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It is noteworthy that prayer often begins due to a distress of the heart when passing through a test or affliction and progresses into experiencing joy on the occasion of celebration of Eids. If we establish a symbolic connection here, we may say that those who regularly pray in this world will be rewarded with a festival in the Hereafter for prayer includes the meaning to lead the servant to perfection and Divine reward. In short, prayer provides the following physical benefits:

Prayer requires physical acts that are healthy for the body. It also organizes one’s time during the day and regularizes one’s entire life.

Prayer provides spiritual benefits as follows:
It provides, when performed properly, the joy of being in Allah’s presence, meditation, comfort in the time of fear, pleasure in the time of joy, sustaining the spiritual character of the soul, maintenance of faith, and a good relationship with the Divine Being.

Prayer provides the following sociological benefits:
The sense of coming together, knowing one another, friendship, and reinforcement of the bonds of brotherhood.

It must be stated here that no excuse is acceptable for not attempting to offer prayer. Even those who are on the battlefield are supposed to pray by turns. And there can be no excuse for women as well, apart from those related to female health.

The Prophet (pbuh) was so serious about prayer that he warned us even when he was in his last moments of life:

“Be careful about prayer!”

We should forever be awake about prayer taking heed of the above warning.

Those souls who pay attention to this warning and perceive the importance of prayer, let it become the dearest joy of their life. They pull away from this transitory world, and reach union with Allah when they stand up for prayer.

A sincere worshipper needs to embody the following qualities for the acceptance of his/her prayers.

“1. Those who remain steadfast to their prayer;
2. And those in whose wealth is a recognized right for the (needy) who ask and him who is prevented (for some reason from asking);
3. And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment;
4. And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord;
5. And those who guard their chastity;
6. And those who respect their trusts and covenants;
7. And those who stand firm in their testimonies;
8. And those who guard (the sacredness) of their worship;
Such will be the honored ones in the Gardens (of Bliss).” (Al-Maarij 70: 23-35).

O my Lord! Please, let our prayers have the honor of being offered in their true meaning and wisdom, and let them be regarded as an ascension (mi’raj) to you! Let our prayers be our joy, and the delight of our souls both in this world and the hereafter!
Ameen!..