1. Flexible Timing

Muslims pray five times a day. The timings for the prayer are set to before sunrise, afternoon, late afternoon, sunset, and evening. When one hears this, they might get the impression that Muslims must stop everything they are doing at an exact time and start praying. Each prayer has a window which makes it easier for Muslims to pray. For instance, the window for the afternoon prayer might be between 1:00-5:00 pm. This provides Muslims with about four hours to perform the prayer.

2. Shortening/Combining the Prayers

Islam is a religion that has fixed teachings, these teachings cannot be changed, but they are flexible. Islam is a practical religion that takes rare circumstances into consideration. If one is traveling, taking a long exam, performing a surgery, or ill they may shorten or combine their prayers. The combining and shortening of prayers are done in exceptional circumstances because God does not intend to make things difficult. Allah intends for you ease and does not want to make things difficult for you. (Quran 2:185)

3. One Direction, One People

There are 1.5 billion Muslims in the world and they all face the city of Makkah when they perform the prayer. This is meant to instill a sense of unity among Muslims. It also helps orient the heart toward the Ka’bah, the holiest site in Islam.

Muslims do not worship the Ka’bah, it simply serves as a focal point. Although all directions belong to God, people often need a focal point to center their concentration.

One might argue that all directions belong to God and this is accurately stated in the Quran:

And to Allah belongs the east and the west. So wherever you [might] turn, there is the Face of Allah . Indeed, Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing (2:115)

However, when Muslims throughout the world face toward Makkah five times a day, it creates oneness and unity. Furthermore, it instills a sense of similarity and connection between all Muslims even though they live in different parts of the planet.

It unites them in their praise of God and it represents their similar belief in the teachings of Islam despite their geographical, cultural, and linguistic differences.

4. The Quran is Recited in the Prayer

Each prayer consists of certain movements such as standing, bowing, and prostrating. One of the most important parts of the prayer is the recitation of some part of the Quran from memory. This allows Muslims to constantly be in touch with the word of God. It is to be recited in a beautiful and melodic manner that appeals to the emotion of the listener. The word “Quran” actually means “The most recited.” It is a fact that the Quran is actually the most recited book on earth. With a significant percentage of the 1.5 billion Muslims praying five times a day, the Quran is constantly being recited all over the world.

5. Remembrance of God

If you love someone, they are always on your mind. Prayer keeps Muslims in touch with God. It serves as a reminder of the Creator and Sustainer. Verily, I am Allah! There is none worthy of worship but I, so worship Me and offer prayer perfectly for My remembrance. (20: 13-14)

6. It Keeps You in Check

And keep up prayer; surely prayer keeps (one) away from indecency and evil. (29:45) Praying five times a day keeps on in check because they are constantly speaking to God and reflecting on their actions. One who does not remember God does not reflect on their actions and will not feel the urge to repent. Additionally, it is encouraged to pray in congregation. This allows one to interact with other righteous people who will inspire and encourage him or her to do good. They will help him on his path to change and remind him when he makes a mistake.

7. Prayer is Tied to Charity

The Quran constantly ties prayer to charity. Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve. (2:277) Another verse reads: Men whom neither merchandise nor selling diverts from the remembrance of Allah and the keeping up of prayer and the giving of poor-rate. (24:37) When one prays in congregation several times a day they get to know the other worshipers. It provides an opportunity to know who is in need, sick, or in need of assistance. If everyone prayed in his or her home the opportunity to help others would not be as readily available.

8. Washing Before Prayer