Prayer, Zakat, and fulfillment of obligations

Containing advice given by Amīr al-mu’inīn to his companions

[About Prayer :] Pledge yourself with prayer and remain steady on it; offer prayer as much as possible and seek nearness (of Allāh) through it, because it is, (imposed) upon the believers as (a) timed ordinance (Qur’ān, 4:103). Have you not heard the reply of the people of Hell when they were asked: What hath brought you into the hell? They shall say: We were not of those who offered the regular prayers (to Allāh)! (Qur’ān, 74:42-43).

Certainly, prayer drops out sins like the dropping of leaves (of trees), and removes them as ropes are removed from the necks of cattle. The Messenger of Allāh - the peace and blessing of Allāh be upon him and his descendants - likened it to a hot bath situated at the door of a person who bathes in it five times a day. Will then any dirt remain on him?

Its obligation is recognised by those believers whom neither the adornment of property nor the coolness of the eyes produced by children can turn away from it. Allāh, the Glorified, says: “Men whom neither merchandise nor any sale diverteth from the remembrance of Allah and constancy in prayer and paying the poor-rate; ...” (Qur’ān, 24:37)

Even after receiving assurance of Paradise, the Messenger of Allāh - peace and blessing of Allāh be upon him and his descendants - used to exert himself for prayers because of Allāh, the Glorified’s command: “And enjoin prayer on thy followers, and adhere thou steadily unto it, ...” (Qur’ān, 20:132). Then the Holy Prophet used to enjoin his followers to prayer and exert himself for it.

Surely, Allāh, the Glorified, the Sublime, nothing is hidden from Him of whatever people do in their nights or days. He knows all the details, and His knowledge covers them. Your limbs are a witness, the organs of your body constitute an army (against yourself), your inner self serves Him as eyes (to watch your sins), and your loneliness is open to Him.