The Importance and Benefits of Salat in Islam

Salat purifies the heart, strengthens the faith, and connects Muslims with God and each other. It shows ubudiyya (servanthood to God) and leads to spiritual enlightenment. It indicates the believer’s devotion and compliance to his Lord. It recalls death, resurrection, and judgment.

Salat: A Divine Communication and Communion

Salat is a dialogue with the All-Merciful One, a rise to His presence, and a delight in His blessings. It expresses love, respect, and gratitude to Him. Salat is a key to the treasure of mercy and a way to achieve Divine pleasure. It is a penalty for sins and a plea for forgiveness. It is a protection from misguidance and a defense from Satan. It reflects Divine Oneness on man’s heart and mind. Salat is a secret between God and His servant. It is a hidden treasure that He has placed in the heart of His friends. It is a light that He has kindled in their breasts.

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The first thing for which a person will be brought to account on the Day of Resurrection will be his salat. If it is sound, he will have prospered and succeeded, but if it is lacking in any way, he will have failed and lost. If anything is lacking from his obligatory prayers, the Lord will say: ‘Look and see if My slave has any voluntary prayers that can complete what is lacking from his obligatory prayers.’ Then all his deeds will be dealt with in a similar manner.” (Sunan an-Nasa’i 465)

It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘When the time for prayer comes, if any Muslim performs ablution well and offers his prayer with humility and bowing, it will be an expiation for his past sins, so long as he has not committed a major sin; and this applies for all times.’” (Sahih Muslim 228)