A9 TV, 15 September 2012

Prayer is obligatory. Allah says in one verse; that the people of hell will be asked “‘What caused you to enter Saqar (the scorching heat)?” Do you know what the first thing the people of hell say is? Look, the very first. They say that they did not used to pray. They say that en masse. Is that enough? Yes, it is. Prayer is in all faiths. Praying five times a day has been obligatory since the time of Hazrat Adam (pbuh). It has never changed. The bowing and prostrations are all the same.

A9 TV, 6 July 2012

(In regard to a viewer's mail asking ;"My dear Master, would a person go to hell just because he does not perform his prayers? Would his prayers to Allah with this reason be accepted?")

Anyone who says “La ilaha Illa Allah Mohammed Ar-Rasul Allah” is a Muslim anyway. But if he doesn't perform his religious obligations, if he slacks off, then he will be a sinner. It is not right to say, "Allah would not forgive a sinner." He would pray for it, and Allah might put him in His Heaven. But he should definitely perform his prayers nonetheless. Prayers five times a day, especially those that are a religious obligation should be performed. If you can't perform five times a day, perform four times a day. If you can't do that, pray three times. If not, pray twice, once in the morning, once in the evening. If you cannot do that, only perform your morning prayers. If you are not able to do that, perform your Friday prayers. If you are unable to do that either, perform your prayers in religious festivals [bairams], but in any case you are a Muslim. You are a radiant Muslim. A man might be performing his prayers, but he might also have malice in his heart, so none of his prayers might be valid or accepted- may Allah forbid. Allah says in the verse; [ I seek refuge with Allah from the satan]"When they get up to pray, they get up lazily, showing off to people.." There is a verse about this. Allah might not give him good deeds for that. That is why you should be performing your prayers at least once or twice every day. Do not make yourself called the one without prayers so that the angels will not say; "This one did not perform prayers."

If My servants ask you about Me, I am near. I answer the call of the caller when he calls on Me. They should therefore respond to Me and believe in Me so that hopefully they will be rightly guided. (Surat al-Baqara, 186)

There has to be a very rational connection in prayer to Allah. Prayer is an important observance that establishes a connection to Allah. Prayer must not be thought of as something just to be learned by rote; it has to be reflected on and performed sincerely. In complete submission, even in awe, as the verses describe it, with fear and love of Allah, and with a vibrant joy. It is an excellent thing if we do it with fear of Allah ruling our souls, optimistically, with good expectations and with awe. It is an incredibly important act of worship.