It is significant to alert that many people ignore offering Salah though it is the pillar of Islam and the most important religious obligation after the two declarations of faith.It is necessary to pay great attention to and offer it at the due time with Muslims in Masjids (mosques) for men. One finds that some people perform Salah in houses. They may even offer one Salah and abandon another, although this is a great mistake and an abominable act.

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 The Prophet (peace be upon him) said in the authentic Hadith, The matter that differentiates us from them (the disbelievers and hypocrites) is Salah; if anyone (of us) abandons it, he becomes a disbeliever. [1] (Narrated by Imam Ahmad and Ahl-ul-Sunan (authors of Hadith compilations classified by jurisprudential themes) with an authentic Isnad (chain of transmitters) on the authority of Buraydah ibn Al-Husayn (may Allah be pleased with him). Moreover, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, What makes one a disbeliever and a polytheist is abandoning Salah. [2] (Related by Muslim in His Sahih (compilation of authentic Hadiths) on the authority of Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him). The Prophet (peace be upon him) once resolved to set fire to the houses of those who do not offer Salah in congregation and offer it in their houses. He (peace be upon him) said, I thought of giving orders that the Salah commence and a man leads people in Salah, then I would go with some men having bundles of wood to men who neglect [the congregational] Salah and set fire to their house while they are inside them. [3] (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) This shows the obligation of offering Salah in congregation in Masjids and that whoever refrains from this deserves punishment. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Whoever hears the call (Adhan) and does not come (to the Masjid), then there is no valid Salah for him unless he is legally excused. [4] (Narrated by Ibn Majah, Al-Daraqutny, and Al-Hakim with an Isnad correspondent to the conditions laid down by Muslim for the authentic Hadith.) Once Ibn `Abbas was asked about the excuse. He said, "It is fear or illness." Moreover, it is reported in the Sahih of Muslim on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that A blind man said, "O Messenger of Allah, I have no one to take me to the Masjid. Then, am I permitted to offer Salah in my house? The Prophet (peace be upon him) asked him, "Do you hear the call to Salah? He said, "Yes." He (the Prophet then) said, "Then, respond to it." [5] Then, how can a person who fears Allah and hopes for His Pleasure allow himself to offer Salah in his house and resemble the hypocrites! Allah says about the hypocrites, Verily, the hypocrites seek to deceive Allâh, but it is He Who deceives them. And when they stand up for As-Salât (the prayer), they stand with laziness and to be seen of men, and they do not remember Allâh but little. [21] The Prophet (peace be upon him) said concerning them, The most burdensome prayers for the hypocrites are `Isha' (Night) Prayer and Fajr (Dawn) Prayer. If they knew what (goodness) there is in them, they would have come to them, even if they had to crawl . [6] (Agreed upon by Imams Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

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  `Abdullah ibn Mas`ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "I saw the time when no one stayed away from it (i.e. congregational Salah) except a hypocrite whose hypocrisy is evident. The man (from the Sahabah) would be brought swaying (due to weakness) between two men until he was set up in the row. (Related by Muslim in his Sahih). Allah (Exalted be He) says, The believers, men and women, are Auliyâ’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another; they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma‘rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islâm has forbidden); they perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and give the Zakât, and obey Allâh and His Messenger. Allâh will have His Mercy on them. Surely Allâh is All-Mighty, All-Wise. [22] Allah (Glorified be He) also says: Guard strictly (five obligatory) As-Salawât (the prayers) especially the middle Salât (i.e. the best prayer - ‘Asr ). And stand before Allâh with obedience [and do not speak to others during the Salât (prayers)]. [23] Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says, And perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and give Zakât and bow down (or submit yourselves with obedience to Allâh) along with those who bow down (in prayer). [24] Indeed, among the most important matters of Salah is Khushu`, i.e. offering it with utmost submission, and undertaking it with both heart and soul. A praying person should offer his Salah while he is humble, assured, and submissive to his Lord with his heart attentive and hoping for Allah's Mercy and fearing His Punishment. He or she should not offer it rapidly such as the hypocrites or without submission but should concentrate on Salah till he finishes it bearing in mind that he or she is before Allah hoping for His Mercy and fearing of His Punishment. Allah (Glorified be He) says, Successful indeed are the believers. [25] Those who offer their Salât (prayers) with all solemnity and full submissiveness. [26] Then, He (Glorified be He) mentions some of the dignified characteristics of the believers and says in the end of them, And those who strictly guard their (five compulsory congregational) Salawât (prayers) (at their fixed stated hours). [27] These are indeed the inheritors [28] Who shall inherit the Firdaus (Paradise). They shall dwell therein forever. [29] Moreover, it is not permissible for a Muslim to imitate the enemies of Allah from the hypocrites concerning leniency

