The Misunderstanding of Prayer and Moral Standards in Islam

In contemporary discourse, there is a frequent question about the perceived inconsistency between the act of praying and the moral character of a believer. Many argue that a moral and well-mannered Muslim who avoids prayer and fasting should not be punished by Allah, especially when they cause no harm to others. This article aims to explore these perspectives and provide insights into the complex relationship between religious practices, moral standards, and the understanding of Allah's will.

Prayer as a Tool for Personal Well-being

It is often misunderstood that prayer is primarily a means to ensure one's well-being. Praying to Allah is not merely a religious obligation, but rather an act that connects the individual to a higher power, fostering inner peace and moral guidance. When a person dedicates time and effort to caring for the sick, this is seen as a form of prayer, as it is an act that brings lasting benefits to others.

Prayer as a Guideline for Moral Conduct

Religious guidelines are meant to keep individuals on track towards moral and ethical behavior. While prayer is a crucial element, it is not the entirety of moral conduct. Moral behavior, such as being peaceful, well-mannered, and not harming others, is indeed sufficient for those who follow it. However, the scripture does provide guidelines that are important to adhere to, as neglecting them may have personal consequences.

The Complex Role of Prayer in Islamic Dogma

The Islamic dogma often emphasizes the importance of prayer, particularly in conjunction with other religious practices like fasting during Ramadan. Some argue that this is akin to military discipline, with prayer serving as a constant reminder and reinforcement of religious zeal. The significance of collective prayer strengthens the community and encourages devotion.

Prohibition of Certain Activities

The Islamic tradition also places restrictions on activities such as playing games, arts, music, literature, and technology, often viewing them as distractions from the primary goal of religious jihad. These activities are considered to reduce one's focus on spiritual and religious pursuits.

The Purpose of Prayer: Soul’s Evolution

Prayer is often described as a release of the soul's accumulated troubles from its evolutionary journey, dating back 13 billion years. By praying, Muslims find a way to address and alleviate the miseries caused by their souls. It is seen as a means to mend and guide the soul towards higher spiritual attainments.

The Humanist Perspective

Humans often look for external sources of meaning in their lives, whether it is preserving nature, improving health, or other external pursuits. However, these external goals can bring internal distress if not aligned with a deeper sense of spiritual fulfillment. Praying serves as a way to connect with a higher power, providing a source of inner peace and guidance.

Internal Cleansing and Soul’s Evolution

Just as natural disasters can cause internal distress, choosing to pray to false gods and engaging in idolatry can be seen as a form of soul-murder. Minds that do not pray or ignore spiritual practices can cause their souls to suffer even in the absence of external harm. Therefore, praying is seen as crucial for the soul's evolution and closer alignment with God.

Similarly, the mystics and ritualists should ensure that their spiritual practices are mirrored in their external lives, providing tangible benefits to others. Simply performing rituals without manifest action can lead to a barren, spiritually unfulfilled life.

Understanding the true purpose of prayer is essential for achieving the balance between moral conduct and spiritual fulfillment. While moral actions are important, adhering to religious guidelines and engaging in prayer are both necessary aspects of a balanced and fulfilling life in Islam.