Prayer, otherwise known as Salah in Arabic, is very important in the life of any Muslim. Not only is it the first pillar of Islam after accepting it as your religion, it also helps Muslims stay mindful of their faith and actions throughout the day and night.
There are many reasons why prayer is essential in Islam. It is the most obligatory practice that Islam has, and is required of Muslims five times a day, from dusk to dawn to late night. One important reason behind prayer is that it keeps Muslims united across the world. Each of the five daily prayers are set at specific times throughout the day, and all Muslims must pray towards the Kabbah in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. This means everyday there are about a billion people praying at the same time, in the same direction, saying the same prayer.
Another important reason for prayer is that it is said to keep Muslims humble. During their obligatory prayers, Muslims spend much of it kneeling, even placing their foreheads to the ground. To spend five times a day in a humble position keeps Muslims mindful that they are small on this earth and that Allah is the main purpose for living.
