Dear Children,
Have you ever wondered why we pray Salah every day? Why does it hold such an important place in our lives as Muslims? Let me take you on a journey to understand what Salah is, why it is so special, and how it helps us grow closer to Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ). Salah is much more than standing, bowing, and prostrating—it is a powerful act of worship that shapes our character, keeps us disciplined, and helps us connect with Allah every single day.
What is Salah?
Salah, my dear children, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Just as a building cannot stand tall without strong pillars, our faith in Islam becomes strong when we practice all five pillars, and Salah is at the center of them. Salah is the act of praying to Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) five times a day at specific times.
Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) commands us in the Quran:
“Establish prayer, for prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds.”
(Surah Al-Ankabut, 29:45)
This means Salah is not just about rituals but a way to make us better human beings. When we pray, we remind ourselves of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), seek His help, and promise to stay away from bad behavior.
Why is Salah Important?
Now you might ask, “Why do we need to pray so often?” That’s a good question! Salah is like food for our soul. Just as our bodies need food and water to stay healthy, our hearts and souls need Salah to stay connected to Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ). Let’s explore the importance of Salah together:
- It Brings Us Closer to Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ):
When you pray, you are speaking directly to Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ). Imagine having a special, private conversation with the Creator of the entire universe! Isn’t that amazing? Allah listens to every word you say in Salah, and this makes your bond with Him stronger.The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:“When one of you is engaged in Salah, he is in intimate communication with his Lord.”
(Bukhari) - It Makes You a Better Person:
Salah helps you stay on the right path. When you pray regularly, you are reminded of Allah’s (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) greatness, which makes it easier to stay away from lying, cheating, or hurting others.Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) says:“Indeed, Salah prevents immorality and wrongdoing.”
(Surah Al-Ankabut, 29:45) - It Helps You in Difficult Times:
When you feel sad or scared, turn to Salah. Ask Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) for help, and He will comfort you. The Prophet (ﷺ) would pray whenever he faced difficulties. He said:“The coolness of my eyes is in prayer.”
(An-Nasa’i) - It Teaches Discipline:
Praying five times a day at specific times teaches us to be organized and disciplined. You learn how to manage your time and prioritize what is important.
Also Read: Islamic Manners – Saying ‘Assalamu Alaikum’ – Spreading Peace
The Five Daily Prayers
Did you know that Salah is like a gift given to us by Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) during the miraculous journey of Isra and Mi’raj? During this journey, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was commanded by Allah to teach us to pray five times a day. These prayers are:
- Fajr (Dawn Prayer):
Fajr is prayed early in the morning before sunrise. Waking up at this time may seem hard, but it’s worth it! Starting your day by remembering Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) gives you energy and blessings throughout the day. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:“The two rak’ahs of Fajr are better than the world and all it contains.”
(Muslim) - Dhuhr (Midday Prayer):
This prayer is performed when the sun has passed its highest point. It’s a pause in your day to recharge spiritually and ask Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) for guidance. - Asr (Afternoon Prayer):
Prayed in the late afternoon, Asr helps you stay connected to Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) as your day continues. The Prophet (ﷺ) warned:“Whoever misses the Asr prayer intentionally, it is as if he has lost his family and wealth.”
(Bukhari) - Maghrib (Sunset Prayer):
After the sun sets, we pray Maghrib to thank Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) for the day that has passed and seek His blessings for the night ahead. - Isha (Night Prayer):
Isha is the final prayer of the day. It allows us to reflect on our actions and seek Allah’s (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) forgiveness before we sleep.
How to Perform Salah
Let’s learn how to pray Salah step by step. Each step brings you closer to Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ):
- Make Wudu (Ablution):
Before praying, you must be clean. Wudu is a special way of washing your hands, face, arms, and feet. Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) says:“O you who have believed, when you rise to perform prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows, and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles.”
(Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:6) - Face the Qiblah:
The Qiblah is the direction of the Kaaba in Makkah. We face the Qiblah as a sign of unity among all Muslims. - Make Niyyah (Intention):
Before starting Salah, silently make the intention in your heart to pray for Allah’s (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) sake. - Perform the Physical Actions:
Salah involves specific movements: standing (Qiyam), bowing (Ruku), prostrating (Sujood), and sitting (Tashahhud). Each action shows submission and humility to Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ).
The Spiritual Benefits of Salah
Salah is like a gift for your heart and soul. When you pray, you feel:
- Closer to Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ):
Each time you bow or prostrate, you are telling Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) how much you love and need Him. - Peaceful and Calm:
Salah helps you feel peaceful, even when you are worried or stressed. - Confident and Strong:
When you pray, you remember that Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) is always there to help you, making you braver and stronger.
Salah Teaches Life Lessons
Here’s how Salah can make you a better person:
- Discipline:
Praying at specific times teaches you to be organized and punctual. - Respect for Others:
When you pray in a group (Jama’ah), you learn teamwork and respect for others. - Gratitude:
Salah helps you thank Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) for everything you have, making you more grateful in life.
Salah in the Life of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
Did you know that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) loved Salah so much that he would pray even during battles? He showed us that nothing should stop us from praying.
He also said:
“The first thing a person will be called to account for on the Day of Judgment is Salah. If it is sound, then the rest of his deeds will be sound.”
(Tirmidhi)
A Daily Reminder
Dear children, never forget that Salah is a gift from Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ). It is a chance to speak directly to Him, seek His forgiveness, and ask for His blessings. Salah is not just a duty—it is a privilege and a joy.
Let us promise to never miss our prayers and to always strive to improve them. Remember, Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) is watching over us and loves us when we pray to Him.
May Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) make us among those who establish Salah regularly and sincerely. Ameen!
