The Importance and Virtues of Salah in Light of Qur’anic Verses and Authentic Hadiths

Derived from the book "Namaz-e-Mustafa (ʿalayhi al-ṣalātu wa al-salām)" by Abu Hamza Abdul Khaliq Siddiqi

❖ Salah: The Pillar of Islam ❖​

Salah is the foundational pillar of the religion of Islam. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Mu'adh ibn Jabal (رضي الله عنه) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
((ألا أخبرك برأس الأمر، وعموده، وذروة سنامه؟))

"Shall I not inform you of the head of the matter, its pillar, and its peak?"

I replied: “O Messenger of Allah! Certainly, do tell me.”

He ﷺ said:
((رأس الأمر الإسلام ، وعموده الصلاة، وذروة سنامه الجهاد.))

"The head of the matter is Islam, its pillar is Salah, and its peak is Jihad."
References: Jamiʿ al-Tirmidhi (Book of Faith, Hadith 2616), Musnad Ahmad (Vol. 5, Pg. 231, Hadith 22016), Musannaf ʿAbd al-Razzaq (Hadith 20303)
Status: Declared "Ṣaḥīḥ" by ʿAllāmah al-Albānī (رحمه الله)

❖ Salah: A Direct Connection Between the Servant and His Lord ❖​

Salah acts as a direct link between the servant and his Lord. As narrated in a Hadith:

((إن أحدكم إذا قام فى صلاته فإنه يناجي ربه.))

"Indeed, when one of you stands for prayer, he is conversing intimately with his Lord."
Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī (Book of Salah, Hadith 405)

This means that Salah is a noble privilege for a believer to whisper to his Lord, dearer than wealth, life, or progeny.

The prerequisites for this station include:◈ Recognition of the Lord’s names, attributes, and rights
◈ Acknowledgement of one's servitude, humility, and need
◈ Commitment to fulfilling the rights of others
◈ Observance of physical and spiritual purity
◈ Modesty in body and heart
◈ Facing the Qiblah and reciting the Words of Allah
◈ Starting with the Takbīr al-Taḥrīmah

Reference: "Ṣalāh" by Imām Aḥmad ibn Muqbil, Investigated by Shaykh Ḥamad Ḥāmid al-ʿAlī, Intro, pp. 17–19

❖ Salah: A Shield Against Sins and a Means of Forgiveness ❖​

Salah serves as a protective barrier against sins and a means for their forgiveness. Allah Almighty states:

﴿إِنَّ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ تَنْهَىٰ عَنِ ٱلْفَحْشَآءِ وَٱلْمُنكَرِ﴾

"Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing."
(Surah Al-‘Ankabūt, 29:45)

This verse underscores that Salah deters one from engaging in immoral and unjust acts. The sincerity and mindfulness in performing Salah play a crucial role in its effectiveness as a deterrent against sin.

❖ Salah: The First Deed to Be Accounted for on the Day of Judgment ❖​

The significance of Salah is further emphasized by its status as the first deed to be accounted for on the Day of Judgment. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

((إن أول ما يحاسب به العبد يوم القيامة من عمله صلاته))
"Indeed, the first matter that the servant will be brought to account for on the Day of Judgment is his prayer."

Reference: Sunan Abi Dawood (Hadith 864), Jamiʿ al-Tirmidhi (Hadith 413)

This Hadith highlights the paramount importance of Salah in the life of a believer, serving as a measure for the acceptance of other deeds.

❖ Salah: A Source of Light, Proof, and Salvation ❖​

Salah is described as a source of light, a proof of faith, and a means of salvation. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ stated:

((الصلاة نور، والصدقة برهان، والصبر ضياء))

"Prayer is light, charity is proof, and patience is illumination."

Reference: Sahih Muslim (Hadith 223)

This narration illustrates the illuminating effect of Salah on a believer's life, guiding them through darkness and serving as evidence of their faith.

❖ The Neglect of Salah: A Grave Warning ❖​

Neglecting Salah is met with stern warnings. The Prophet ﷺ said:
((العهد الذي بيننا وبينهم الصلاة، فمن تركها فقد كفر))

"The covenant that distinguishes between us and them is prayer; whoever neglects it has committed disbelief."
Reference: Jamiʿ al-Tirmidhi (Hadith 2621), Sunan al-Nasa'i (Hadith 463)

This Hadith underscores the critical role of Salah in defining the identity of a Muslim and the severe consequences of its abandonment.

❖ Conclusion ❖​

Salah is not merely a ritualistic act but a profound expression of servitude, a means of spiritual purification, and a cornerstone of Islamic faith. Its regular observance fortifies the believer's connection with Allah, deters from sin, and ensures success in this life and the hereafter.

Note: The references provided are for authenticity and further study. It is encouraged to consult the original sources for a deeper understanding.