Why do Muslims do five times of Namaz or prayer each day? is a common question. It is perceived as some sort of strain or weight in contemporary culture. I want to emphasise something on this topic today.
The fundamental goal of life, according to the Quran, is to glorify Allah. Through prayer, also known as Salat or Salah, one can speak with Allah Most High directly. It also prevents the person from engaging in harmful behaviours and vices. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W), in His Hadith, mentions that the key to heaven is Salah.
Every Muslim on the earth is bound by the phrase prayer by a thread that runs from them to Allah. It provides His follower with a sensible route to connect with and better understand Allah. Muslims must say their five daily prayers because they are required to. On the day of judgement, Allah will punish you if you don’t give prayers.
Men must offer the prayer in the Masjid with Juma’at, while women must offer the prayer at their residences. The prayers must be said while facing in the direction of Mecca, the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad.
Adhan, A Call To Prayer
The adhan, or daily call to prayer, serves as a reminder of the salat in Muslim communities. A muezzin, who serves as the mosque’s appointed call to prayer, delivers the adhan from the mosque. The muezzin recite the Takbir and the Kalimah at the call to prayer.
When Was The Prayer Made Compulsory?
According to the Ahadith, in the night of Mi’raj – the journey of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) towards heaven on 27th Rajab, prayer was made compulsory. During that journey, Allah gifted the prayer i.e. Namaz to his dearest Prophet, Muhammad(SAW).
The Quran, Hadith, and a number of Islamic texts provide clear documentation of the significance of namaz. All that was mentioned during the Mi’raj was that everyone who is a Muslim, male or female, must offer the five daily prayers. Anyone who fails to fulfil this significant religious duty is breaching Islamic law and will face punishment on the Day of Judgment.
Wudu Before Namaz
It is required to conduct the ablution before proceeding to say the prayer (wudu). It is accomplished by doing Wudu, or hand, foot, arm, and leg washing, before to prayer. Similar to Chinese Reflex-Therapy, it activates biological hot zones. Additionally, it aids in nervous system relaxation and reduces tension, stress, and anxiety. Once the Wudhu is over, you should look for a spot to worship.
The 5 Prayer times
Basically, the prayer times are set according to the movement of the sun. The five times namaz names are:
- Fajr
- Zuhar (Duhr)
- Asar
- Maghrib
- Isha
Every namaz or salah has a different meaning and benefit for the devotees. Let’s get started with the meaning and benefits of above listed 5 times namaz one by one.
1. Fajr (Morning Prayer)
The time for this prayer begins at dusk and lasts till the sun rises. There are two Fard Rakats and two Sunnah Rakats in this 4 Rakat prayer. Getting up early in the morning to pray is difficult. However, starting your day with prayer will make it more enjoyable. It provides you with inspiration and strength. According to a hadith, whomever offers the Fajr prayers will be protected by Allah throughout the day. In order to get Allah’s blessings and protection throughout the day, attempt to say the Fajr prayer. Angels are sent by Allah (SWT) to see Muslims doing Fajr prayers time early in the morning. Fajr prayer is so crucial because it protects us from
2. Zuhar (Noon Prayer)
Muslims do their second prayer, called Zuhar, after the first (Dhuhr). At midday, they begin their daily tasks by praying the Zuhar. This prayer consists of four Sunnah rakats, four Farz rakats, two Sunnah rakats, and two Nafl rakats. The Hadith states unequivocally that the gates of heaven are opened at the Zuhr hour. Therefore, it is crucial to carry out nice activities at this time. The most significant action at that moment is to offer Salah. If you say Zuhr prayers time, Allah Almighty blesses you and will protect you on the Day of Judgment from the burning of Hell. It’s likely that none of your other nice efforts in life will be rewarded.
3. Asar (Afternoon Prayer)
The Asar prayer time, which begins in the late afternoon, comes after the Zuhar prayer. Before giving the 4 Rakat Fard prayer, this prayer consists of 4 Rakat Sunnah. 4 Rakat Sunnah is Gair-Muqtada, which indicates that performing it will result in reward but will not result in sin. According to the Hadith, those who offer the Fajr and Asar prayers are granted entrance to Jannah. You are delivered from damnation and granted access to Jannah thanks to this prayer.
Allah will grant you victory in this life and the next. Your family’s health and the asar prayer are crucial. Regularly doing Asar prayers is essential if you want to improve your fortune.
4. Maghrib Prayer (Evening Prayer)
Immediately following sunset, but before it is completely dark outside and the red light in the sky has faded, is when the Maghrib prayer is given. It contains 7 Rakats, of which 3 are Fard, 2 Sunnah, and 2 Nafl. Allah will punish you in this world and the hereafter if you skip the Maghrib prayers. Allah will revoke all of his favours for you. Your duas remain unfulfilled, and Allah will dishonour anybody who skips prayer at the moment of death.
5. Isha Prayer (Night Prayer)
The Isha prayer time is the final prayer of the day, and its timing begins when the Maghrib prayer hour concludes and lasts till midnight. There are a total of 17 Rakats in it, which are divided into 4 Rakats Sunnah, 4 Rakats Fard, 2 Rakat Sunnah, 2 Rakat Nafil, 3 Witr, and 2 Rakat Nafl. This prayer will be accepted, and Allah will reward you. Therefore, be cautious never to skip the Isha prayers. Your dua will be heard by Allah, and He will bless you.
The night will be more calm if you pray before bed because it is the final prayer of the day. It’s crucial to say your prayers before bed in order to have a restful sleep.
However, there are also other Muslim prayers along with these five compulsory prayers. They are:
- Jumma prayer (offered only on Friday noon)
- Tahjjud prayer (offered late night but it is not a compulsory prayer)
- Tarawih prayer (offered with the Isha prayer only in the Holy month of Ramadan)
- Eid prayers (offered on the day of Eid ul Fitr and Eid al Adha.
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