Where is the Proof of "That Huge Importance of Salah"???

Assalam 'Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

We often talks about Salah and tells "Oh! It is very important!" Shall we have a quick look how important it is?

Firstly, we should know how Salah is given to this Ummah. In the night of Isra-wal-Mi'raj, Rasoolullah (sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam) was ascended to Allah (subuhaanahu wata'aala). Salah is the only act of Ibadah which was revealed directly, without any messenger in between. Why? Because it is so special and it is the one which is most beloved in the sight of Allah (subuhaanahu wata'aala).

Allah (subuhaanahu wata'aala) says in Surah al-Baqarah, Verse Number 238, "Guard strictly your (habit of) prayers, especially the Middle Prayer; and stand before Allah in a devout (frame of mind)."
Most 'Ulama says Middle Prayer is 'Asr.

Let us ponder on the last words of Rasoolullah (sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam). In his last breaths, he said, "As-Salaah! As-Salaah!........." (Narrated by Imam Ahmed). Meaning that "be careful to Prayers".

The first question which will be asked on the Day of Judgement will be about Salah. If it is good, everything else will be good, and if it is bad, then everything else will be bad too. Rasoolullah (sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam) said, "The first thing that the servant will be called to account for on the Day of Judgment will be Salah. If it is good, his deeds will have been good. If it is bad, his deeds will have been bad." (At-Tabarani)

What will happen if I have some prayers missed?

Rasoolullah (sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam) said, “The first thing the people will be accountable for on the Day of Judgment is prayer, Allah will say to His angels (even though he already knows) : “Look at my servants prayers. Were they complete or not?” If they were complete It will be written as complete. If they were not fully complete Allah will say: “See if my servant has voluntary prayers, If he has them Allah will say: Complete his obligatory prayers shortage with his voluntary prayers.” Then the rest of his deeds will be dealt with in the same manner.” (Reported by Imams Ahmad, Abu Dawood, An-Nisa'i, and Al-Hakim)

If we need Allah's mercy and forgiveness, let us be strict on our prayers. He (subuhaanahu wata'aala) says in Surah al-Anfal, Verses 3 and 4 "Who establish regular prayers and spend (freely) out of the gifts We have given them for sustenance. Such in truth are the believers: they have grades of dignity with their Lord, and forgiveness, and generous sustenance."

We all pray often for al-Firdausul A'la. What is the way to achieve it? Let us read Verses 9 to 11 of Surah al-Mu'minoon. "And who (strictly) guard their prayers. These will be the heirs, Who will inherit al-Firdaus: they will dwell therein (for ever)."

Am I a Muslim if I do not pray? Rasoolullah (sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam) said, "The difference between us and them is salaah. Whoever neglects it is a kaafir." (Reported by Imaam Ahmad)

There is a sector in Jahannam called al-Ghayy. All the other sectors pray to Allah (subuhaanahu wata'aala) to prevent them from this sector's heat. Subuhaanallah! Brothers and sisters you know? The one who neglects prayer will be thrown in to this dangerous place. Allah (subuhaanahu wata'aala) says in Surah Maryam, Verse 59, "But after them there followed a posterity who missed prayers and followed after lusts soon, then, will they face Destruction." Which destruction is that? Allah (subuhaanahu wata'aala) says in 'Arabic, فَسَوْفَ يَلْقَوْنَ غَيًّا.

In the Day, the inhabitants of Paradise will ask the inhabitants of Hell about the reason why they are thrown into it. Allah (subuhaanahu wata'aala) says, in Surah al-Muddaththir, Verses 40 to 43,"(They will be) in Gardens (of Delight): they will question each other, And (ask) of the Sinners: "What led you into Hell Fire?" They will say: "We were not of those who prayed". Brothers and sisters there is one thing we need to think about here. Will they ask that question to Fir'awn, Haman, Ubayy bin Khalaf or Qaroon? Wallahi NO. They will ask because the ones they are asking is their friends and relatives, and those whom they know.

In the Judgement day, it will be called to everyone to Prostrate to their Lord. All the people will do it, but the ones who did not Prostrate when they were in this world. Allah says, in Surah al-Qalam, Verses 42 and 43, "(Remember) the Day when the Shin shall be laid bare (i.e. the Day of Resurrection) and they shall be called to prostrate (to Allah), but they (hypocrites) shall not be able to do so, Their eyes will be cast down, ignominy will cover them; they used to be called to prostrate (offer prayers), while they were healthy and good (in the life of the world, but they did not)."

Together let us ponder on these Verses of Surah Taha. Subuhaanallah! Ya Allah! Make us not among them. In Verses 125 and 126, Allah says, He will say: "O my Lord! why hast Thou raised me up blind, while I had sight (before)?" ((Allah)) will say: "Thus didst Thou, when Our Signs came unto thee, disregard them: so wilt thou, this day, be disregarded."

I know you have been reading a long post my brother/sister. But before ending, let me mention this beautiful Hadith of Rasoolullah (sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam) about how Prayer purifies us. He (sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam) said, "If there was a river at the door of anyone of you and he took a bath in it five times a day would you notice any dirt on him?" They said, "Not a trace of dirt would be left." The Prophet added, "That is the example of the five prayers with which Allah blots out (annuls) evil deeds." (Bukhaari)

May Allah keep us strong in His true path. Ameen!

Wassalam 'Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh