Importance of Salah (Prayer)
Allah (SWT) has said in the Quran:
“I have not created the Jinn and Humankind for any other purpose except that they should worship me” — Holy Qur'an (51:56)
The purpose of our birth and our life is no other than that of the worship of Allah (SWT). Salah (prayer) is considered the most important act of worship. It strengthens the foundations of our faith. It also helps a person live a life of goodness and obedience to Allah (SWT). When you perform your salah (prayer), you renew your commitements to Allah (SWT). Prayer is so important, that it has been emphasized about 500 times in the Quran.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once took a dried tree branch and shook it until all the leaves fell off. Then he said "The sins of those who pray, drop off just like the leaves of this branch fell off. The Prophet (PBUH) also said "The key to Heaven is salah (prayer). The key to salah (prayer) is Purification."
While in salah (prayer), one communicates with Allah (SWT)and experiences his presence. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)while on his deathbed left us with this quote:
“The first thing we will have to answer about on The Day of Judgement is salah (prayer).” —