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| Illustration of prayer obligations and rulings in Islamic fiqh |
P rayer (ṣalāh) is the pillar of Islam and the first act of worship to be accounted for by Allah (SWT) in the Hereafter.
It serves as a safeguard against immoral and unjust acts when performed correctly, following its essential conditions and requirements with devotion (khushū‘).
In this article, we will explore the definition of prayer, the individuals obligated to perform it, and the ruling on denying or abandoning it.
Definition of Prayer (Ṣalāh)
Linguistically, ṣalāh means supplication (du‘ā). In Islamic terminology, it refers to a series of prescribed words and actions that begin with takbīr (saying "Allāhu Akbar") and end with taslīm (saying "As-salāmu ‘alaykum").
The obligation of prayer was decreed by Allah (SWT) on the night of Isrā’, 10 years and 3 months after the Prophet’s mission began, specifically on the 27th of Rajab.
However, the obligation to perform the Fajr prayer was not yet implemented at that time, as its procedure had not been revealed.
Who is Obligated to Pray?
The five daily prayers are compulsory for individuals who meet the following criteria:
- Muslim
- Baligh (reached puberty)
- Of sound mind
- In a state of purity (ṭāhir)
Explanation
Prayer is not obligatory for young children who have not reached puberty.
However, parents and guardians (including grandparents) are required to instruct children who have reached the age of discernment (mumayiz) to perform prayer, even if it is a missed (qaḍā’) prayer.
At 7 years old, parents and guardians must command their children to perform prayer.
At 10 years old, if they neglect prayer, parents are allowed to discipline them with a non-injurious punishment.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said in a ṣaḥīḥ hadith narrated by Abu Dawud and others:
مُرُّوْا الصَّبِيَّ بِالصَّلَاةِ إِذَا بَلَغَ سَبْعَ سِنِيْنَ وَإِذَا بَلَغَ عَشْرَ سِنِيْنَ فَاضْرِبُوْا عَلَيْهَا
"Command your children to pray when they reach seven years old, and discipline them for neglecting it at ten years old."
Imam Nawawi, in his commentary on Al-Muhazzab, explained:
"The obligation to instruct and discipline falls upon the guardians, including fathers, grandfathers, and those responsible for the child’s welfare under a legal authority."
Similarly, in Raudhat al-Talibīn, Imam Nawawi stated:
"Parents are required to teach their children purification (ṭahārah) and prayer when they reach seven years old, and they must discipline them at ten if they abandon it."
Are Non-Muslims Required to Pray?
Non-Muslims are not obligated to perform prayer as a duty in this world because their prayer would not be valid.
However, in the Hereafter, they will be held accountable and punished for neglecting it, as explained in Uṣūl al-Fiqh.
The reason is that they have the ability to perform prayer by embracing Islam.
This differs from cases such as:
- Children who have not reached puberty
- Women during menstruation (ḥayḍ) or postpartum bleeding (nifās)
When a non-Muslim converts to Islam, they are not required to make up (qaḍā’) the prayers they missed before embracing Islam.
However, an apostate (murtad) must make up all missed prayers upon returning to Islam.
Rulings on Making Up Missed Prayers
Missed prayers do not require qaḍā’ for:
- Women during menstruation (ḥayḍ) or postpartum bleeding (nifās)
- The insane (majnoon) or unconscious (fainted) individuals
- Children before reaching puberty
However, if a person becomes intoxicated due to sinful actions (e.g., drinking alcohol), they must make up their missed prayers.
If they were unaware that a drink was intoxicating, then qaḍā’ is not required.
If a state of impurity (e.g., menstruation, insanity, unconsciousness) is lifted before the prayer time expires, even with just enough time for takbiratul ihram, then prayer is obligatory.
For example:
If a woman’s menstruation ends just before Maghrib ends, she must pray both Maghrib and ‘Isha, as the second prayer time allows for combining (jamak).
If someone recovers from fainting within the prayer time, they must pray. However, if their recovery happens after the time has ended, the prayer is not obligatory.
Ruling on Denying or Abandoning Prayer
Denying the Obligation of Prayer
Anyone who denies that prayer is obligatory is considered a kāfir (disbeliever) because prayer is an undeniable pillar of Islam.
Deliberately Neglecting Prayer
A Muslim who deliberately delays prayer past the time allowed for jamak (combining prayers) without a valid reason is subject to capital punishment if:
- They acknowledge that prayer is obligatory.
- They refuse to repent after being ordered to do so by the ruler.
If they deny the obligation of prayer, they are considered apostates (murtad) and must be treated accordingly:
- They are not given an Islamic burial
- They are not washed or prayed over
- They are not buried in Muslim cemeteries
- The authority to enforce these laws belongs to Muslim rulers or their appointed representatives.
Conclusion
Prayer is the foundation of Islamic worship, and neglecting it is a severe matter in Islam.
Those who meet the conditions of obligation must observe it diligently, while denying its obligation results in disbelief. Let us uphold this pillar of Islam and encourage others to do the same.
May this article be beneficial. Wallāhu A‘lam bi al-Ṣawāb (Allah knows best)
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