Chapter: The Merit of the Prescribed Prayers

Allah the Exalted says, “Indeed the prayer restrains from shameful and evil deeds” (Qur’an 29:45).

Explanation

The author—may Allah have mercy on him—opens Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn with a chapter on the virtue of the prescribed prayers. These prayers are the well-defined acts of worship that begin with the takbīr (saying “Allāhu Akbar”) and end with the taslīm (the salutation of peace). After the two testimonies of faith, they are the firmest, the most excellent, and the most beneficial pillar of Islam.

Prayer is the believer’s link to his Lord. He stands before Allah and confides in Him. When he recites, “All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds,” Allah replies, “My servant has praised Me.” When he says, “The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,” Allah says, “My servant has extolled Me.” When he says, “Master of the Day of Judgment,” Allah says, “My servant has glorified Me.” When he continues, “You alone we worship and You alone we ask for help,” Allah declares, “This is between Me and My servant, divided in two.” And when the worshipper says, “Guide us to the straight path,” Allah says, “This is for My servant, and for My servant is whatever he asks.” Such is the nearness and intimate discourse that occurs in prayer.

The ṣalāh consists of words and movements, all of which express veneration. From the very first declaration, “Allāhu Akbar,” the worshipper affirms that Allah is greater than everything—in knowledge, sovereignty, majesty, and might. The seven heavens and the seven earths rest in His hand like a mustard seed in the palm of one of us.