When we hear the phrase ‘Just Pray’, the image that comes into our minds is we Muslims getting ready to perform our solat. Either we are rushing over to the nearest musolla, surau, mosque or to our own bathroom to perform our ablutions, we see in our mind’s eyes the image of us praying to our beloved God, Allah SWT. It is indeed in an integral of every practising Muslim to perform one of the most basic things that is required of us as servants of Allah SWT; to pray.
Why exactly do we need to pray? The main reason is obviously because it is one of the Five Pillars in Islam and second only to Faith (in Allah SWT and that Muhammad SAW is our Prophet). This is one responsibility that we cannot shirk as it is mandatory and to not do so will result in sin. As Muslims it is our duty to perform solat whenever the call to prayer is sounded according to the specific times of the day where solat is required.
According to the Quran, Surah Al-Baqra Verse Nunmber 43, “And observe Prayer and pay the Zakaat, and bow down with those who bow.” It is also said in the Quran “And in some parts of the night (also) offer the Salat (prayer) with it (which is to recite the Qur'an in prayer), as an additional prayer (Tahajjud optional prayer Nawafil) for you (O Muhammad SAW). It may be that your Lord will raise you to Maqaman Mahmuda (a station of praise and glory, which is the highest degree in Paradise!).” This proves that to perform your prayers is most definitely a good deed and you shall be rewarded for it.
Aside the Quranic verses, there are also several hadiths that mention prayer. One such hadith (Al-Bukhari) states that “Once Allah's Apostle rode a horse and fell down and the right side (of his body) was injured. He offered one of the prayers while sitting and we also prayed behind him sitting. When he completed the prayer, he said, "The Imam is to be followed. Pray standing if he prays standing and bow when he bows; rise when he rises; and if he says, 'Sami a-l-lahu-liman hamida, say then, 'Rabbana wa Lakal-hamd' and pray standing if he prays standing and pray sitting (all of you) if he prays sitting.” This shows that when there is an Imam, everyone has to follow his actions.
We know that to perform the solat is compulsory but what is the reason why Allah SWT made it compulsory for us to perform this ritual for five times a day (more for the sunat solat)? The main reason why we must perform the solat is because it serves as a reminder for us of the greatness of our Lord Allah SWT. It is a means of communication with Him, whereby we stand, sit and prostate before Him, offering Him our gratitude at every blessing he has bestowed upon us and also for leading us onto the right path. This is literally food for the soul as solat will nourish it and keep us from committing terrible deeds.
Thus, when we think of a phrase like ‘Just Pray’, we are reminded once again of the importance to carry out our duty as a Muslim and pray. According to another hadith (Al-Bukhari), “Abdullah ibn Mas’ud reported: I asked, “O Messenger of Allah, which deed is best?” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Prayer in its proper time.” Even our Prophet Muhammad SAW mentioned how prayer is the best deed one should perform. Hence, let us not neglect our prayers, Muslim brothers and sisters, and let us try our very best this Ramadhan to perform our solat on time. As mentioned previously, let’s ‘Just pray’.
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Sources:
http://www.comp.leeds.ac.uk/nora/html/17-79.html
http://www.comp.leeds.ac.uk/nora/html/2-43.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salah
http://www.gowister.com/sahihbukhari-1-657.html
http://www.ahmad-sanusi-husain.com/2013/08/hadith-mengenai-solat.html#axzz4iTi7mIMF
Article is written by:
Nur Jalilah Binti Abdul Aziz, freelance writer of this blog at Zaahara. Interests include blog writing, academic writing and creative writing.
-Photos are taken from google images
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