Salah - Half of Faith

INTRODUCTION Prayer (Salah) is the most important pillar of Islam. Indeed it is the dividing line between Islam and infidelity. Salah is a duty incumbent on every Muslim, male or female, who has attained the age of maturity and has a sound mind. There are numerous verses in the Holy Qur'an commanding Muslims to observe Salah regularly. Allah Ta'ala says: "Guard the prayers strictly, especially the middle Prayer (i.e. `Asr) and stand up in prayer to Allah with true devotion." al Baqarah 238 "Verily, the prayer is enjoined on the believers at stated times." an Nisa' 103 The Messenger of Allah Ta'ala constantly reminded the community of the importance of Salah and warned them of the consequences of neglecting it. The Prophet [PBUH] said in Hadith: "The dividing line between a believer and the disbeliever is the negligence of prayer." M u s l i m In another report the Messenger of Allah Ta'ala said: "The first thing about which a person will be asked on the Day of Judgement will be the Salah." at-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud All praise is due to Allah Ta'ala, The Supreme Master of all the worlds. Countless Durood and Salaam be upon our beloved Nabi, Sayyidina Muhammad( PBUH ).