BismilLaahir Rahmaanir Raheem.
Prayer (salat) is the most important practice in Islam after declaring faith in Allah and His Messenger. The Prophet described the prayer as a light, the pillar of Islam, and among the best deeds.
Abdullah ibn Mas’ud may Allah be pleased with him reported: I asked, “O Messenger of Allah, which deed is best?” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
الصَّلَاةُ عَلَى مِيقَاتِهَا
Prayer in its proper time.
Source: Sahih Bukhari 2630, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi
But this is for the true and sincere prayer that completes its purpose and objectives, both inwardly and outwardly, not simply going through the motions without presence of heart. In order for the prayer to be fulfilled, we must allow it to purify our hearts, to keep us away from sin, and to enrich our lives in the remembrance of Allah.
Purification of the heart is the ultimate religious objective of prayer. A prayer will only be acceptable to Allah if it is done with sincerity, reverence, awareness, and repentance. Our prayers should cleanse the heart of every spiritual disease such as envy, malice, zina, gambling, arrogance etc.
Allah says:
قَدْ أَفْلَحَ مَن تَزَكَّىٰ وَذَكَرَ اسْمَ رَبِّهِ فَصَلَّىٰ
He has succeeded who purifies himself, who remembers the name of his Lord and prays. Surat Al-A’la 87:14-15. Allahu Akbar WALHAMDULILLAH.
May Allah aid us to purify our hearts towards our salaat.
Aameen.
