CSS 2016 Solved Islamiyat Past Papers | Define Prayer and its Impacts on Life
The following question of Islamiat is solved by Miss Ayesha Irfan, the highest scorer in CSS Islamiat. Moreover, the question is attempted on the same pattern taught by Sir Syed Kazim Ali to his students, scoring the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. This solved past paper question is uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, how to write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question Breakdown
The examiner has questioned the meaning of prayer, its different types, and its impact. To score high in Islamic studies, you must divide the answer into three main headings, the meaning of prayer, its different types and its impact. Further, the heading of impacts is divided into three subheadings, including spiritual, moral and social. Additionally, provide relevant Ayats and incidents from the Holy Quran and Hadees from the life of the Holy Prophet (SAW) to support your stance.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-Understanding the meaning of “Prayer”
3-Comprehending the meaning of Prayer as Salah in the light of the Holy Quran and Sunnah
4-Explaining different types of Prayer
5-Impacts of prayer on the different aspects of life
- 5.1- Spiritual impacts of prayer
- 5.2- Moral impacts of prayer
- 5.3- Social impacts of prayer
6-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Prayer is a way in which the individual develops strong connections with God and seeks acts of kindness in spiritual and worldly matters. In the universe, various religions are present and each religion teaches its believers to perform prayer through different acts. However, in Islam, prayer is known for Salah, one of the important pillars of Islam. In Islam, the term ‘Prayer’ means offering Salah, making a strong connection with Allah and asking for His mercy. The prayer is divided into different types, which are obligatory, Voluntary, and Sunnah prayers. These prayers have rewards on the Earth and hereafter. Nonetheless, it also leaves the deepest impact on spiritual, moral and social life through purifying the soul with Allah’s love and fear, patience, closeness to Allah, and cleanliness, which helps in choosing the right path and attaining mind stability, which results in social unity, strength, stability and harmony. Hence, Prayer is the bridge for making strong connections with Allah and help in different aspects of life.
Understanding the meaning of “Prayer”
Prayer is the act of communication by humans with God. It connects spiritual beliefs through adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication, and intercession. In all worldly religions, prayer is mandatory for communication with God. It is present in different forms. However, prayer is one of the pillars of Islam called a “Salah”. It is an Arabic word derived from the “Salat”, meaning connect, link or communicate. So, the literal meaning of the word “Salah”, is a connection or link with Allah through the ritual prayer. In broader terms, it means maintaining a strong connection between Allah and his creatures through communication by expressing thoughts. Nonetheless, it acts as a bridge and removes the gap. It performs sequentially while facing the Kabba in Mecca, including standing, bowing, prostrating, sitting and reciting verses of the Holy Quran. Hence, it is the way of communication between Allah and his creatures by removing gaps.
Shedding light on the importance of “Prayer” as “Salah” in the light of the Holy Quran and Sunnah
- In the light of the Holy Quran
Allah Almighty and the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) emphasise the importance of Salah many times in the Holy Quran and Sunnah. Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran,
“O believers, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:153)
This verse shows the importance of prayer by developing the feelings of seeking help from Allah through offering prayer, which means connection for asking for help from Allah. Moreover, Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran,
“Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give Zakkah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.”
(Surah Al-Baraqah 2:277)
This verse shows that great reward is present for those who perform prayer. Moreover, Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran,
“And establish prayer and give Zakkah and bow with those who bow (in worship and obedience).”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:43)
This verse shows the importance of prayer. Moreover, Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran,
“Establish prayer at the decline of the sun (from its meridian) until the darkness of the night and (also) the Qur’an of dawn. Indeed, the recitation of dawn is ever witnessed.”
(Surah Al-Isra 17:78)
This verse shows that praying Salah is mandatory for every Muslim. Moreover, Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran,
“Do you not see that Allah is exalted by whoever is within the heavens and the earth and (by) the birds with wings spread (in flight)? Each (of them) has known his (means of) prayer and exalting (Him), and Allah is Knowing of what they do.”
(Surah An-Nur 24:41)
This verse shows that all the things on the Earth and Heavens are bound to perform prayer because Allah is well known for all their actions. Hence, the Holy Quran tells the importance of prayer and rewards for those who offer prayer, and these individuals are closer to Allah and Allah keeps them closer to him.
- In the light of the Sunnah
Furthermore, The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said,
“No Salat is more burdensome to the hypocrites than the Fajr (dawn) prayer and the ‘Isha’ (night) prayer; and if they knew their merits, they would come to them even if they had to crawl to do so.”
(Al-Bukhari and Muslim). (Riyad as-Salihin 1073)
In this Hadees, Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W) focuses on the prayer of DAWN and Night and throws light on the Taqwah people. Because the prayer is closer to these people. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم (said,
“The two Rak’ah before the dawn (Fajr) prayer are better than this world and all it contains.”
