The Pillar of Our Faith

 

Alhamdulillah – All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, Who commanded us to establish the prayer and preserve it. We bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad (pbuh) is His servant and messenger. O Muslims, fear Allah as He ought to be feared, for Taqwa (Reverent Fear of Allah/ Piety) is the best provision for the Hereafter.

 

Allah Almighty says in the Holy Qur’an: “Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times.” (An-Nisa 4: 104)

 

Salah (Prayer) is not merely a daily ritual or a physical routine; it is the central pillar of a Muslim’s faith and the direct link between a servant and their Creator. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: “The head of the matter is Islam, its pillar is the prayer, and the top of its hump is Jihad.” (Tirmidhi)

The Importance of Jumu’ah

  

Today, let us reflect on the profound significance of Jumu’ah (Friday), a day described by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as the best day of the week, a weekly Eid for the believers, and a sacred opportunity to pause our worldly pursuits to reconnect with our Creator.

 

Allah Almighty emphasises the importance of this blessed day directly in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who have believed, when [the Call – Azaan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu’ah, proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave off trade. That is better for you, if you only knew.” (Al-Jumu’ah 62: 10)

Memorising the Qur’an

  

The Holy Qur’an is a living treasure which Allah sent down as a guide, a light, and a mercy for all humanity. The person who devotes his life to memorising it, that is, who becomes a Hafiz-ul-Qur’an, attains an exceptional rank with Allah and amongst the angels. In numerous authentic Hadiths, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) taught that memorising the Qur’an is not merely an act of devotion, but a path towards honour, blessing, and nearness to Allah.

 

In the Qur’an, Allah says: “... These are clear verses preserved in the hearts of those who have been given knowledge (that is, those who have studied it and those who have memorised it) ...” (Al-Ankabut 29: 49).