say that he is a disbelieving apostate: no funeral prayer is to be offered for him, nor is he to be buried among Muslims. Others say that he is like a highway robber, a murderer, or someone who commits unlawful sexual intercourse after having consummated a valid marriage.

The tremendous importance of prayer deserves mention here, for it is the foundation and pillar of the religion. Allah Most High accords it greater honour in His Book than any other act of worship. Sometimes He singles it out for mention; sometimes He associates it with zakat, with patience, or with sacrifice, as in His words:

“Establish prayer and give zakat.”

And His words:

“Seek help through patience and prayer.”

And His words:

“So pray to your Lord and sacrifice.”

And His words:

“Indeed, my prayer, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds. He has no partner. This I have been commanded, and I am the first of the Muslims.”

Sometimes He begins and ends His enumeration of righteous deeds with prayer, as in the surah “A Questioner Asked” and at the beginning of the surah “The Believers.” Allah Most High says:

“Successful indeed are the believers,
those who are humble in their prayers,
who turn away from idle talk,
who give zakat,
who guard their private parts,
except with their spouses or those whom their right hands possess, for then they are free from blame.
But whoever seeks beyond that—those are the transgressors.
And those who honour their trusts and covenants,
and who carefully maintain their prayers.
Those are the inheritors,
who will inherit Paradise; they will abide therein forever.”

We ask Allah the Magnificent to make us and you among those who inherit Paradise and abide therein forever. Peace be upon you, and Allah’s mercy and blessings. All praise belongs to Allah alone. May Allah bestow blessings and abundant peace upon Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.