Points about Salah/4

Migration for Salah

TEHRAN (IQNA) – Salah has such an importance that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) leaves his hometown and migrates for it.

News ID: 3483947

Date: 15 June 2023 - 08:05

This Hijra (migration) signifies the importance of Salah and we have been advised to leave whatever we are doing and start praying when the time of Salah comes.

According to the Quran, Prophet Abraham (AS) said: “Lord, I have settled some of my offspring in a barren valley near your Sacred House so that they could be steadfast in prayer.” (Verse 37 of Surah Ibrahim)

Abraham went to Mecca for establishing Salah. He reconstructed the Kaaba as the Qibla (direction which people face when praying) for worshippers. He then invited people for Hajj.

It is as if saying prayer while facing the Kaaba seems more significant to Abraham than circumambulating the Kaaba.

Salah is so important that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) left Mecca and migrated to Media for the sake of Salah.

One of the religions mentioned in the Quran is that of Mandaeans who are said to be follower of Prophet Yahya (AS). They have a special prayer and religious rituals.

Centuries ago, they had a learned but arrogant leader who held debates with Imam Reza (AS) several times but would not accept Islam.

In one of the debates, Imam (AS) offered a reason that made the Mandaean leader relent. He said he was now ready to accept Islam.

Just then, the call to prayer was heard and Imam Reza (AS) left the session for Salah. People said it is a good opportunity that may not be repeated. But the Imam (AS) said Salah has priority.

The Mandaean leader who saw the Imam’s (AS) commitment to Salah, he grew more attracted to the character of Imam Reza (AS) and later accepted Islam.