Virtues of Salah

The human being is the only creature who has been distinguished from other creatures with the instinct of knowing right from wrong. He is, therefore, the only one who is expected to be the perfect image of his Creator. That is why the objective of his life is to know his Creator and become a perfect image of his attributes, as Allah (swt) says in the Glorious Qur'an:
"I have only created jinns and men that they may serve Me" [Al Dhariyat 51:56]

SALAH or the method of worship is the main media through which a human can establish a relationship with his Creator and it is one of the main doors which leads to his complete submission to Allah's will. 

Salah also prevents him from wrongdoings. Allah (swt) says:
"...for Prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds..." [Al Ankabut 29:45]. Which shows that Salat or prayer is a guarantee from Allah that if a worshipper observes prayer with all its conditions, he will be safe from evils, manifest or hidden, small or great. Prophet (peace be on him) asked to the companions, "If there was a river at the door of anyone of you and he took a bath in it five times a day, would you notice any dirt on him?." They replied! "Not a trace of dirt would be left." Prophet added, "This is the example of the five daily prayers with which Allah blots out (annuls) evil deeds." [Sahih Al-Bukhari Vol.1 Hadith 506 Narrated Abu Huraira]  

When we reflect on the creation of the universe and the law that governs it and the design and variety that pleases our eyes, we naturally are convinced of existence and greatness of Allah (swt).

Allah (swt) says in the Glorious Qur'an:
"Behold! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of Night and Day - There are indeed Signs for men of understanding - Men who celebrate the praises of Allah while standing, sitting and lying on their sides, and contemplate the (wonders of) creation in the heavens and the earth (with the thought): "Our Lord, not for naught Hast Thou created (all) this! Glory to Thee! Give us Salvation from the Penalty of the Fire." (Al-Imran, 3:190-192)

This verse beautifully tells us that when a worshipper reflects upon the structure of the Universe he becomes overwhelmed with the greatness of its Creator. The ENTITY Who created such an awe-inspiring structure with such detailed arrangement and accuracy. He is alone to be worshipped and so right for protection.

Narrated Jabir ibn Abdullah, Allah's Messenger said: "The key to Paradise is prayer (salah) and the key to prayer is cleanliness (Ablution). [Al-Tirmidhi Hadith 115]

Narrated Abu Huraira Allah's Apostle said, "Satan puts three knots at the back of the head of any of you if he is asleep. On every knot he reads and exhales the following words, 'The night is long, so stay asleep.' When one wakes up and remembers Allah, one knot is undone; and when one performs ablution, the second knot is undone, and when one prays the third knot is undone and one gets up energetic with a good heart in the morning; otherwise one gets up lazy and with a mischievous heart." [Sahih Al Bukhari Vol.2 Hadith 243]

Narrated 'Abdullah : A person was mentioned before the Prophet and he was told that he had kept on sleeping till morning and had not got up for the prayer. The Prophet said, "Satan urinated in his ears."  [Sahih Al Bukhari Vol.2 Hadith 245]

 Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) said, "Our Lord, the Blessed, the Superior, comes every night down on the nearest Heaven to us when the last third of the night remains, saying: "Is there anyone to invoke Me, so that I may respond to invocation? Is there anyone to ask Me, so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone seeking My forgiveness, so that I may forgive him?" [Sahih Al Bukhari Vol.2 Hadith 246]

Narrated Ibn 'Umar, Allah's Apostle said, "Offer some of your prayers in your houses and do not make them graves." [Sahih Al Bukhari Vol.2 Hadith 280]

There are five daily prayer services participation in which is obligatory. This may seem a little too much, but it is all a matter of comparative values. Those who realize the true value of prayer through experience are convinced that time spent in it is occupied much more beneficially than that spent in other pursuits.

Allah subhan wata'ala knows best.

Source:

Sahih Al-Bukhari translated by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Islamic University Al-Medina Al-Munawwara, Published: 1980 , Publisher: Dar Al Arabia, Beirut, Lebanon.

The Meaning of the Holy Qur’an, 11th edition 1429 AH / 2008 C.E with Revised English Translation, Commentary and Index by ‘Abdullah Yusuf ‘Ali.

Last updated 20th November 2013

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