First published on: Can Prayer Change Your Life?


by Randa Hussein

Nothing is more beautifully satisfying to the soul than praying to God. As in all belief systems, praying is pivotal. However, Islamic praying is unique. It is composed of two components, a physical and a spiritual form of worship.

What is prayer in Islam?

Daily prayer is referred to as “Salah” in the Arabic language. It is an act of worship specific and unique to Islam both in its form and spirit. While the English word prayer conveys a general meaning of supplication or invocation, Salah is an act of submission and worship to the Supreme Creator, Allah, and is expressed in a group of specific and well defined physical acts embodying the spirit. This act of worship is ordained upon all Muslims five times per day as an obligation and is the second pillar of the faith.

Why pray?

The Lord God Almighty invites people to pray to Him. He commands one to pray, and He promises to listen when one does. God loves you and wants you to know Him so He would fill you with peace and give you real life forever.

When you feel pain and helplessness, nothing can heal your soul more than praying to Allah and having patience for persisting on it. Muslims seek help and guidance from Allah through patience and prayer, Allah says:

And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah]” (Quran.com/2/45)

Islamic ruling of Salah:

The prescribed five daily prayers are mandatory on all individuals post puberty as commanded by Allah in the Holy Book: “Verily, Salah is an obligation on the believers to be observed at its appointed time.” (Quran.com/4/103)

Voluntary prayers in excess of the above are highly encouraged and are recommended as a means of turning to the divine help at times of personal need, grief and distress.

The spiritual component of Salah:

The second form of worship during prayers is called “Zikr”, meaning “meditation” is an individual act of remembrance of Allah at all times to glorify Him and remain thankful for His mercy and beneficence. Allah said

So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.“ (Quran.com/2/152).  

Through praying and remembering God, the Muslim individual seeks closeness to the Creator and attains inner peace and tranquility. Allah knows best His creation.

Gains of Salah:

Prayers can manage a Muslim’s time throughout the day. One can Schedule around one’s Prayers. Allah has created a framework for a Muslim’s daily schedule. Plan around the 5 daily prayers and things will start to fall in place. Whether he is booking a flight or creating a seminar, there is an embedded wisdom in pivoting one’s tasks around prayers.

The nonstop connection and communication with Allah are unique and fulfilling.

Praying 5 times a day can make a dramatic change in a Muslim’s life. It can change and develop one’s behaviors and mindset thought out the day.

Allah’s Messenger said:

Shall I tell you that for which Allah will wipe out your sins, and raise your ranks?” They said, “Of course Allah’s Messenger!” He said: “Performing Wudu (washing before prayers) well in difficulty, and taking many steps to the Masajid (mosques), and waiting for Salat after Salat, that is the Ribat (what should be persevered on)” [Sunnan Tirmidhi]

Starting the day during fajr (dawn) with the Fajr prayer gives one a head start before anyone else both physically and spiritually. Performing Salah at the mosque makes this more concrete. By the time noon comes around, a Muslim would find that he has productively accomplished most of the day’s tasks already.

Prophet Muhammad says:

O Allah, bless my nation in their early mornings”[Sunan Ibn Majah]

Moreover, if one feels low or anxious, or upon becoming less active, one must turn to Allah and pray.

To conclude,  

We often talk about the mind and body as though they are completely separate – but they aren’t. The mind can’t function unless the body is working properly. During praying you are submitted to God with your whole body and soul. Allah said:

Indeed, mankind was created anxious- When evil touches him, impatient, and when good touches him, withholding [of it], Except the observers of prayer –Those who are constant in their prayer.” (Quran.com/70/19–23)

Praying to God is a great act of worship and a blessing. When you do the right thing and observe praying regularly, you get the feeling of inner peace and serenity. Do it again and again.