was asked, ‘Which deeds are best?’ He replied, ‘Prayer at its appointed times.’”

In another hadith, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“The first deed for which a servant will be brought to account is his prayer.”

Prayer was the last thing the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, enjoined upon his community. He used to say:

“Prayer has been made the delight of my eyes.”

He also used to say:

“Give us comfort through prayer, O Bilāl.”

He did not say, “Give us relief from it.” Whoever does not find delight and comfort of heart in prayer is deficient in faith. Allah Most High says:

“And seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive.”

The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“The foundation of the matter is Islam, its pillar is prayer, and its highest peak is jihad in the path of Allah.”

This is a vast subject that no one who believes in Allah and His Messenger can deny.