An Obligation That Becomes Foreign in Society

The five daily prayers are one of the most fundamental pillars of Islam, which every Muslim is obliged to perform. However, recently, a rather concerning phenomenon has emerged in our society. The five daily prayers, which should be a daily obligation for every Muslim, have increasingly felt foreign to many people. Often, those who perform the five daily prayers are considered special individuals, even perceived as "righteous" or "pious" people who are different from the majority.

Why Have the Five Daily Prayers Become Foreign?

The five daily prayers consist of Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha, performed at specific times throughout the day. This obligation has been taught to every Muslim since childhood, but in recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in the awareness and practice of these prayers among Muslims. Several factors contribute to the diminishing observance of the five daily prayers in society:

1. Busy with Worldly Activities

Many people are too busy with work, studies, or other worldly affairs, causing them to neglect the obligation of prayer. They focus more on worldly achievements and feel that prayers can be postponed or even forgotten. In reality, prayer in Islam is a way to draw closer to Allah and serves as a balance in life.

2. Social and Environmental Influence

An unsupportive social environment also plays a major role. When the surrounding environment glorifies worldly success and values material achievements more, many individuals feel embarrassed or fear being seen as "outdated" if they perform prayers regularly. In some cases, people who often pray are labeled as "too religious" or perceived as different.

3. Lack of Understanding the Meaning of Prayer

Many people perform prayers merely as a routine without understanding the meaning and wisdom behind them. In fact, prayer is a means to purify the heart and soul and to strengthen one’s closeness to Allah. Without a deep understanding, prayer may feel like a burdensome obligation rather than a spiritual need that brings peace.

Five Daily Prayers: An Indispensable Obligation

The five daily prayers are an obligation given by Allah to Muslims. Allah states in the Quran:

"Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times."

(Surah An-Nisa: 103)

This verse shows the importance of prayer in a Muslim's life. Prayer is not just a physical act of worship but also a spiritual one that connects the servant with their Creator.

Making the five daily prayers a part of daily life is the best way to maintain a relationship with Allah and achieve inner peace. Prayer teaches discipline, patience, and perseverance. Each unit of prayer contains supplications and pleas for forgiveness, helping to cleanse the heart and mind from sins and mistakes.

Why Are Those Who Perform the Five Daily Prayers Called Righteous (Shalih/Salihah)?

The phenomenon where people who perform the five daily prayers are regarded as "righteous" or "pious" is a paradox. Ideally, every Muslim who performs the five daily prayers with humility and sincerity is not a special person but merely fulfilling an established obligation.

However, in reality, those who are steadfast in prayer are often perceived as being closer to good and noble religious values. Those who pray earnestly are often associated with good character, avoiding immoral acts, and striving to live a better life according to Islamic teachings.

Therefore, although the five daily prayers are an obligation, those who perform them with full awareness and devotion are often seen as role models within the community.

Returning to the Obligation of the Five Daily Prayers

As Muslims, we must realize that the five daily prayers are an obligation that must be fulfilled without any excuse. Prayer should not become something foreign or rarely practiced. On the contrary, we must make prayer a part of our daily routine, whether in times of joy or hardship. Prayer is our form of obedience to Allah, and by performing it, we will attain happiness in this world and the Hereafter.

Therefore, let us remind ourselves and others to always perform the five daily prayers with full awareness. Do not let prayer become something foreign in our lives. By maintaining this obligation, we not only improve our relationship with Allah but also with fellow human beings and the environment around us.

Wallahu a'lam bishawab

(And Allah knows best)

Transaltor : @odysseymorii https://www.instagram.com/odysseymorii?igsh=eGlocmJxbmR5aGw3