The importance of the Salah in Islam cannot be understated. It is the first pillar of Islam that the Prophet (Peace be upon Him) mentioned after mentioning the testimony of faith, by which one becomes a Muslim.So there is no excuse for Salah. Allah has declared its obligatory status in the Holy Quran many times. Allah says in the Holy Quran:
“Pray to me and I will hear your Salah”
Quran (40:60)
In another Verse, Allah says:
“Guard strictly the Salah, especially the middle Salah. And stand before Allah with obedience.” Holy Quran (2:238)
When Allah spoke directly to Moses, He said:
“And I have chosen you, so listen to that which is inspired to you. Verily, I am Allah! There is none worthy of worship but I, so worship Me and offer Salah perfectly for My remembrance.” (Quran, Surah Taha, 13-14)
Salah in Proper Manner:
If the Salaah is performed properly. With true remembrance of Allah and turning to Him for forgiveness, it will have a lasting effect on the person. Allah says in the Holy Quran about Salah:
“Verily, the Salah keeps one from the great sins and evil deeds” (Quran 29:45)
The overall affect that the properly performed Salahs should have upon a person is described in these verses of the Quran:Excuse for Salah
“Verily, man was created impatient, irritable when evil touches him and ungenerous when good touches him. Except for those devoted to Salah those who remain constant in their Salahs…” (Quran 70:19-23)Excuse for Salah
The Salahs were made obligatory upon the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) during his ascension to Heaven. Once a man asked the Prophet (Peace be upon Him) about the most virtuous deed.Excuse for Salah
The Prophet (Peace be upon Him) stated that the most virtuous deed is the Salah. The man asked again and again. The first three times, the Prophet (Peace be upon Him) again answered, “The Salah,” then on the fourth occasion he stated, “Jihad in the way of Allah.” [Hadith recorded by Ahmad and ibn Hibban]Excuse for Salah
Importance of Salah:
The importance of Salaah is demonstrated in the many of the Prophet’s statement. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“The first matter that the slave will be brought to account for on the Day of Judgment is the Salaah. If it is sound, then the rest of his deeds will be sound. And if it is bad, then the rest of his deeds will be bad.” [Recorded by al-Tabarani. According to al-Albani, it is sahih.]
Salaah is a type of purification for a human being. In a Hadith the Prophet (Peace be upon Him) said:
“If a person had a stream outside his door and he bathed in it five times a day, do you think he would have any filth left on him?” The people said, “No filth would remain on him whatsoever.” The Prophet (PBUH) then said, “That is like the five daily Salahs: Allah wipes away the sins by them.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim)
