Indeed, the prayer restrains (one) from indecency and forbidden conduct” — 29:45.

The underlying idea behind this verse of the Holy Quran is two-fold, i.e., Salaat has got a spiritual effect to make an individual immune from vices. But this immunity from transgressing the commands of Allah is subject to the observance of Salaat constantly and regularly.

It is in the same way as if regular doses of medicine are given to the patient. To get rid of spiritual illness, one should present himself before Allah with all devotion of heart and soul and should not act contrary to the norms of His commands. In this way, the individual would himself feel how far this regularity in the observance of Salaat has exerted a salutary effect on him.

The second underlying idea lies in the fact that after one’s covenant with Allah, while he presented himself before Him with full devotion of heart and soul, he should not act adversely to the commands. In other words, Salaat prohibits the devotees five times a day not to indulge in vices. It is now up to the individual how far he is honest to his commitments to Allah. It is certainly an established fact that Salaat exerts spiritual influence on the individual.

The Holy Quran is also explicit in this matter: “Surely Allah enjoins justice and kindness and giving (gifts) to kinsmen and forbids indecency, wrongdoing and rebellion. He admonishes you so that you may be mindful.” —16:90.

Now it is unfortunate that even after these exhortations by Allah if one does not desist from indulgence in sins then how Salaat can stop him? It should be taken for certain that observance of Salaat five times a day is subject to obedience to the commandments of Allah.

Salaat does not ordain one simply to do the exercise of standing and sitting. The main gist of its observance is Remembrance of Allah. It all depends on the individual how far he feels Allah’s presence, and how far he is attentive by heart and soul while reciting the holy Quran, then only Salaat can stop him from indulgence in sins, else Salaat performed sans all these qualities, is like exercise in futility performed by a hypocrite.

The Holy Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) says, “The type of Salaat performed by (hypocrites) is devoid of Allah’s remembrance or very little of it.” What one (the hypocrite) gets out of this Salaat is nothing else other than widening of the gulf between him and Allah.

The Holy Quran testifies, “… And keep up the prayers for My remembrance” — 20:114.

Remembrance of Allah is the gist of all prayers and Jihad is a constant remembrance of Allah, or else these are all exercises in futility. It was Allah’s remembrance, which one should always do.

Time and again the Holy Quran mentions three forbidden things, that is — transgression, unwise action and indecency. Man is bestowed with three instinctive powers: 1. bestial/carnal power,

2. imaginative/Satanic power and 3. wrathful/carnivorous power.

Unwise actions or pursuits are controlled by secure nature and right wisdom, or else the rational/angelic power is overcast by Satanic power, therefore unwise actions are committed. In case man is overpowered by wrathful/carnivorous sense he crosses the human limits and becomes a brute, therefore he runs to tear like a carnivore and thus turns into a savage.

He plays violently with the life, property and honour of others with highhandedness. Now the regularity in the observance of Salaat leaves a solitary effect on a Muslim in such a way that these potential powers are purified and duly controlled by wisdom.

The development of sublimity in the human character, quite averse to instinctive qualities, is generated in human nature by Allah’s remembrance quite often and very regularly five times a day. Sometimes some good acts excel over remembrance of Allah, but Allah’s favour should always be sought after. Anywhere, anytime if one inclines towards committing a sin he should immediately divert his thoughts towards Allah. The Holy Quran and Ahadith are very explicit on this matter.

“Whenever a believer remembers Allah he gets a response. This is great honour which one should always seek.” Someone asked the Holy Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) about an effective way among so many commandments to desist from indulging in sins. The holy Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) told him: “keep your tongue wet with Allah’s remembrance i.e. one should always pronounce Allah’s greatness.”

Shah Waliullah, an eminent Islamic scholar, in one of his treatises wrote: “The time spent in performing Salaat is well spent because one is away from committing sins.” This is an appropriate interpretation of the Quranic verse: “And indeed, remembrance of Allah is the greatest (virtue). And Allah knows what you do.” —29:45.

It means Allah knows who is honest in his act and who is not. His treatment is according to the sincerity of each individual. “O Allah, please give us strength to observe Salaat in such a way which would bestow favour upon us.”