It’s been a very different start to the academic year, to say the least. For first year students, this probably hasn’t been the experience you anticipated when you imagined beginning your university course. For returning students, it must feel a little surreal to see how your beloved campus has transformed to accommodate the latest guidelines. Lectures are mostly online, there’s limited access to onsite facilities and when you look around, everyone is wearing a mask. In the face of all of this change however, as Muslim there’s a constant in our life that anchors us through every season of life, and that is prayer.
Before term started many Muslim students were concerned about their prayer. ‘How will my prayer space be affected?’ and ‘will Friday prayers still go ahead?’ many questioned. By the grace of God and the support of the University and the Multi-Faith Chaplaincy, we have managed to facilitate a prayer space for both daily prayers, and the Friday prayer in a safe and socially distanced environment. I am pleased to share that we are getting an average of 80+ attendees every Friday over a number of congregations.
As you can see, a lot of effort has gone into facilitating these prayers, which begs the question:
Why is prayer so important to Muslims? There are countless points of discussions behind this, however here are 5 key reasons:
1) Prayer is the second pillar of Islam
In Islam, there are five pillars upon which the religion is based. The first of these pillars is known as Shahadah, which is to testify that there is no God worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the messenger of Allah. This is the most important pillar of Islam, and is followed by Salah (prayer).
2) Prayer is a direct link between a person and his Lord
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Indeed, when one of you prays, he speaks privately with his Lord.” [Hadith]. The beauty of prayer is that each individual enters into direct conversation with their Lord, with no barrier in between. When you pray, you have certainty that you are seen, heard and responded to.
3) It is a means of support and assistance in times of distress and grief. Allah says in the Qur’an: “Seek assistance in patience and prayer.” [Qur’an]. Mental health struggles have been exacerbated during the Covid period, and some of you may feel a little down and uninspired this academic year. As Muslims we believe that God is the One who ultimately alleviates us of any stress or struggle, no matter the magnitude. Our five daily prayers offer us inner peace, and support our soul during times of unrest.
4) It is the joy and delight of the believers’ souls. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “My delight was placed in the prayer.” [Hadith].
5) The prayer wipes away sins and expiates evil deeds. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Do you think that if there was a river by the door of one of you and he bathed in it five times a day that there would remain any dirt on him?” They (the Companions) answered: “There would not remain any dirt on him.” The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “That is how it is with the five (daily) prayers, through them Allah washes away the (minor) sins.” [Hadith]. It’s inevitable that we all make mistakes and do things we aren’t too proud of, and that is simply the nature of man. Our Lord, the most Merciful has blessed us with prayer so that at five points in our day we have the opportunity to cleanse and reform, not matter what our spiritual state is. Prayer is for everyone, and our Lord is overjoyed when we turn to Him.
Until next time!
Adil Saleem – Muslim Chaplain