By Dr. Norlain Dindang Mababaya
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The benefits of performing Salât need not be overemphasized. Allâh makes it very clear to us its great benefits. Allâh says:
“O you people! Worship your Rabb (Allâh), Who
created you and those who were before you that you may become pious.” (2:21)
“Seek
(Allâh’s) help with patience perseverance and prayer.” (2:45)
“Verily,
I am Your Rabb (Allâh). There is no God but I so worship Me (only), and perform
regular prayer for My remembrance.” (20:14)
“Successful
indeed are the believers. Those who humble themselves in their prayers (i.e.,
who offer their prayers with all solemnity and submissiveness.” (23:1-2)
“Recite what
has been revealed to you of the Book, and establish regular prayer, for prayer
restrains from shameful and evil deeds; and remembrance of Allâh is the
greatest (thing in life) without doubt. And Allâh knows what you do (deeds).”
(29:45)
“Indeed
he will be successful who purifies himself. And remembers the Name of his Rabb
(Allâh), and prays.” (87:14-15)
From the above Qur’anic Âyât (verses), we can conclude that there are many benefits that we can get in performing Salât. Regular observance of Salât makes us develop cleanliness not only in our bodies but also in our dresses and environment. Before the performance of prayer, we are not only required to perform Tahârah (purification or ablution) but it is a must that our dress and place of worship are clean, free from any form of impurities. Aside from this physical purity, we are expected to purify our intention. According to an authentic Hâdîth:
‘Umar
ibn Al-Khattab 
said: “I heard Allah’s Messenger
saying, ‘The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will
get the reward according to what he has intended. Thus he whose migration was
for Allah and His Messenger ,
his migration had been for Allah and His Messenger ,
and he whose migration was to achieve some worldly benefit or take some woman in
marriage, his migration had been for that for which he migrated.’” (Bukhari 1/1 and Muslim3/ 4692)
When
we pray, our intention must be to worship Allâh Alone. We have to develop Ihsân
(perfection of worship) which the Prophet
said:
“It is to
worship Allâh as though you are seeing Him, and while even though you cannot
see Him, He sees you...” (Muslim1:1)
Every time we pray, we have to remember that Allâh is with those who fear and those who do good (16:128). He sees us standing forth (in prayer), and our movements among those who prostrate themselves. For it is He Who hears and knows all things (26:218-220). When we focus our mind and heart to Allâh Alone we develop concentration, which the mind needs to function more intelligently.
The regular performance of Salât serves as a natural source of physical exercises that make our bodies stronger. It also trains us to be punctual, disciplined and conscious of our duties as each particular prayer (Salât) has its own appropriate time for its performance (4:103). It cultivates in us the ability to relax because one of the important requirements that we should observe while praying is Tum’âneenah (attaining calmness in the performance of each act). When prayer is performed in congregation, it promotes a bond of brotherhood, unity and equality among Muslim worshippers. In addition, when we pray to Allâh, we develop obedience, patience, trust, honesty, piety, fear, humbleness, modesty, truthfulness, love, devotion and all other virtues acceptable to Allâh. In other words, by performing Salât, we develop righteousness and prevent all sorts of immoral and indecent practices or evil deeds. Surat Al-Fâtihah (The Opening Chapter) of the Qur’an which is an important part of Salât not only teaches us to glorify Allâh but also guides us to ask for His help, guidance and protection so we will not go astray or incur His wrath:
“In the Name of Allâh, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Praise be to Allâh the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds: Most Gracious, Most Merciful; Master of the Day of Judgment. You (Alone) we worship, and you (Alone) we seek help. Show us the straight way, the way of those on whom you have bestowed Your Grace, those whose (portion) is not wrath. And who go not astray.” (1:1-7)
Above
all, observance of Salât serves as the concrete expression of
thankfulness and appreciation to our Creator and Sustainer. After each prayer,
we not only feel peace and tranquility but also self-fulfillment because we have
performed the primary commandment of Allâh. It gives us hope that Allâh will
forgive our sins as He is Most Forgiving (39:53 and 53:32). If we sincerely pray
to Him, He will surely answer our prayer:
“And your
Rabb says: ‘Call on Me; I will answer your (invocation). But those who are too
arrogant to serve Me will surely enter Hell abased.’” (40:60)
If
we pray to Allâh, He will bless our life here on earth and in the Hereafter.
The Qur’an teaches us to have a
well-balanced life as shown in the following supplication to Allâh:
“…Our
Rabb (Sustainer) give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter.
And save us from the torment of the Fire!” (2:201)
Performance
of Salât develops in us optimistic outlook in life because we know that
we are praying to the only True God (47:19) Who is Most Forgiving (39:53 and
53:32) and Whose guidance we seek for help (1:1-7). He rewards those who
sincerely pray to Him with everlasting reward, Paradise (23:1-2, 9-11). This we
should believe because Allâh’s promise is true and sure (10:4). His
promise is the truth; no one’s word can be truer than His Word (4:122).
________
1.
Arabic symbol/script for "Sallallahu 'alayhe wasallam," which
means "May
the peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him."
2.
Arabic symbol/script for "Radhi Allahu
anhu", meaning: "May Allah be pleased
with him."
