Gain Strength from Salah! Part 1

"Guard strictly your prayers, especially the Middle Prayer; and stand before Allah in a devout (frame of mind)."(Surah Al-Baqarah: 238)

When Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala spoke directly to Moses Alaihe Salam, He said:"And I have chosen you, so listen to that which is inspired to you. Verily, I am Allah! There is none worthy of worship but I, so worship Me and offer prayer perfectly for My remembrance." (Taha 13-14)

Also, the prayers were made obligatory upon this Ummah during the miraculous journey of  Prophet Muhammad SallaAllahu Alaihe WaSallam during his ascension to heaven. Furthermore, Allaah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala  describes the qualities of a successful believer as follows in one of the noble chapters of Qura'an:Successful indeed are the believers. Those who offer their Salât with all solemnity and full submissiveness.( Surah Al-Mu'minoon 1-2)

And then, the first matter than a person shall be asked about on the Day of Judgement is his Salah, his prayers.

Aren't these signs enough for you Ya Abd-Allaah!? (Slave of Allaah)

 The most important aspect of a believer's life is his relationship with his Lord.  This relationship can be enhanced and strengthened by improving the conditions of our Salah. The Salah that will increase us in God-consciousness (taqwa of Allaah), sincerity (ikhlaas) is the one that will benefit us. 

Salah isn't something that came into existence with Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihe WaSallam; the earlier prophets prayed in some similar ways. The Muslims are the only nation who pray in accordance to the the way their Prophet taught them; Jews and Christians do not pray as their prophets used to.

Adding a gem from one of my previous blog..                     

                               

 إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ

(5. You we worship, and You we ask for help from.)   The first part is a declaration of innocence from Shirk (polytheism), while the second negates having any power or strength, displaying the recognition that all affairs are controlled by Allah alone. This meaning is reiterated in various instances in the Qur’an. For instance, Allah said,

So we Muslims declare ourselves free of polytheism in every Rak’ah. Well and good. If your Salaah is set, then everything is fine, and if not, then it’s calling for trouble in this world and the next. ALSO, make sure you don’t steal from your prayers. How does that happen?
Here’s how
The Messenger of Allaah Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihe WaSallam  said that  “The worst thief among men is the one who steals from his prayer.” When his companions asked, “O Messenger of Allah, how does he steal from his prayer?”, he replied, “He does not complete its rukoo (bowing) and sujood (prostration).” (Sahih Hadith)
                 
 If you perform your Salah properly, it will have a lasting effect on you. The proof for this is mentioned in the Quran:"Verily, man was created impatient, irritable when evil touches him and niggardly when good touches him. Except for those devoted to prayer those who remain constant in their prayers…" (al-Maarij 19-23)The more we do something, the better we get at it.. Could the same be applied to our Salah? Has your Salah today been better than say a year ago?           

Everyday you have an opportunity to become better and turn to Allaah in humility and complete submission.

"And your Lord says, Call on Me and I will answer your prayer.." (Surah Ghaafir:60)