and if any of them neglects the duties of leading prayer or departs from the prescribed call to prayer, he must require him to comply. In matters beyond his capacity, he must seek assistance from those holding military and judicial authority. Everyone whose authority is obeyed must also assist in this.

For “prayer” is the foremost of righteous deeds, the pillar of Islam, and the greatest of its prescribed observances. It is paired with the two testimonies of faith. Allah made it obligatory on the night of the Ascension, addressing the Messenger directly, without an intermediary; He did not send an angelic messenger with it. It was the last thing the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, enjoined upon his community. In Allah’s Book, it is singled out for particular mention after a general statement, as in His words, Exalted is He:

“And those who hold fast to the Book and establish prayer.”

And His words:

“Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer.”

It is also coupled with patience, zakat, sacrifice, and jihad in various passages of Allah’s Book, as in His words, Exalted is He:

“And seek help through patience and prayer.”

And His words:

“And establish prayer and give zakat.”

And His words:

“Indeed, my prayer and my sacrifice.”

And His words:

“Forceful against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating.”

And His words:

“And when you are among them and lead them in prayer, let a group of them stand with you, taking their weapons. When they have prostrated, let them go behind you, and let another group, which has not yet prayed, come forward and pray with you, taking their precautions and their weapons.”

Continuing to His words:

“And when you are secure, establish prayer. Indeed, prayer has been prescribed for the believers at appointed times.”