A Pious Progeny

In Prayer & with Good Manners (Part 1) 

The importance of Salat (especially the Obligatory Prayers) and the richness of good conduct, and remaining in the state of good conduct, are among the greatest responsibilities that parents must instill and implement in the lives of their children. They must keep in mind that this is a non‑negotiable subject which encompasses the entire life of a Muslim. Prayer (Salat) is not merely a formal obligation; it is a spiritual discipline which shapes character, purifies the heart, and brings man closer to his Creator.

 

Allah says in the Qur’an:

 

“Wa aqimis‑salata li Zikri”

And establish the prayer for My remembrance. (Taha 20: 15)

 

This verse shows that Salat is a constant reminder of Allah, a protection against forgetfulness, and a light for life. In the Qur’an, Allah says:

 

“Innas‑Salata tanha ‘anil fahshaa’i wal munkar”

Surely prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds. (Al‑‘Ankabut 29: 46)

 

This proves that Salat (Prayer) is a means of disciplining behaviour and keeping man away from sin.

Qur'an: A Powerhouse of Miracles

 

As Muslims, we believe that the Holy Qur’an is the eternal word of Allah, revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as guidance for all of humanity. It is not merely a book of instruction; it is a living miracle, preserved in its original form, recited daily by millions, and continuing to inspire hearts across centuries and cultures. Its majesty does not only lie in the depth of its meaning but also in the beauty of its language, the power of its sound, and the richness of its symbolism. To approach the Holy Qur’an is to approach divine light; to recite it is to participate in a miracle that transcends time and place.

 

We are conscious of the power of the Holy Qur’an, especially in transforming hearts and overtaking them with faith and submission to the One True Creator – Allah. Many believers, born Muslims or reverts to Islam who are not native speakers of Arabic are accustomed to reading the Holy Qur’an aloud at a fast pace, eager to complete as much of it as possible. Yet, if the recitation were slowed down, even slightly, the listener would begin to notice the extraordinary oral and aural beauty of the words. The Holy Qur’an is not simply a text to be read quickly; it is a divine composition whose rhythm and cadence lift the soul and remind the believer of the majesty of the Creator.

Prayer in Islam

 

The Importance of the Middle Prayer & Of the Obligatory Prayers in General

 

Haafizuu ‘alas-Salawaati was-Salaatil-wustaa; wa quu-muu lillaahi qaanitiin. “Guard your prayers, especially the middle prayer, and stand before Allah with devotion.” (Al-Baqara 2: 239)

 

This sacred verse is a fundamental reminder that a true believer must never neglect his Salat (prayer). He must observe his prayer with care, respect, constancy, and complete submission before Allah. When we look at the origin of the words and the deeper meaning of the term Haafizu, we find extraordinary depth. In Arabic, Haafizu comes from hifz or ha-fa-za, which means to guard, protect, preserve. But it is not limited to outward protection; it implies inner vigilance, a discipline that resists the forces that try to divert a believer from his duty.

 

In its profound sense, especially in this Qur’anic verse, Haafizu is a command from Allah, instructing believers to maintain constancy and faithfulness in observing prayer, and to struggle continuously against neglecting their Salat. Protecting prayer is like placing a spiritual umbrella over the whole life of a believer; it becomes a source of blessings and a defence against evil.

'Nasihah': Good Counsel in Islam

 

In the life of a Muslim, there is a very noble duty called “giving good advice.” In Arabic, this is called (giving) Nasihah. The Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Ad-Deenu an-Nasihah” (Muslim), which means, religion is based upon sincere advice.

 

But this advice must come with gentleness, with respect, with wisdom, and above all without arrogance or judgement. Giving advice in Islam is not merely words that come out of the mouth; it is a responsibility that comes from the heart, with the intention of helping a brother or sister towards goodness, towards the straight path that Allah has shown.