Hadith on the Importance of Salah in Differentiating Faith from Disbelief
Narrated by Abu al-Zubair:He heard Jabir bin Abdullah (رضي الله عنهما) say:
"I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘Between a person and shirk (polytheism) and kufr (disbelief) is the abandonment of prayer.’"
(Reference: Sahih Muslim: 82)
Key Lessons from This Hadith:
➊ Prayer is the defining characteristic that differentiates a Muslim from a disbeliever (kafir) or polytheist (mushrik).- This Hadith indicates that a person who prays is a believer, while one who abandons prayer is akin to a disbeliever or polytheist.
- It emphasizes the grave consequences of neglecting Salah in Islam.
① A person acknowledges the obligation of prayer but neglects it out of laziness.
- Such a person is not classified as a disbeliever (kafir) but is still guilty of a major sin.
- If someone occasionally prays but neglects other prayers out of laziness, they are blameworthy and accountable before Allah.
- They should be admonished and warned of the severe consequences of missing Salah.
- If someone denies that prayer is obligatory, they are committing an act of disbelief (kufr).
- Even if they are generous, have good morals, or engage in charitable acts, their rejection of this fundamental pillar of Islam removes them from the path of salvation.
- Such a person can rightfully be declared a disbeliever (kafir) in Islamic teachings.
Conclusion:
- Prayer is a fundamental pillar of Islam, and neglecting it leads to severe consequences.
- A person who acknowledges prayer but does not observe it is sinful and will be held accountable.
- A person who outright rejects prayer is considered outside the fold of Islam.