(Muslim) (Riyad as-Salihin 1102)
In this Hadees, Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W) said that the DAWN prayer is, above all, to every precious thing in the world. Moreover, The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said,
“The key to Paradise is Salat and the key to Salat is Wudu.”
(Grade: Hasan (Darussalam) Jami` at-Tirmidhi 4)
In this Hadees, Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W) gave the happiness of paradise through prayer. Next, The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said
“Between disbelief and faith is abandoning the Salat.”
(Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2618)
In this Hadees, Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W) said that Salat creates the difference between Muslims and Non-Muslims. Hence, Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W) always showed his prayer concern and gave the blessings of paradise and worldly affairs by unravelling the success of life hidden in prayer.
Explaining different types of Prayer
Before diving into the topic, it is important to throw light on different types of prayers. In Islam, Salah, an important prayer, is divided into many types, mainly Obligatory prayers, Sunnah prayers and supererogatory prayers. Obligatory prayers are necessary prayers which are mandatory for all Muslims to perform. These prayers are performed at particular and fixed times, but Qazah and Qassar of these prayers are also allowed. These prayers are performed five times daily. The types of Fard prayers are mentioned in the below figure. Go ahead and discuss other types of prayer, that is Super derogatory prayer, which is also known as Nafl prayers. Some Muslim scholars say that these prayers can be performed at any time but some prayers’ timing is also fixed for these prayers. These prayers are not mandatory but the reward of offering these prayers is also high for the world and hereafter. These are the additional prayers. The types of Nafl prayers are also mentioned in the below figure. Next, Sunnah, as an optional prayer, is also a type of prayer which can be performed at any time. But for some prayers, the timing is also fixed. These are also spiritually beneficial prayers. These prayers can be performed as many times as desired. The rewards of these prayers are also very high. The types of these prayers are also mentioned in the below figure. In a nutshell, each prayer is distinguished from another prayer for reward and has unique importance for everyone’s life.
Impacts of prayer on the different aspects of life
Prayers affect different aspects of life, from the spiritual to the individual level, passing through different phases of life.
- Spiritual impacts of prayer
Prayer profoundly influences individuals on a spiritual level, manifesting in various phases rather than just a direct impact. In spiritual impact, the first sub-impact is the best form of meditation. In the Quran, this has been mentioned in (Surah Ar-Ra`d 13:28),
“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah, do hearts find rest.”
(Surah Ar-Ra`d 13:28)
This verse shows that before offering prayer means forming a connection with Allah, cleaning your heart and forming the best meditation. Second, the sub-impact is the peace of mind. In the Quran, this has been mentioned in (Surah Taha 14),
“I am Allah! There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Me. So, worship Me “alone”, and establish prayer for My remembrance.”
(Surah Taha 14)
This verse shows that it creates remembrance of Allah in mind. Third, the sub-impact is closeness to Allah. In the Quran, this has been mentioned in (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:28),
“Who have believed and whose hearts have rest in the remembrance of Allah. Verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest!”
(Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:28)
This verse shows that offering prayers and remembering Allah through prayers keep a person closer to Allah. Fourth, the sub-impact is the abstain from sins. In the Quran, this has been mentioned in (Surah Hud 11:114),
“Establish worship at the two ends of the day and in some watches of the night. Lo! Good deeds annul ill deeds. This is a reminder for the mindful.”
(Surah Hud 11:114)
This verse shows that offering prayers regularly keeps the person farther from committing sins by reflecting that Allah is all known for a person’s actions. Fifth, the sub-impact is to attain cleanliness. In the Quran, this has been mentioned in (Surah Ayah an-Nisa 4:43),
“O believers! Do not approach prayer while intoxicated1 until you are aware of what you say, nor in a state of ‘full’ impurity—unless you merely pass through ‘the mosque’—until you have bathed. But if you are ill, on a journey, or have relieved yourselves, or been intimate with your wives and cannot find water, then purify yourselves with clean earth, wiping your faces and hands And Allah is Ever-pardoning, All-Forgiving.”
(Surah Ayah an-Nisa 4:43)
This verse shows that for offering prayers, there must be the presence of the cleanliness of that person. This act keeps the person clean all the time by leaving the impact of prayer. Sixth, the sub-impact is the humbleness. In the Quran, this has been mentioned in (Surah Al-Muzzammil 73:2),
“Keep vigil the night long, save a little”
(Surah Al-Muzzammil 73:2)
This verse shows that prayer produces the act of humbleness in person. Seventh, the sub-impact is patience and perseverance. In the Quran, this has been mentioned in (Surah Ta-Ha 20:130),
“Therefore (O Muhammad), bear with what they say, and celebrate the praise of thy Lord ere the rising of the sun and the going down thereof. And glorify Him some hours of the night and at the two ends of the day, that thou mayst find acceptance.”
