The obligatory five daily prayers were prescribed during the night the Prophet ascended to the heavens, while the commands for the remaining acts of worship were revealed to the Prophet on earth. This indicates the special status and importance of prayer as an act of worship.
• It is the only pillar of Islam that is repeated five times each day, and is never waived except for the woman during her menstrual period and post-partum bleeding.
• It is the one of the most virtuous deeds, and most beloved to Allah as the Prophet said: “Know that the best of your deeds are your prayers, and only a true believer maintains the state of ablution.” [Ahmad]
• It is the backbone of one’s religion, and the coolness of the eyes of the righteous. The Prophet said: “The most important of all matters is Islam, its spinal cord is prayer and the highest rank is Jihaad for the sake of Allah.” [Ahmad]
• It is an indication of Islam and belief, and preserves a person’s blood from being shed, Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {“But if they repent [by rejecting Shirk (polytheism) and accept Islamic Monotheism], perform Salah and give Zakat, then they are your brethren in religion”} [Quran, 9: 11].
• It is a sign of honesty and frees a person from hypocrisy. The Prophet said: “Whosoever prays forty days with the congregation, attending the initial (Allahu Akbar) of the prayer, will be free of two things: Hell Fire and hypocrisy.” [Ahmad]
• It is the best issue to be occupied with, the most profitable dealing, and the most likely amongst all acts of worship to cause the person to become humble and submissive. The Prophet said: “Prayer is the best thing to be occupied with,, so perform as much of it as you can.” [Ahmad]
• It is a command from Allah The Almighty, Who Says (what means): {“Guard strictly (five obligatory) As-Salawaat (the prayers) especially the middle Salaat (i.e. the best prayer – `Asr). And stand before Allah with obedience [and do not speak to others during the Salaat (prayers)].”} [Quran, 2: 238].
• It elevates a person’s ranks and expiates sins, as the Prophet said: “Tell me, if there is an overflowing river in front of the house of one of you in which he baths five times a day, will there remain any dirt on him? They said, ‘No dirt will remain on him’. He then said: “That is the example of the five daily obligatory prayers by which Allah erases sins.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
• It rescues from Hell, protects against danger, and enables a person to win Paradise. The Prophet said: “The one who prays before sunrise (Fajr prayer) and before sun set (Asr prayer) will not enter Hell Fire.” [Muslim]
