the Prophet (saw), once exclaimed that prayer was the Prophet's garment. We can understand why and should emulate him willingly.
Recite what is sent of the Book by inspiration to thee, and establish regular prayer: for prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds; and remembrance of God is the greatest (thing in life) without doubt. And God knows the (deeds) that ye do. (Qur'an 29:45) Prayer is also a source of strength for the believer. It is through perseverance and prayer that a believer would ask for help and protection from God. Consequently, the effects of prayer on the believer are the inculcation of humility, modesty and inward piety in his heart and movements in everyday life. For prayer is difficult to establish except for those who have such qualities:
Nay, seek (God's) help with patient perseverance and prayer: It is indeed hard, except to those who bring a lowly spirit, who bear in mind the certainty that they are to meet their Lord, and that they are to return to Him. (Qur'an 2:45-46) Last but not least, prayer has the effect of imbuing discipline in the life of the believer. The believer's life revolves around the fixed prayer times. He organizes his activities after considering the right time for prayer. Thus, he is more sensitive and alert to his actions because his time is managed through prayer.
