Salaat (prayer) is the connection between an individual and their Lord. It is man's utmost display of commitment to his relationship with Allah. Islam has never campaigned for any greater issue than for that of performing salaat. Salaat is the universal identity for all Muslims, demonstrating adherence to the Islamic faith. Of all the Islamic obligatory pillars such as hajj, sawm, zakat, and khums, salaat is the only deed which is performed on a daily basis. It is indeed a constant seeking of Allah's help to ease the everyday way of life. Millions of Muslims stand daily in front of their Creator asking Him to "guide us to the straight path" (Qur'an 1 :5-6). This act can be classified as a true form of humbleness, confessing one's weakness before the Great Power and Supreme Creator-Allah.

Salaat can best be described as an ultimate purification from earthly desires and satanic thoughts. In a Hadeeth from our Holy Prophet [s], he compares salaat to a running river next to someone's home, where one may bathe and clean oneself five times a day. The Prophet asked his companions, "Do you think that there will remain any dirt on the individual's body who bathes five times a day?" His companions replied, "No." The Prophet then said, "This is what salaat does; it keeps your soul clean and washes your sins until day's end."

Salaat should not be confused with a form of exercise or an unmindful act, but rather salaat is a spiritual duty, which elevates one to the highest attainable spiritual connection with the Almighty. If the act of salaat has no true spirit than it will not successfully ward off potential evils. The Holy Qur'an says, "and establish regular prayer: for prayer restrains from "Shameful and unjust deeds; and remembrance of God is the greatest" (Qur'an 29:45).

In the Holy Qur'an, Allah also warns those who have an empty and non-spiritual approach to their daily prayers and further cautions them, "So woe to the worshippers who are neglectful of their Prayers." (Qur'an 107:4)

Through the will of Allah, salaat truly produces miracles and elevates the human soul towards piety and humbleness. It is the most powerful factor in developing a true sense of awareness and fear of Almighty Allah. Thus, when one lacks
the fear of God, he is exposed to dangerous elements such as disbelief, and a great distance can be placed between him and his Lord. The Holy Prophet [s] said, "Between the individual and disbelief is abandonment of salaat," which means that salaat is the fence of security that guards one from going astray.

To my dear young brothers and sisters: Be careful of your duty to your Lord. Do not underestimate the impact and significance of salaat. It is the nucleus of faith. Finally, in a Hadeeth from the Holy Prophet [s], he says, "There are five people for whom Allah provides the shade of his throne on the Day [of Judgment] when Allah's shade is the only shade available -- among them is a young man or women who grows up stead-fast in prayer."