Why is Salah the Second Pillar of Islam?

Why is Salah the Second Pillar of Islam?

The Pillars of Islam: A Brief Overview

In order to understand why Salah holds such a prominent place in Islam, it is important to first understand the concept of the Five Pillars of Islam. These five pillars form the foundation of a Muslim’s life and act as practical manifestations of the belief system in Islam. The Five Pillars of Islam are as follows:

1. Shahada (Faith) – The declaration of faith: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.”
2. Salah (Prayer) – The act of praying five times a day.
3. Zakat (Charity) – The giving of a portion of one’s wealth to the poor and needy.
4. Sawm (Fasting) – The act of fasting during the month of Ramadan.
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage) – The journey to Mecca, which every Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime if financially and physically able.

Each of these pillars serves to strengthen and reinforce a Muslim’s faith and relationship with Allah. While all of these pillars are essential, Salah, the second pillar, plays an especially pivotal role in shaping the spiritual life of a believer.

The Religious and Spiritual Importance of Salah

Salah as the First Obligation after Shahada

Salah is considered the first act of worship that a Muslim must perform after declaring their faith (Shahada). After a person accepts the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH), Salah is the immediate and ongoing act of worship that sets the tone for their relationship with Allah. The significance of Salah is illustrated by the fact that it is one of the first instructions given to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in his mission as a messenger of Allah.

The importance of Salah can be understood by its early revelation and centrality in the life of the Prophet (PBUH) and his companions. The obligation of Salah was revealed during the Isra and Mi’raj (the Night Journey and Ascension), an event that signifies its utmost importance. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ascended to the heavens, where Allah Himself instructed him to establish Salah as an obligatory act of worship.

Surah Al-Isra (17:1)
سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَىٰ بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلًا مِّنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَىٰ الْمَسْجِدِ الْأَقْصَىٰ الَّذِي بَارَكْنَا حَوْلَهُ لِنُرِيَهُ مِنْ آيَاتِنَا إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ ٱلْبَصِيرُ
(Translation):
“Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from Al-Masjid al-Haram to Al-Masjid al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing.”

During this miraculous night journey, Allah specifically commanded Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to establish the five daily prayers. The fact that Allah emphasized Salah during this event shows how crucial it is in the life of a Muslim.

Salah as a Means of Direct Communication with Allah

Salah is an essential act of direct communication with Allah, and it provides a constant connection between the worshiper and the Creator. Through Salah, a Muslim speaks to Allah, praises His greatness, seeks His forgiveness, and supplicates for mercy. Salah provides a sacred moment for a believer to express their devotion and trust in Allah.

The act of Salah also serves to humble the worshiper, reinforcing the idea that humans are weak and in need of Allah’s guidance. The physical act of bowing and prostrating (Ruku and Sujood) symbolizes submission and humility before the Lord of the heavens and earth.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of seeking help and guidance through prayer:

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:45)
وَٱسْتَعِينُوا۟ بِٱلصَّبْرِ وَٱلصَّلَوَٰةِ ۚ وَإِنَّهَا لَكَبِيرَةٌۭ إِلَّا عَلَى ٱلْخَٰشِعِينَ
(Translation):
“And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humble.”

This verse signifies that Salah is not just a ritual but also an act that provides spiritual nourishment, guidance, and help in times of difficulty. It allows a Muslim to remain connected to Allah, ensuring they do not feel lost or disconnected from their Creator.

Salah as a Means of Spiritual Purification

Salah is considered one of the most effective means of purifying the soul. The regular performance of prayers cleanses a Muslim from minor sins and purifies their heart. This act of purification is similar to a cleansing ritual, where the worshiper seeks forgiveness and strives to keep their heart pure and free from evil intentions.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

Sahih Muslim 1:349
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ: “إِذَا تَوَضَّأَ الْعَبْدُ فَغَسَلَ وَجْهَهُ خَرَجَ مِنْ وَجْهِهِ كُلُّ خَطِيئَةٍ رَأَتْهُ عَيْنَاهُ مَعَ مَاءٍ أَوْ مَعَ آخِرِ قَطْرَتِهِ…”
(Translation):
“When a servant washes his face, every sin that his eyes have looked at is washed away with the water or with the last drop.”

This hadith highlights the spiritual purification that occurs not only through the physical act of Wudu (ablution) but also during Salah. The ongoing act of prayer provides a constant cleansing for a Muslim’s soul, keeping them in a state of spiritual purity.

Salah as a Source of Discipline

Salah is unique in that it serves as a form of discipline for the Muslim. The act of praying five times a day requires Muslims to be punctual, organized, and committed to their religious duties. The structured times of prayer, from the early morning Fajr prayer to the late-night Isha prayer, organize a Muslim’s day around their relationship with Allah. This regularity ensures that the individual’s life remains spiritually focused.

The Quran speaks about the importance of consistency in prayer:

Surah Al-Ma’arij (70:34-35)
وَكَانُوا۟ فِى صَلَٰتِهِمْ دَائِمِينَ
(Translation):
“And they were constantly in their prayers.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of being persistent in prayer. By maintaining regular prayers, a Muslim strengthens their relationship with Allah and develops habits of responsibility and discipline.

The Role of Salah in Social Unity and Community

While Salah is an individual act of worship, it also has a powerful communal aspect. Praying in congregation, especially for the five daily prayers and particularly the Friday Jumu’ah prayer, serves as a unifying force in the Muslim community. It creates a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood, bringing Muslims together in their shared worship of Allah.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

Sahih Muslim 649
عَنْ أَنَسٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: “أَلا۟ إِنَّ صَلاَتَكُمْ وَصَلاَتَ جَمَاعَتِكُمْ أَفْضَلُ مِّن صَلاَتِكُمْ فِي بُيُوتِكُمْ وَصَلاَتِكُمْ فِي سُوقِكُمْ”
(Translation):
“Your prayer in congregation is better than your prayer in your homes and your prayer in your marketplace.”

This hadith illustrates the tremendous value of praying in congregation, emphasizing the sense of community and unity that arises from collective worship. Prayer, therefore, not only strengthens individual faith but also reinforces the bonds between Muslims, creating a cohesive and supportive community.

Conclusion

Salah holds a central and profound position in Islam as the second pillar of faith. It is the means by which a Muslim communicates directly with Allah, purifies their soul, and seeks guidance. Its regular practice shapes the moral and spiritual life of a believer, providing them with discipline and spiritual nourishment. Moreover, Salah fosters a sense of unity and community among Muslims, reinforcing the importance of collective worship.

The Quran and hadith provide ample evidence of the significance of Salah, both in terms of its spiritual benefits and its impact on the individual and community. By performing Salah regularly and sincerely, a Muslim ensures that their connection with Allah remains strong and that they are constantly reminded of their purpose in this world. As the second pillar of Islam, Salah is a cornerstone of Islamic life, and its practice remains essential for anyone striving for a meaningful, faith-driven life.