Praying five times a day…

Unless you were previously practicing orthodox Judaism, which requires 3 prayers a day, this is probably the most taxing and difficult aspect of Islam to accustom one’s self to. Most of us, even those of us who were very religious or spiritual as non-Muslims, did nothing remotely similar to this in our religious routines prior to Islam. Thus, Allah says what means:

{وَاسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاةِ ۚ وَإِنَّهَا لَكَبِيرَةٌ إِلَّا عَلَى الْخَاشِعِينَ} ﴿٤٥﴾ سورة البقرة

“And seek help in patience and al-Salaat (the prayers) and truly, it is extremely heavy and hard except for the reverently submissive.” [2:45]

So when we perform these prayers with concentration and reverence for Allah, they will be light upon us and will be the most beloved part of our days and lives.

Nonetheless, the five daily prayers make up the most important of all a Muslim’s actions and they are the first thing a believer will be asked about on the Day of Resurrection.

The best ways for a new Muslim to begin this duty faithfully is with other Muslim friends to help one along—having friends call you to remind you and motivate you; being in the presence of practicing Muslims and attending the local mosque for prayers as much as possible. Also, the daily prayers are not a “burden” or a “responsibility” to be looked at like any other chore that you have, like taking out the garbage or washing the dishes, even though at first, it may be on your “to-do list” and you probably won’t enjoy it as much as you could if you understood the meaning of the words. Even without understanding the exact words, consider the whole act, and every part of it, the standing, bowing, prostrating and sitting, as worship and prayer in of themselves, as if your limbs were asking for forgiveness for any shortcomings they have in fulfilling Allah’s Rights. And when your face is on the ground, as close as it will ever come to Allah in this life, it is a chance to invoke Allah and ask for guidance, strength, forgiveness and to ask Allah for safe passage in this life and in the Hereafter and to ask specifically for help in whatever looms over you at that moment. And just as one of the verses mentioned, the prayers are the best and sweetest activity for when you are being tested in your life and experiencing difficulty. Eventually it will become a savoring and restful activity when you dedicate yourself to it, and make proper preparations for each and every prayer. It will rejuvenate you and revitalize your soul until your next prayer, and Allah will grant you more prosperity in the rest of your activities and relationships. Thus, the prayer is an escape and sanctuary from distractions and worries and from the daily “grind” and a reminder of where you really need to turn when the situation gets tough as well as a safeguard from forgetting our Islamic identity and the rest of what defines us as Muslims. Thus, because of these five daily prayers, the religiosity of Muslims is greater than that of followers of any other religion, because Allah’s remembrance fills our lives. Hence, Allah says what means “And establish the prayer for my remembrance” 20:14. People who simply claim “I remember God in my heart,” often don’t remember God at all. After all, what you say and do is only a reflection of your thoughts, convictions and feelings. The times of the prayer are placed perfectly throughout the day of a worshiper to remind him or her and to repel evil from his path. Allah says what means, “Truly, the prayer has been enjoined upon the believers at fixed times.” [4:103] there is an increased concentration of prayers in the evening since most disobedience to Allah is committed in the evening.

{اتْلُ مَا أُوحِيَ إِلَيْكَ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَأَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ ۖ إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ تَنْهَىٰ عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنكَرِ ۗ وَلَذِكْرُ اللَّـهِ أَكْبَرُ ۗ وَاللَّـهُ يَعْلَمُ مَا تَصْنَعُونَ} ﴿٤٥﴾ سورة العنكبوت

“Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book, and perform As-Salaat (the prayers). Verily, As-Salaat (the prayer) prevents lewdness and immorality. And the remembrance of Allah is greater indeed. And Allah knows all that you do.” [29:45]

Part of making one’s prayers for the sake of Allah is not feeling afraid or shy because of who or what surrounds you wherever you are. Alhamdulillah, prayer can be performed at work, school, home or elsewhere if the need arises. I have personally found that in America, if I speak to my supervisors on day one and tell them that I’m a Muslim and need a quiet place to pray just for a few minutes one or two times every shift, they are always glad to help. My breaks were always filled with prayer unlike the heart-deadening gossip that co-workers often indulge in. Most businesses in America have a lawn, sidewalk or storage room that is rarely trafficked. So don’t feel shy of what people will say or think of you, rather, hope and fear how Allah regards you. So if the time for prayer comes and is about to go and you’re out and about, you can pray wherever you may be. Sure, people may stare for a moment and scratch their heads, but rarely more than that. However, it is best for a Muslim to structure their day so they’ll be home or can swing by the masjid for prayer so that it can be performed while the mind is at ease. And if you do pray in public, make it for Allah, don’t try to show off or be prideful.

Read on to learn about zakat, the next pillar of submission (Islam) that is often mentioned side-by-side with prayer in the Quran…