“Who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them.” Chapter 2 Al Baqarah, verse 3.
As indicated by the previous verse a muslim will only be rightly guided by the Holy Quran after they adopt piety. Chapter 2 Al Baqarah, verse 2:
“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah.”
Therefore, the second characteristic of righteousness mentioned in verse 3 is establishing the five daily obligatory prayers. This has been extensively discussed over four audio/video podcasts titled PodHadith: Establishing Belief, which are available via the following links: https://youtu.be/Zym6epsSwes and https://fb.watch/3HIaKuspii/
But to sum up, the first part of verse 3 refers to the inner aspect of a muslim, meaning belief in the unseen. The next part of the verse moves outwards and includes all physical acts of worship the greatest of which is establishing the obligatory prayers. This is indicated in a Hadith found in Jami At Tirmidhi, number 2616.
In fact, the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, has clearly advised that establishing the obligatory prayers is the thing which differentiates a muslim from a non-muslim. This is confirmed in a Hadith found in Jami At Tirmidhi, number 2618. Establishing the prayer is a command which includes fulfilling all its etiquettes and conditions correctly, such as valid ablution. Unfortunately, some muslims who perform the prayer do not fulfil these etiquettes and conditions which, in some cases, can invalidate their prayer. An example is when one does not pause in between each position of the prayer correctly and instead rushes through the movements. This is warned in a Hadith found in Sunan An Nasai, number 885. Another important condition is to offer the obligatory prayers on time. The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, has warned in a Hadith found in Jami At Tirmidhi, number 160, that delaying the obligatory prayer without a valid excuse is a sign of hypocrisy. Many believe the following verses of the Holy Quran curses those who unnecessarily delay their prayers. This has been discussed in Tafseer Ibn Katheer, volume 10, pages 603-604. Chapter 107 Al Ma’un, verses 4 and 5:
“So woe to those who pray. [But] who are heedless of their prayer.”
As establishing the prayer is the most important physical action the command in verse 3 can also mean that a muslim must strive to sincerely perform all the physical righteous deeds obligated and advised by Islam. In addition, performing righteous deeds can be considered one half of faith and establishing the prayer will inspire one to fulfil the other half, namely to abstain from sins. Chapter 29 Al Ankabut, verse 45:
“…and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing…”
PodTafseer: Al-Baqarah – Part 4: https://youtu.be/oZZ6MmUzzic
PodTafseer: Al-Baqarah – Part 4: https://fb.watch/3HJaScFW9Q/
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