Salah (or prayer, plural: Salawaat) has an exalted status in Islam that is unrivaled by any other act of worship. Salah is the Pillar of Islam, on which the religion is firmly established. The Messenger of Allah (S) said: "The head of the matter (religion) is Islam, its pillar is the prayer and its highest peak is Jihad for Allah's cause" Tirmidhi, Hadith 2616.
Salah constitutes the physical, mental and spiritual submission to Allah which starts by pronouncing "Allah is Great" and ends with the Salam (salutation of peace). It is the concrete proof of our submission to Allah. It fulfils our very purpose of creation. Allah makes it very clear in the Glorious Qur'an that the very purpose for which He has created us is to worship Him throughout our lives. He tells us: "And I have created not the jinn and men except that they should worship Me (Alone). I seek not any provision from them nor do I ask that they should feed Me." Adh-Dhariyat Surah 51, V.56-57
"So glorify the praises of your Rabb (Lord) and be of those who prostrate themselves (to Him). And worship your Rabb (Lord) until there comes unto you the Hour that is certain." Al-Hijr Surah 15, V98-99
Salah is an obligation to be fulfilled throughout one's life and must be established even in times of fear. Allah said: "Guard strictly (the five obligatory) Salawaat, especially the middle Salah ('Asr). And stand before Allah with submission and do not speak to others during the Salah. And if you fear (an enemy), perform Salah on foot or riding. And when you are safe, perform Salah in the manner He has taught you, which you knew not (before)." Al-Baqarah Surah 2, V.238-239
The Prophet said: "Order your children to be punctual in Salah when they attain the age of seven years and when they attain the age of ten years hit them for abandoning Salah and provide them with separate beds." Abu Dau'd, Hadith 495
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