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 and sluggishness in offering Salah and performing it without tranquility. It is necessary to take care of Salah and offer it in congregation at its due times in accordance with the Shari`ah of Allah. This was the situation of the Prophet and his Sahabah (Companions) and those who followed them in righteousness and one is required to seek guidance from their acts.Zakah (obligatory charity) is among the greatest religious obligations and is the third of the pillars of Islam. Therefore, it is necessary to pay it great attention and give it to those who deserve it.The same applies to Sawm (fasting) of Ramadan. A Muslim should take due care and observance of this pillar, for it is the fourth of the five pillars of Islam. One's Sawm should be protected against all things that Allah prohibited and performed in accordance with the teachings of Shari`ah so that one's sins are removed by it. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Whoever observes Sawm (fasting) during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith and seeking Allah's Reward, his past sins will be forgiven. [7] (Agreed upon by Imams Al-Bukhari and Muslim). As for Hajj (Pilgrimage), it is obligatory only on those who can afford it. A Muslim should offer Hajj once during their lifetime on condition that they are able to perform it. Allah (Glorified be He) says, And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka‘bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allâh, for those who are able to undertake the journey. [30] It is among the causes of forgiveness and having admittance to Paradise. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, (The performance of) `Umra after `Umrah helps to expiate for the sins committed in between and the reward of Mabrur Hajj (the one accepted by Allah) is nothing except Paradise. [8] The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said, Whoever performs Hajj and does not use obscene language or commits a sin, will return (pure of sin) as on the day their mother gave birth to them. [9] (Agreed upon by Imams Al-Bukhari and Muslim). Enjoining good and forbidding evil are of the most important obligations after the five pillars of Islam. They are from the characteristics of the believers and their great deeds. Allah (Glorified be He) says, The believers, men and women, are Auliyâ’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another; they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma‘rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islâm has forbidden); they perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât) [31] Allah (Exalted be He) gives precedence to enjoining good and forbidding

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 evil over Salah in this Ayah (Qur'anic Verse) owing to their great position and their being in the serious interest of Muslims. This great rank is also assured by the fact that Allah mentions it prior to belief, in His Saying, You [true believers in Islâmic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) and his Sunnah] are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin Al-Ma‘rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm has ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islâm has forbidden), and you believe in Allâh. [32] Therefore, all the believers should enforce this norm amongst them and recommend one another to stick to truth and stay patient according to these noble Ayahs and other Ayahs and Hadiths to this effect. Among these Ayahs is Allah's Saying, By Al-‘Asr (the time). [33] Verily, man is in loss, [34] Except those who believe (in Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth [i.e. order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds (Al-Ma‘ruf) which Allâh has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds (Al-Munkar which Allâh has forbidden], and recommend one another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allâh’s Cause during preaching His religion of Islâmic Monotheism or Jihâd). [35] If a Muslim sees his Muslim brother showing leniency towards Salah or committing some prohibitions, he should advise him gently and kindly. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says, Invite (mankind, O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islâm) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Qur’ân) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. [36] The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Verily, Allah is kind and He loves kindness in all matter. [10] Moreover, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Stick to kindness; it is not to be found in anything but that it adds to its beauty and it is not withdrawn from anything but it makes it defective. [11] If you find your brother sluggish towards offering Salah in congregation, you are required to advise him mildly using wisdom. If he appears to be ill-natured with his brothers, you should advise him to behave modestly with his brothers and be good with them. Indeed, this applies to all bad deeds; if one sees his Muslim brother undutiful to one of or both his parents, relatives, wife, or family, he should advise him gently, wisely, and kindly, saying, "O brother, fear Allah! The best person is he who proves good to his own family. It should be explained to him that advising, honoring, and keeping apart all harm and offenses from one's family are obligatory. A Muslim has to direct them wisely to what is right and forbid them from what is wrong.

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 Allah (Exalted be He) says, O you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families against a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones [37] Addressing His Prophet (peace be upon him), Allah (Glorified be He) says, And enjoin As-Salât (the prayer) on your family, and be patient in offering them [i.e. the Salât (prayers)]. [38] Therefore, enjoining good and forbidding evil is among the most important duties and obligations of men and women alike, as indicated by the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah. Allah (Exalted be He) says, The believers, men and women, are Auliyâ’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another; they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma‘rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islâm has forbidden) [39] The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Whoever among you sees something abominable should rectify it with his hand; and if he is not able enough to do so, then he should do it with his tongue; and if he is not able enough to do so, (even) then he should (abhor it) from his heart, and that is the least of Faith. [12] (Related by Muslim in his Sahih). This is the way of enforcing this obligation among believers, men and women.If Muslims neglect the norms of enjoining good and forbidding evil, the bad deeds will spread among them and it is feared that general punishments may befall them. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, If people see wrongdoing committed and do not change it, Allah is about to punish them all. [13] (Related by Imam Ahmad with an authentic Isnad on the authority of Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him). Allah says in His Glorious Book concerning the children of Israel Those among the Children of Israel who disbelieved were cursed by the tongue of Dâwûd (David) and ‘Isâ (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary). That was because they disobeyed (Allâh and the Messengers) and were ever transgressing beyond bounds. [40] They used not to forbid one another from Al-Munkar (wrong, evil-doing, sins, polytheism, disbelief) which they committed. Vile indeed was what they used to do. [41] It is related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said when reciting this Ayah, Nay! By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, you either enjoin good, forbid evil, and prevent the fool from his wrongdoings, (in another narration