(Surah Ta-Ha 20:130)
This verse shows that prayer produces the act of patience and perseverance in the person. Offering prayers regularly keeps the person farther from desperate acts. Last, the sub-impact is creating fear of God. In the Quran, this has been mentioned in (Surah Ankabut 45:55),
“Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, ‘genuine’ prayer should deter ‘one’ from indecency and wickedness. The remembrance of Allah is ˹an˺ even greater ‘deterrent’. And Allah ‘fully’ knows what you ‘all’ do.”
(Surah Ankabut 45:55)
This verse shows thatprayer produces the fear of Allah in a person’s heart. The person keeps himself farther from doing bad actions because he knows Allah is seeing all the person’s actions. Hence, prayer produces a farsighted impact on the spiritual level from best meditation to fear of Allah in a person’s mind.
- Moral impacts of prayer
Prayer profoundly influences moral development, impacting various phases. In moral impact, the first sub-impact is creating good intention and will. In the Quran, this has been mentioned in (20:14)
Verily I am Allah. There is no god beside Me. So, serve Me and establish prayers to remember me.
(20:14)
This verse shows that it creates remembrance of Allah in mind, which becomes the reason for making good intentions and will in mind for others. Second, the sub-impact is punctuality. Prayer (Salah) is mandatory in Islam for all Muslims. It assists Muslims in making a strong connection with Allah by praying Salah regularly at particular times and teaches about self-control. It reminds Muslims of their purpose and need for Allah’s mercy and guidance. This shows that it helps in creating punctuality. Third, the sub-impact is closeness to Allah. In the Quran, this has been mentioned in (Surah 13:28),
“Those who believe and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah. Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort. Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of God.”
(Surah 13:28)
This verse shows that it assists in making the connection with Allah, resulting in closeness to Allah. Fourth, the sub-impact is cleanliness. In the Quran, this has been mentioned in (Surah At-Taubah 108),
“Certainly, a mosque founded on righteousness from the first day is more worthy of your prayers. In it are men who love to be purified. And Allah loves those who purify themselves.”
(Surah At-Taubah 108)
This verse emphasises the purification of the mosque and the person that will help in keeping cleanliness. Fifth, the sub-impact is recognition of the right path. In the Quran, this has been mentioned in (Surah Al-Shura 42:52), Thus, there is no contradiction when God says,
“…verily, you (O Muhammad) are indeed guiding (mankind) to the straight path.”
(Surah Al-Shura 42:52)
This verse shows that consistently praying five times a day will help the person choose the right path for him due to the strong connection between Allah and his creature. Sixth, the sub-impact is attained mind and stability. In the Quran, this has been mentioned in (Surah An-Nur 24:63),
“And let those who oppose the Messenger’s commandment (i.e., his Sunnah — legal ways, orders, acts of worship, statements), beware, lest some fitnah (disbelief, trials, afflictions, earthquakes, killing, overpowered by a tyrant) should befall them or a painful torment be inflicted on them.”
(Surah An-Nur 24:63)
This verse shows that painful torment will be given to those who oppose Allah’s messenger’s actions, which directly states that for every Muslim this is essential to attain mind and stability in their actions and choose the right path. Hence, prayer assists in creating a moral impact on a person’s life passing through different phases.
- Social impacts of prayer
Prayer significantly impacts individuals socially, showing various phases rather than just a direct influence.
Regarding moral impact, the first sub-impact is its role as a source of unity and consensus. In daily life, all Muslims are busy with their actions and deeds. For creating unity among Muslims, prayer plays an important in gathering Muslims in one place to make a strong connection with Allah. This also helps in the process of consensus because everyone is bound by different problems and others’ help is essential if one wants to get rid of this problem. This happens due to the unity among Muslims.
Second, the sub-impact is the source of social stability. When all Muslims stand in one place with strong unity, it will help in making social stability. Society will be able to counter the problems that shatter the roots of Muslims. Offering prayers will help in fostering social stability, so it is the best source for it.
Third, the sub-impact is increasing social strength. When unity and stability are present in a society that develops due to prayer, it will help in increasing social strength. Prayer has a powerful impact on increasing social strength by making a strong connection with Allah. All Muslims’ hearts are profoundly filled with Allah’s love, which will help in increasing social strength.
Fourth, the sub-impact is creating mutual harmony and responsibility. When all Muslims are under one roof, social unity, stability, and strength will help create mutual harmony and responsibility. All Muslims, after offering prayer, will help others in solving problems, which creates a sense of duty and rights for one another that is mainly the responsibility of another. It will develop mutual harmony among Muslims by igniting the spirit of responsibility.
Thus, prayers have a deep impact on the social level, which results in social peace and stability.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, prayers help individuals make strong connections with God. All world religions have different kinds of prayers but in Islam, it is known that one of the important pillars of Islam is Salah, which is also divided into different types, which are obligatory, voluntary, and Sunnah prayers. However, prayer has a deep impact on spiritual, moral and social levels, creating fear of Allah, closeness to Allah, social stability, peace and unity. Thus, prayer helps Muslims to make strong connections with Allah and ask for help from Him..
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