The Importance of Prayer

I've given this topic a bit of thought and I've decided the best way for me to present this would be by sharing those tidbits that come my way in study to enhance my appreciation and understanding of the importance of prayer in a Muslim's life.

Entry 1:

I'm a convert to Islam, so my very first step on the journey of Islam was when I uttered the words of Shihada:

"To be Muslim is to believe there is no God save Allah worthy of worship (swt) and that Mohammed (pbu) is his messenger.  To observe fasting in Ramadan, and prayers.  And to make Hajj provided I have the means."

In hadith Jibril.  The companions are taught the components of our faith, Islam.  Prayer is one of five pillars of Islam.  Islam is submission and thus we begin to learn submission and it is reinforced in our daily lives as we practice the each of the supporting elements of our religion.  What happens if you remove the primary support beams from a building?  It weakens and may even capsize the structure.  The same thing happens to the very edifice of worship we build in Islam.

Entry 2:

One of the benefits of prayer is the reminder of Allah (swt) through out the day so we are more mindful to choose those actions (thought, word, and deed) which are pleasing to Allah (swt).

29:45     "...for prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds;...."