and their purpose is to attain the remembrance of Allah Most High.

Hence Allah Most High says, “Establish prayer for My remembrance.” 1 That is, establish prayer for the sake of remembering Allah, Glorious and Exalted. This draws attention to the immense standing of prayer, for it is humble supplication to Allah Most High, standing before Him, petitioning Him—Mighty and Majestic—and establishing His remembrance. Thus, prayer is itself remembrance, and Allah Most High has called it remembrance, saying, “O you who believe, when the call to prayer is made on Friday, hasten to the remembrance of Allah.” 2 He called prayer “remembrance” here because remembrance is its spirit, core, and very essence. Those who receive the greatest reward for prayer are those whose remembrance of Allah Most High within it is strongest, most earnest, and most abundant. The same applies to every act of obedience and worship through which a servant draws near to Allah.

Imam Ahmad and al-Tabarānī narrated through ʿAbd Allah ibn Lahīʿa, who said: Zabbān ibn Fāʾid related to us, from Sahl ibn Muʿādh ibn Anas al-Juhanī, from his father, that a man asked the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—“Which of those who strive in Allah’s cause receive the greatest reward, O Messenger of Allah?” He replied, “Those who remember Allah most.” The man asked, “Which fasting people receive the greatest reward?” He replied, “Those who remember Allah most.” He then mentioned prayer, zakat, pilgrimage, and charity, and in each case the Messenger of Allah replied, “Those who remember Allah most.” Abū Bakr then said to ʿUmar—may Allah be pleased with them both—“Those who remember Allah have carried off every good.” The Messenger of Allah replied, “Indeed.” 3