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 the wrongdoer) and direct him towards goodness in a right way or Allah will certainly befall you with troubles and then curse you as He cursed them (the Jews and the Christians). [14] (Related by Abu Dawud) May Allah protect us from every evil and trouble. No doubt this matter is greatly important. It is worthy of Muslims great attention. This is because enjoining good and forbidding evil are among the causes of setting aright both the laypeople and the prominent ones.Allah (Glorified be He) says, By Al-‘Asr (the time). [42] Verily, man is in loss, [43] Except those who believe (in Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth [i.e. order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds (Al-Ma‘ruf) which Allâh has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds (Al-Munkar which Allâh has forbidden], and recommend one another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allâh’s Cause during preaching His religion of Islâmic Monotheism or Jihâd). [44] Allah illustrates that these fourth characteristics distinguish the believers whom Allah will save from His Torment in this worldly life and in the Hereafter. Allah rules that those other than them are losers. He affirms that by swearing: By Al-‘Asr (the time). [45] Indeed, Allah (Glorified be He) is the Most Truthful. He is not in need of taking an oath but He did so to assure the matter and to warn against causes of loss. "Al-`Asr" refers to the time i.e. the day and night, for they are the times during which people fulfill their deeds. He (Exalted be He) is free to swear by whatever He likes from His Creatures. In other positions, for example, Allah swears by the heaven, Al-Tariq (the night-comer, i.e. the bright star), the heaven, holding the big stars, the sun and its brightness; the Glorious Morning Light, the Fig, and things other than these. Allah (Exalted be He) swears by what He wills of His Creatures that indicate His Greatness and Exaltedness and that He (Exalted and Glorified be He) is worthy of worship. People are not allowed to swear but by Allah (Glory be to Him). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Whoever is going to take an oath, let him swear by Allah or remains silent. [15] And he (peace be upon him) said, Whoever swears by anyone other than Allah commits an act of Shirk. [16] Accordingly, no one is allowed to swear except by Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He).It is not permissible to swear by anyone other than Allah, be it a prophet, a pious person, an angel, honesty, etc. One is only permitted to swear by Allah (Glorified be He) whereas Allah is free to swear by whatever He likes for He is the Most-Just and the Most-Fair Who owns everything.

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 He has full power over His Creations. This indicates His Greatness and His Worthiness of worship apart from anyone other than Him.Allah (Exalted be He) took oath by time that all people are in loss and liable to grievous ends Except those who believe (in Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth [i.e. order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds (Al-Ma‘ruf) which Allâh has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds (Al-Munkar which Allâh has forbidden], and recommend one another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allâh’s Cause during preaching His religion of Islâmic Monotheism or Jihâd). [46] Thus, it is those who are the winners and the happiest people. O brothers, we should acquire these truthful characteristics of believers and recommend one another to observe patience until we love them sincerely and believe in them.It is known that faith should be in both words and deeds. It increases by obedience and decreases by evil deeds. Ahl-ul-Sunnah (those adhering to the Sunnah) may also say that Iman (faith) is in words, deeds, and belief and it increases by obedience and decreases by sins. Both sayings are correct, for faith is the belief of the heart, the saying of the tongue, and the work of the body. Some acts such as Jihad (fighting in the cause of Allah), Salah, Zakah, Sawm, Hajj and other good deeds are among the branches of faith on which faith is dependent i.e. if they increase, faith increases and vice versa. This is the opinion of Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah (adherents to the Sunnah and the Muslim mainstream), the Sahabah, and those who followed them in righteousness.The testimony of faith i.e. there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, Salah, Zakah, Sawm, Hajj, Jihad, and other prescribed acts are also among the branches of faith. The more these good deeds increase, the better Iman a Slave has and vice versa. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Faith has more than seventy branches, the most premier of which is the declaration that there is no one worthy of worship but Allah, and the humblest of which is removing harmful things from the path, and modesty is one of the branches of faith. [17] (Agreed upon by Imams Al-Bukhari and Muslim). Verily, people may not win success or salvation in the worldly life or the Hereafter

