When Salah Became Compulsory

When Salah Became Compulsory

As Muslims, we know how essential prayer is for every aspect of our lives. It strengthens our faith, purifies our hearts, and keeps us spiritually grounded. Without prayer, a person's spiritual life feels incomplete, as it is the core of our connection with Allah. Through prayer, we develop a deeper awareness of God, show compassion to others, and nurture inner piety. It’s the foundation of our faith, the most visible and sacred act that keeps us close to Allah.

From the very start of our religious journey, whether you are born into the religion of Islam or you’re a convert, it can easily be deciphered and understood that prayer is a fundamental aspect of Islam, with it being the second pillar of Islam, we understand that without it we are incomplete. While the Quran does not explicitly mention the 5 daily prayers, it does however, imply its obligation. Now, we do understand that prayer is an essential but when did it become so important?

If we look back at the life of the Prophet (PBUH) there are many events throughout his prophethood that shaped aspects of his life and the Muslim Ummah. Arguably, one of the most pivotal events of his prophethood was “The Night Journey”. 

What is ‘The Night Journey’?

Known by the arabic name of إسراء وَمِعْرَاج (al-Isra wal-Mi'raj) for the night journey the Prophet (PBUH) partook during a single night around the year AD 621. The name originates from the event that occurred as The "Isra" (Night Journey) refers to his travel from Makkah to Jerusalem, and the "Mi'raj" (Ascension) refers to his ascent to the heavens. 

The importance of the event of Al-Isra wal–Mi’raj is much more amplified as it occurred during one of the hardest times for the Prophet (PBUH). This was when he (PBUH) was a victim of extreme pain and hardship, especially by the hands of the Quraysh, his tribe and family. They would constantly ridicule, humiliate and oppress the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) all in the attempt to deter him from his mission of spreading the word of Islam. Furthermore, this was the year the Prophet (PBUH) lost 2 of his biggest supportive pillars; his wife Hazrat Khadija (RA) and his uncle Abu Talib, who was one of his protectors and ally when facing the wrath of the Quraysh’s torture. Due to all these hardships, this year was named as the Year of Sorrow (Aam al-Huzn). 

As the treatment of the Quraysh grew worse day-by-day, in an attempt to branch out and spread the word of Islam elsewhere, the Prophet (PBUH) traveled to the city of Ta’if. Sadly, the people of Ta'if responded with such hostility and malice that the Prophet (PBUH) was forced to flee for his safety.

This incident only added to the amount of the Prophet (PBUH)'s suffering, causing him to become severely depressed. This is why the Night journey and his (PBUH) ascension through the skies proved to be a comforting gift from Allah (SWT). it represented as a source of hope, comfort and encouragement for the Prophet (PBUH) from Allah (SWT). It clearly validates the common theory, which is also found in the Holy Quran, that states, 

When discussing the compulsion of prayer and its link to the incident of Al-Isra wal-Mi'raj, it is observed that this event acts as a significant moment that emphasizes the importance of prayer and further reinforces its obligation. Notebly, the command of praying is evidently mentioned as early as in some of the Makkan surahs revealed to the Prophet (PBUH) at the beginning of his prophethood. For example; 

At another instance in the Quran it is mentioned, 

The night of Al-Isra wal-Mi'raj holds further significance as it was during this event that the structure of the five daily prayers, as we practice today, was established, solidifying their place in the Islamic practice.  

To further elaborate, it was during his time in the heavens when Allah (SWT) commanded the Prophet (PBUH) to observe 50 daily prayers and to convey this message to his ummah as well. After negotiations and going back and forth between Prophet Musa (AS) and Allah (SWT) the Prophet (PBUH) was able to reduce the amount to 5 daily prayers. The authenticity and details of this event are clearly proven by the narration of a hadith by Ibn Hazm and Anas bin Malik where they state, 

“....The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Then Allah enjoined fifty prayers on my followers when I returned with this order of Allah, I passed by Moses who asked me, 'What has Allah enjoined on your followers?' I replied, 'He has enjoined fifty prayers on them.' Moses said, 'Go back to your Lord (and appeal for reduction) for your followers will not be able to bear it.' (So I went back to Allah and requested for reduction) and He reduced it to half. When I passed by Moses again and informed him about it, he said, 'Go back to your Lord as your followers will not be able to bear it.' So I returned to Allah and requested for further reduction and half of it was reduced. I again passed by Moses and he said to me: 'Return to your Lord, for your followers will not be able to bear it. So I returned to Allah and He said, 'These are five prayers and they are all (equal to) fifty (in reward) for My Word does not change.' I returned to Moses and he told me to go back once again. I replied, 'Now I feel shy of asking my Lord again…..” [Sahih al-Bukhari 349]

Clearly the act of Salah holds great importance, acting as a direct means of communication with Allah (SWT), Muslims observe salah as an essential part of their daily lives to seek guidance, forgiveness, and blessings from Allah. Not only is it an extremely productive and healthy act for ourselves, but it is also our duty to help motivate our peers to join along and care for their spiritual well being. To help you encourage your close ones, DEENIN would love to offer the Ebadat Gift Prayer Mat with Matching Prayer Beads. 

The elegant, silken Prayer mat is adorned with an intricate and elaborate pattern, due to which, this gift is the most suitable and impressive choice for any occasion. It is conveniently paired with matching prayer beads (Tasbih) further reinforcing the intention of encouraging observing prayer in your circle. Available in 4 stylish colors-blue, gold, black, and pink- this is a standout gift as it's both sophisticated and thoughtful, making it something you wouldn’t want to miss out on!

Since we are indirectly encouraging an increase in the remembrance of Allah (SWT), bringing us all closer to the Divine Power and elevating our spiritual journey. The Prophet (PBUH) himself stated, 

"He who called (people) to righteousness, there would be a reward (assured) for him like the rewards of those who adhered to it." [Sahih Muslim 2674]