Chapter: The command to safeguard the prescribed prayers, and the emphatic prohibition and severe warning against abandoning them.

Allah, the Exalted, says, “Guard your prayers—especially the middle prayer.”

And He, the Exalted, says, “But if they repent, establish prayer, and give the zakah, then let them go their way.”

1074 – Ibn Masʿūd (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I asked the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, “Which deed is best?” He replied, “Prayer performed at its proper time.” I asked, “Then what?” He said, “Showing dutifulness to one’s parents.” I asked, “Then what?” He said, “Striving in the path of Allah.” Agreed upon.