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 except by these four things: (1) True faith. (2) Righteous deeds, which despite their inclusion in faith, are mentioned for more confirmation and elaboration. The righteous deeds are the consequence of faith, indeed. (3) Recommending one another to the truth. (4) Recommending one another to patience. Allah points them out owing to their great importance and the need of Muslims to them. Indeed, the true winners are those who have sincere and firm belief in Allah (Glorified be He) and His Messenger (peace be upon him) and believe that their Lord is the True One and believe in His Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him) and all Messengers (peace be upon them), Allah's Books, His Angels, the Last Day, the Divine Preordainment, and all that Allah and His Messenger conveyed.Whoever fulfills these things is the successful and the true winner. As for the third characteristic, namely, recommending one another to the truth, it is among the righteous deeds and the branches of faith but Allah referred to it because of its great importance. This characteristic includes mutual advice, cooperation in good, Da`wah (the call to Allah), enjoining good, and forbidding evil. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Religion is based on giving advice. Upon this we (the Companions) asked, "For whom?" He (peace be upon him) replied, "For Allah, His Book, His Messenger, and for the leaders and the general Muslims." [18] Then, Allah mentions the fourth characteristic, namely, recommending one another to patience owing to the dire need to it. These are the characteristics of the happiest people and the true winners, men and women, who have sincere and firm belief in Allah and the Last Day, seek Allah only through their deeds, profess His Oneness, believe in Him, in what He mentioned in His Book and in His Messenger (peace be upon him) and what he informed of and they realize their belief by righteous deeds.Those people offer Salah, pay Zakah, observe Sawm, perform Hajj, strive in doing good deeds, enjoin good, forbid evil and other acts of faith including the third characteristic, namely recommending good and forbidding evil. Allah referred to this act owing to its great importance so that people may observe it and advise one another, enjoin good, forbid evil, and cooperate in righteousness and piety calling to Allah and guiding people to Him. As for the fourth characteristic, namely

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 recommending one another to patience, Allah mentioned it owing to its great importance and the need to it. One cannot fulfill this matter except by the Help of Allah and patience.Therefore, the believers should be patient in fulfilling the truth and refraining from falsehood and seeking Allah's Assistance in this. If they do so, they will gain great reward, the praised consequence, and success in this worldly life and in the Hereafter. Allah (Glorified be He) says to His Prophet (peace be upon him), So be patient. Surely, the (good) end is for Al-Muttaqûn (the pious) [47] And He (Glorified be He) says, O you who believe! Endure and be more patient (than your enemy), and guard your territory by stationing army units permanently at the places from where the enemy can attack you, and fear Allâh, so that you may be successful. [48] There are many Ayahs which assure this meaning.Indeed, people are in bad need of supplicating to Allah and asking Him for guidance. He is the One Who guides to what is right and grants success. Whom He guides is the rightly guided and whom He lets go astray has no one to guide him. Indeed, there is no might nor strength save in Allah, the Most High, the Most Great.The believer, man or woman, should supplicate to Allah and ask Him for guidance and success. They should work truthfully and sincerely recommending one another to the truth and patience. Allah (Glorified be He) says, And your Lord said: “Invoke Me, I will respond to your (invocation). [49] Allah (Glorified be He) also says: And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright. [50] A believer should humbly and submissively ask Allah to help him fulfill His Obligations due to Him or to His Slaves.

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 Faith, as mentioned, is more than seventy branches. The most premier of which is the declaration that no one has the right to be worshipped except Allah whereas the simplest of which is to remove harmful things, such as a stone, a thorn, and the like from roads. Modesty is among the branches of faith, for it is a noble mannerism dwelling the heart that holds a person back from low morals and evil deeds and encourages him to high moral standards and the best of deeds. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Modesty brings forth nothing but goodness. [19] In another narration, Modesty is a virtue through and through. [20] (Both of these narrations are related by Muslim in his Sahih). The praised modesty does not call for neglecting the religious commandments or weaken religious zeal and extension of advice to believers. If modesty calls to that, it will not be modesty but weakness and cowardliness that does not befit a believer.I invoke Allah (Exalted and Glorified be He) by His Most Beautiful Names and Attributes to grant us all useful knowledge and righteous deeds and to help us and you comprehend His Religion and adhere to it. We ask Him to make us and you of those who hasten to His Pleasure, adhere to His Orders, love one another for His Sake, and recommend one another to the truth and patience. Also, I supplicate to Him to set right the affairs of all Muslims and set right the conditions of Muslims everywhere, grant them the comprehension of the religion, let the best among them be their rulers, and protect them from the wrongdoers. May Allah grant our government success in every goodness and help it do it; set right its retinue; grant it success in all actions, statements, and conduct. May Allah benefit the country and people with it and increase its supporters in goodness. I ask Him to bless this institution and benefit the Ummah with it. He is the Most Generous. May Allah's Peace and Blessings be upon His Slave and Messenger Muhammad and upon his household, Companions, and those who followed them in righteousness.