Taxes are an Investment too

By, Nora Taher Barhoum
Assisted by AI Chatbot             

This personal analysis compares how the investment of prayer can be seen as parallel to the investment made through paying taxes. However, the distinction lies in the fact that taxes contribute to the well-being of the mind and body in this worldly life, while the investment of prayer is directed towards worldly guidance and the retirement of the soul's afterlife.

At its core, Social Security Benefits aim to provide different levels of support to individuals based on their needs. Similarly, for a Muslim, prayer is divided into different tiers or levels, each serving a unique purpose and offering specific benefits to the believer. Just as the Social Security System provides a safety net for individuals in society, prayer serves as a spiritual safety net for believers, offering them guidance, solace, and a connection to Allah (swt).

The first tier of prayer in Islam is the obligatory prayer, known as  Salah. Just as the foundational tier of the Social Security System provides basic support to all individuals, prayer is a Fard, which is a mandatory act of worship that Muslims are required to perform five times a day. This tier of prayer ensures that believers have a solid foundation in their spiritual journey, much like how the Social Security ensures a basic level of support for all members of society.

The second tier of prayer in Islam is the voluntary prayer, known as Sunnah. These additional prayers are not obligatory but are highly recommended. They serve as a means for believers to earn extra spiritual rewards and strengthen their relationship with Allah by following the path of our Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his teachings. Similarly, in the Social Security Tiers, there are additional benefits and programs that individuals can opt for to enhance their level of support. 

The third tier of prayer in Islam is the extra prayers, known as Nafl. These prayers are completely optional and are performed out of one’s own will and devotion. They are a way for believers to go above and beyond the minimum requirements and seek additional closeness to Allah (swt). 

With this comparison, we can appreciate the importance of prayer in Islam and the role it plays in providing spiritual security and well-being as Muslims.