Translation of the Article:
Dr. Shams Ragheb Reveals: How Do the Five Daily Prayers Protect Us
from the Snares of Satan?
By: Dr. Shams Ragheb
Othman
In the realm of spirituality and the sublimity of faith, the wisdom of the Almighty Creator manifests in His legislations that preserve humanity's pure nature and shield it from the whispers of Satan. Among these legislations is the obligation of prayer, a formidable fortress and a protective shield, for "were it not for the five daily prayers, Satan would have surely destroyed humankind."
Prayer... A Spiritual Connection and Divine Protection:
Prayer is not merely routine movements and words; rather, it is a direct and powerful link that connects the servant to his Lord. This connection represents protection and preservation for humanity from Satan's instigations and misleading steps. If a person were left for an entire day without prayer, Satan would easily infiltrate him, corrupting his heart, mind, and soul. However, the imposition of five daily prayers came to block Satan's path, for constant connection with Allah, anticipating His mercy, and seeking refuge in His generous presence at separate times foil all of Satan's plans to misguide humanity and infiltrate their faith and minds.
The Divine Wisdom in the Number of Prayers:
Why did Allah Almighty specify five prayers in our day? The wisdom lies in connecting the created being with the Creator throughout the day. Between each prayer time, the covenant with Allah is renewed, and the servant recalls His greatness and power. This constant remembrance and worship prepare humanity to bear the trust and fulfill Allah's vicegerency on Earth, and equip them psychologically and morally for a happy and noble life.
The Secrets of Prayer in the Holy Quran:
Two noble verses in the Holy Quran summarize its essence and virtue:
- His saying: "AndestablishprayerforMyremembrance." (Quran, 20:14). Prayer is the remembrance of Allah, and it is the supreme means of strengthening this spiritual bond.
- His saying: "." (Quran, 29:45). True prayer is a purifying force for the soul, driving it towards good and distancing it from evil.
The Secrets of Prayer... A Spiritual Bond and Purification of the Soul:
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Remembrance and Connection with Allah: Prayer is filled with the remembrance of Allah. The worshipper enters it with the Takbir (saying "Allahu Akbar"), proclaiming Allah's oneness and sovereignty. In Surah Al-Fatiha, he praises and extols Him, acknowledging His exclusive right to worship and seeking His sole aid and guidance. In bowing and prostration, humility and submission to the Creator's greatness are manifested. In the Tashahhud (testimony of faith), Allah's oneness is declared. In the Hadith Qudsi (sacred narration), Allah says: "I have divided the prayer between Myself and My servant into two halves, and My servant shall have what he asks for..." This strong spiritual bond makes prayer one of the greatest expiations for sins, as Allah says: "Andestablishprayeratthetwoendsofthedayandinthefirsthoursofthenight.Indeed,gooddeedsdoawaywithmisdeeds." (Quran, 11:114). The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, likened the five daily prayers to a river at one's doorstep in which he bathes five times a day, leaving no trace of dirt.
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Illumination of the Soul and Tranquility of the Heart: Prayer illuminates the soul, purifies the heart, brings solace in Allah, and tranquility to the self. Supplicating to Allah in prayer dispels worries, broadens the chest with hope, removes psychological complexes, and strengthens the resolve to work. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, would resort to prayer whenever something distressed him. Prayer also purifies the soul from arrogance and pride through humility before Allah and prostration to His greatness. It trains one to combine knowledge with action and to apply truths in life. It strengthens the fear of Allah, leading to sincerity and mindfulness. It is also a training in orderliness in life, regulating times and coordinating actions. Prayer also cultivates cleanliness, and its various movements are a form of exercise that surpasses many physical workouts, combining physical and spiritual exercise through remembrance and supplication.
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Refining the Soul and Disciplining Desires: Prayer refines the soul, softens the heart, sharpens the senses, and disciplines desires. The worshipper emerges from it to treat people with purity of tongue, gentleness of speech, humility, compassion for the weak, and sympathy for the needy. Allah condemned those who pray but do not benefit from their prayer, leaving it without extending a helping hand to others, for they entered it with hypocrisy, lacking a fearing heart and an understanding mind. Allah says: "." (Quran, 107:4-7). The complete and sincere prayer distances a person from committing evil and indecency.
In Conclusion:
Since prayer holds such a great educational status, it is the most important and best pillar of Islam, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "There is no religion for one who has no prayer, and the position of prayer in religion is like the position of the head in the body." Through this exposition of the wisdom behind the legislation of prayer, it becomes clear to the believer that it is for his own benefit, for Allah is independent of our worship, and that any benefit only comes through exerting effort, no matter its degree.
"ExaltedareYou;wehavenoknowledgeexceptwhatYouhavetaughtus.Indeed,itisYouwhoistheKnowing,theWise."
And may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his companions.
Dr. Shams Ragheb Othman
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