The Virtues of Salaat

THE VIRTUES OF SALAAT

 

Allah Ta’ala commands: ‘And establish Salaat.’

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said: “Salaat is the key to Jannah.”

 

A GUARANTEED JANNAT

Hazrat Abu Hurairah Radhiyallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said: “Guarantee (guard for) me six things, I will guarantee you Jannat:

  1. Salaat (performing five times Namaaz),
  2. Zakaat,
  3. Amaanat (fulfilling a trust/responsibility),
  4. (Guarding) The private part (from Zina),
  5. (Guarding) The stomach (by not eating doubtful and Haraam),
  6. And (guarding) the tongue (by not speaking Haraam, etc.).” [Tabraani]

WITH WHOM WILL YOU BE ON THE DAY OF QIYAAMAH?

Hazrat Abdullah Bin Amr Radhiyallahu Anhu narrates that Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam was one day speaking about Salaat, so he (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: “The one who guards it (i.e. Salaat), it will be for him/her a Nur (light), a Burhaan (an evidence) and a Najaat (a means of salvation) on the Day of Qiyaamah. And the person who does not guard it (i.e. his Salaat), neither will it be for him a light, nor an evidence (on his behalf) nor a means of salvation for him/her and on the Day of Qiyaamah such a person will be with Qaaroon, Fir’oun, Haamaan and Ubay bin Khalaf.” [Musnad Ahmed]

THE MOST BELOVED DEED BY ALLAH

Hazrat Abdullah Bin Mas’ood Radhiyallahu Anhu said: “I asked Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam: ‘Which Amal (deed) is the most beloved according to Allah Ta’ala?’ He (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: ‘Salaat at its appointed time.” [Bukhari, Muslim] In Tirmizi and Abu Dawud, it is also mentioned that the most virtuous Amal is Salaat which is performed on time!

THE IMPORTANCE AND BARKAT OF SALAAT

Hadhrat Muhammad Abu Nasr Al-Marozi (died 484 Hijri) was an Imaam of Qiraa’t. Once while on a sea voyage, the boat was wrecked in a storm, and he was cast on to the stormy waters. The wild waves buffeted him mercilessly. He would disappear underwater and suddenly surface.

In this state of near despair and fear, he discerned that the sun was about to set. It occurred to him that he had not performed Asr Salaat. Immediately he made the intention of Wudhu. Simultaneously, the water sucked him into its depths. When he surfaced, he saw a broad piece of plank. He clambered on to it and performed Asr Salaat. He drifted on this raft for some time. Soon the plank drifted to the shore. By the barkat of the Salaat, Allah Ta’ala saved him from drowning.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SALAAT

On the occasion of Hadhrat Umar’s assassination by the fire-worshipper, Lu’Lu’, he (Hadhrat Umar) had just commenced the Takbeer of Fajr Salaat when the evil mushrik plunged his poisonous dagger several times into the body of Ameerul Mu’mineen. As he was about to lapse into unconsciousness, he indicated to Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan Bin Auf to lead the Salaat. He then lost consciousness.

Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan (Radhiyallahu Anhu) shortened the Salaat by reciting Surah Asr and Surah Kauthar. After Salaat, the Sahaabah carried Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu Anhu) to his home. When his eyes opened, the first question he asked: “Did the people perform Salaat?” The Sahaabah replied: “Yes, they have performed Salaat.” Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu Anhu), satisfied, said: “Alhamdulillaah! There is no Islam for him who abandons Salaat.” Despite his rapidly deteriorating condition and extreme weakness, Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu Anhu) made Wudhu and performed Fajr Salaat. [May Allah make us steadfast on our Salaat. Aameen]