What is the importance and virtue of regular prayer?
The orders of Allah in the Qur’an are not said with the word “Pray!” but they are said with the words “Establish prayer!”
A prayer that is offered properly restrains the believer from sensual inclinations; it gives the believer ecstasy. It is said in the Qur’an:
”.. And establish regular prayer: for prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds; and the remembrance of Allah is the greatest (thing in life) without doubt…” (Ankabut, 29:45).
Prayer restrains the believer from misdeeds either before prayer or after it, and of course, during prayer. If prayer does not restrain one from misdeeds that means s/he does not pray regularly. The Prophet (J) says about the prayers of these kinds of people:
“Whoever is not restrained from clear and ambiguous misdeeds by the prayer he does, he moves away from Allah.” (Jam’ al-Fawaid, I. 339)
Therefore, the most important point to be observed during prayer is pious reverence.
Source: Osman Nuri Topbaş, ISLAM SPIRIT AND FORM, Erkam Publications
The Five Compulsory Daily Prayers
WHAT IS ISLAM?
