Praying on time is one of the most important obligations of a Muslim. Prayer, or salah, is one of the five pillars of Islam, and it is enjoined on the believers at fixed hours throughout the day and night.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ كَانَتْ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ كِتَابًا مَوْقُوتًا
An-Nisa 103
“Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times.”
By praying on time, Muslims show their obedience, devotion and gratitude to Allah, who is the only one worthy of worship.
Praying on time also has many benefits for the individual and the community. It helps Muslims to remember Allah and seek His guidance in every situation. It strengthens their faith and moral character, as they avoid sins and follow the teachings of Islam. It also fosters a sense of unity and brotherhood among Muslims, as they pray in congregation and face the same direction of Makkah.
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his progeny) said:
إِنَّ أَوَّلَ مَا يُحَاسَبُ بِهِ الْعَبْدُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ مِنْ عَمَلِهِ صَلاَتُهُ فَإِنْ صَلُحَتْ فَقَدْ أَفْلَحَ وَأَنْجَحَ وَإِنْ فَسَدَتْ فَقَدْ خَابَ وَخَسِرَ
at-Tirmidhi 413
“The first thing that will be judged among a person’s deeds on the Day of Resurrection is the prayer. If it is sound, he will be successful; if it is defective, he will be a loser.”
Praying on time is also a true sign of iman (faith), as it shows that Muslims put Allah above everything else in their lives.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
ٱلَّذِینَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَتَطۡمَىِٕنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكۡرِ ٱللَّهِۗ أَلَا بِذِكۡرِ ٱللَّهِ تَطۡمَىِٕنُّ ٱلۡقُلُوبُ
Surah Ar-Raʿd: 28
“Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah: for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.”
