"You pray to collect Pahala"

Have you ever heard of this statement? This may be one of the common replies that are given to answer the question (Why do I have to pray?).

Another reply might be: "If you don't pray, you are sinful and will enter hellfire."

Or some might even get this reply; "No need to ask questions. Just do it as how Muslims do."

The Problem

The problem with the two initial answers is that the one who asks might not even comprehend the meaning of Pahala (Reward), Dosa (Sins), Paradise & Hellfire. They might not even have a strong belief in these matters which can be due to lack of knowledge, lack of understanding, etc. Worse, they might assume that prayers are only like a business dealing with Allah for rewards in the hereafter. The more you perform, the more reward you will get. That's it.

The problem with the last answer is that it closes any door of discussion & questioning. It shuts down a mind that really wants to know the reason why he/she has to pray. Thus, the curious person will eventually stop asking questions and will forever perform prayers without really understanding why.

These kinds of answers may be sufficient for the generation before. However, today's youth needs reasoning to start doing something or in this case, perform prayers. If you deprive them of that, then they will either perform it only in front of you or they will completely object against doing it and runs away.

Another Perspective

So in this article, allow me to share with you another perspective of why we Muslims should perform prayers and that it is actually in your best interests to do so.

Since the order of Allah & Prophet Muhammad during Isra' Mikraj, Prayer has been an obligatory act of worship in the religion of Islam.

There have been numerous verses of the Quran & prophetic hadith that emphasizes on the importance of prayers in a Muslim's life.

It is enough for me to show its importance with the hadith of Prophet Peace Be Upon Him: Prayer is the backbone of the religion, he who establishes it has established his religion and he who does not establish has abandoned the faith.

So why do Muslims pray? In my perspective, there are 4 reasons.

1) Responsibility

As someone who has proclaimed the Syahadah (There is no God except Allah, Prophet Muhammad is the messenger of Allah), we have submitted ourselves to the message of Islam & promised to fulfill whatever that has been commanded by Allah & the Prophet. This includes the obligation of prayer, being honest & also being responsible, etc.

When we fulfill our responsibility as a Muslim, surely Allah & the prophet will be contented with us. Wouldn't life be wonderful if we obtain the contentment of Allah our creator & Prophet Muhammad the Rahmah for the whole universe?

2) Daily Reminder

The 5 prayers remind us of our responsibility as a Muslim and the servant of Allah.

In prayers, all of our movements & sayings are in accordance to what Allah & His Prophet commanded. The goal is to emulate this total submission into our daily life.

Also, despite our differences in status, race, age, gender, wealth, all of us have to perform the same movements and all of us have too put our heads on the ground for the movement of sujud. All of this actually reminds us to always be humble and that all of us are equal.

3) The platform for connection & Doa

Prayers provide a specific outlet for Muslims to strengthen their connection with Allah and also gives them an opportunity to request, doa, and ask for assistance.

In the face of challenges, hardships & difficulties, a person will tend to ask for assistance from a being whom they depend on. Hence, Allah makes it obligatory for Muslims to perform prayers in five timings so they can have a direct connection with Allah and ask Him whatever that they want.

Prophet Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him said: “The servant is closest to his Lord during prostration, so increase your supplications therein.”

4) Act of gratitude

In this life, we have so much to be grateful for. Our life, Our Family, Our Friends, Our wealth, Our shelter, Our Prophet, Message of Islam.

The greatest act of gratitude is to obey the commands of those whom we are grateful for.

This is beautifully shown in the hadith of our prophet Muhammad. When the wife of Prophet, Aisyah, asked him why he prayed late at night until his feet were swollen. since he is already promised with paradise and protected by Allah with no sins.

Prophet Muhammad's reply: Isn't it more appropriate for me to be a grateful servant.

Truly, Prophet Muhammad is the perfect example of mankind and the universe.

Conclusion

After praying with these 4 reasons, wouldn't a person become more responsible, more obedient to Allah & Prophet, more mindful of others, more humble, more positive, more grateful person?

Overall, wouldn't he/she become a better human spreading goodness and brings benefits to others?

In my perspective, performing prayers will makes us a better person and more prepared in facing the challenges, hardships in life, especially in our day and age.

So, if you question yourself on why you pray, reflect on these 4 points, ponder upon it, and understand really why you pray.

If a child or youth asks you on prayers or matters of Islam, please do answer their questions accordingly.

If this input is beneficial to you and you understand it well, now it's time to apply.