Ask Yourself – Would anyone want to see you 5 times every single day in whatever condition you are?
Today, we see Salah as a chore, as a robotic ritual, but rather it’s a blessing for our soul because it stops us from suffocating from worldly matters.
Allah (swt) says in the Holy Qur’an 13:28:
الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَتَطْمَئِنُ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ اللهِ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُ الْقُلُوبُ
“Those who believe and whose hearts find peace in the remembrance of Allah. Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find peace.”
For the believers, true peace and tranquility lie in the remembrance of Allah, and Salah remains one of the most powerful forms of that remembrance.
The Muslim Ummah was honoured with Salah during the miraculous night of Isra and Mi’raj. Though fifty prayers were initially decreed, they were reduced to five while their reward stayed the same(Sahih Al Bukhari 349,162).
This highlights the beauty and importance of Salah, allowing believers to reconnect with Allah throughout the day and fill their hearts with serenity and devotion.
Allah swt mentions in the Quran 2:153:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اسْتَعِينُوا بِالصّبرِ وَالصَّلَاةِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ
“O believers! Seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”
When calamity falls upon a Muslim, he turns towards his Creator through Sabr and Salah. Allah provides him comfort, hope, and strength to face the difficulties of life.
Narrated by Anas ibn Malik: The Prophet (SAWS) said:
If there was a river at the door of any one of you and he took a bath in it five times a day would you notice any dirt on him?” They said, “Not a trace of dirt would be left.” The Prophet (ﷺ) added, “That is the example of the five prayers with which Allah blots out (annuls) evil deeds.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari — Hadith 528, Sahih Muslim -Hadith 667)
Salah is not just a physical act of worship, but also a path to a pious life. When Salah is performed with sincerity, it prevents evil acts and instills God – consciousness. 29:45
Then comes the big question – How to make Salah better? How to have Khushu’ in Salah?
The pre-salah mind shift
This includes preparing oneself for Salah by taking a few moments to clear one’s mind from worldly chatters before Takbir. It also includes realising who we are praying to, and why we are praying.
Mid-salah
Learning the meaning of what we recite makes each Salah a truly enriching and personal experience. It enables us to truly engage in conversation with Allah rather than just reciting
words without even knowing what they mean.
Sujood
Sujood is the moment when a believer feels closest to Allah. By placing the forehead on the ground, arrogance fades, and the heart becomes calm and peaceful. It strengthens the bond between the believer and Allah.
Related: To ensure you never miss a prayer, learn how to manage your day around prayer times with these ten practical tips.
Salah reminds us of our Creator, who has bestowed upon us his blessings. It reminds us that no matter what situation we are tested with, we must remain steadfast and patient. It brings serenity to the heart, strengthens faith, and provides a sense of peace within us.
Narrated by Abu Huraira (RA): The Prophet said:
“The coolness of my eyes has been placed in prayer.”(Sunan an-Nasa’i — Hadith 3939)
Last but definitely not least, everyone has their own journey towards their deen, towards their Rabb. Allah notices every little effort. Allah cares about your journey of struggle, not about the destination. So trust him and keep trying. Wallahi, he won’t let these struggles go in vain.
So whenever it feels hard to keep up, remember Salah is an obligation for sure, but above that it’s a gift from Our Rabb, a source of comfort for the believer.
Even when you are away from home, the obligation remains, so understanding the rules for performing Salah while traveling is essential.
Instilling this love and discipline in the next generation starts early—discover effective ways to teach your child to pray from a young age.
