“114–115” “Establish prayer at both ends of the day and during the hours of the night. Indeed, good deeds wipe away evil deeds. That is a reminder for those who take heed. * And be patient, for Allah does not allow the reward of those who do good to be lost.”

Allah Most High commands that prayer be established in full “at both ends of the day”—that is, at its beginning and its end. This includes the dawn prayer and the noon and afternoon prayers. “And during the hours of the night” includes the sunset and night prayers, as well as voluntary night prayer, for it is among the acts that draw the servant near to Allah Most High.

“Indeed, good deeds wipe away evil deeds.” These five prayers, together with the voluntary prayers connected to them, are among the greatest good deeds. Besides being good deeds that draw one near to Allah and earn reward, they also remove and erase evil deeds. What is meant here is minor sins, as specified by the authentic hadiths of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. One such hadith states: “The five prayers, one Friday prayer to the next, and one Ramadan to the next are expiations for whatever occurs between them, provided the major sins are avoided.” This is also specified by the verse in Surah al-Nisā’, in which Allah Most High says: “If you avoid the major sins you are forbidden to commit, We will erase your lesser misdeeds and admit you through an honorable entrance.”

“That” perhaps refers to everything mentioned above: the obligation to remain steadfast upon the straight path without departing from it or transgressing its bounds; the prohibition against inclining toward those who do wrong; the command to establish prayer; and the explanation that good deeds wipe away evil deeds. All of this is “a reminder for those who take heed,” through which they understand what Allah has commanded and forbidden them, and comply with those wholesome commands that yield good, ward off evil, and erase sins. These matters, however, require striving against oneself and patiently persevering in them. Allah therefore says:

“And be patient”—that is, hold yourself firmly to obedience to Allah and restrain yourself from disobeying Him, compelling yourself to persist in this. Continue and do not grow weary.

“For Allah does not allow the reward of those who do good to be lost.” Rather, Allah accepts from them the best of what they have done and rewards them according to the best of their deeds. This offers tremendous encouragement to persevere patiently, inspiring the weak soul with longing for Allah’s reward whenever it grows weary and slackens.