Soul Nourishment Through Prayer:
An Essential Resource by Default

 

Prayer is the cornerstone of the Islamic faith. It is a primary directive and a priority for a believer. The importance of prioritizing and performing prayer in and out of hard times is anchored on the premise that Allah's grace and support accompany the believer morally, spiritually and materially.

Praying five times a day is not an easy task but with an open heart and perseverance, one can begin to understand the truth of their spiritual essence. It is the primary principle to advocate and purify oneself as we surrender all aspects of our lives in seeking His support and guidance. 

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Allah says: 'I am just as My servant thinks I am, (i.e. I am able to do for him what he thinks I can do for him) and I am with him if He remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I too, remember him in Myself; and if he remembers Me in a group of people, I remember him in a group that is better than they; and if he comes one span nearer to Me, I go one cubit nearer to him; and if he comes one cubit nearer to Me, I go a distance of two outstretched arms nearer to him; and if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.' "
[Hadith Sahih Al-Bukhari]

 

Mental conditioning refers to the process of developing a strong and resilient mindset that enriches focus, motivation and perseverance:

Having mental conditioning active in prayer means combining our intention, presence, and sincerity towards Allah (swt) while acknowledging that we still have personal growth as a constant goal. This approach isn't negative or weak; it's about being as realistic as possible in our current state.

"(O Messenger!) Tell people: ‘If you indeed love Allah, follow me, and Allah will love you and will forgive you your sins. Allah is All-Forgiving, All-Compassionate.'
Qur'an (3:31)

"And We have not revealed to you the Book, except for you to make clear to them that wherein they have differed and as guidance and mercy for a people who believe."
Quran (16:64)

 

Attahiyat

Atahiyat is recited at the conclusion of every prayer, which is the sacred dialogue between Allah SWT and Prophet Muhammad during his divine journey of Al Isra wal Miraj. As devoted Muslims, revisiting the depth of this meeting helps us draw important lessons about life and reflect its fleeting nature. This practice, day by day, creates emotional stability in trusting God. This type of inner peace helps one focus on the betterment of their individuality and their quality of surroundings.

 

When Prophet Muhammad ﷺ met Allah SWT

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Attahiyyaatu Lillahi Was Salawatu Wattayyibatu”

(All compliments, all prayer and worship are for Allah)

Allah SWT replied:

“Assalamu Alaika Ayyuhannabiyyu ‘Warahmatullahi Wabarka’to”

(Peace be upon you, Oh Prophet and Allah’s Mercy and Blessings).

To this, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ replied:

“Assalamu Alaina Wa’ala’Ibad illahis Saa’liheen”

(Peace be on us and on all good servants of Allah)

And listening to this conversation between Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala and His Messenger ﷺ ,
the Angels said:

“Ash Haddu Inna illaha il Allah, wa ash Haddu Anna Muhammadun Abduhu wa Rasooluh"

(I bear witness that no one is worthy of worship except Allah And I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger).

 

To be continued...