Prayer in the Modern World: Spiritual and Scientific Realities

Why Should We Pray?
Allah Almighty has created mankind for His worship, and the most significant means of worship is Salah (prayer). However, many people often wonder: Why should we pray? Is it due to the fear of Allah? To avoid the torment of Hell? To attain Paradise? Or merely to fulfil an obligation?

٭The first question to address is: “Why should I pray?”
Salah is a fundamental pillar of Islam, with clear evidence of its obligation found in the Qur’an and Hadith. The primary purpose of Salah is to strengthen our bond with Allah and affirm our servitude to Him. The Qur’an states:
وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَارْكَعُوا مَعَ الرَّاكِعِينَ (البقرہ: 43)
And establish prayer and give zakah, and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience]. (Al-Baqarah: 43)

Salah elevates a person from the material world towards spiritual purity and self-awareness. Modern research also supports its benefits, indicating that Salah enhances mental peace, concentration, and moral stability (Journal of Religion and Health, 2018).

٭Should We Pray Out of Fear of Allah?
Allah Almighty is infinitely Merciful and Compassionate, yet the fear of Allah is a crucial motivator that keeps one on the right path. The Qur’an states:
سورۃ فاطر:28))إِنَّمَا يَخْشَى اللَّهَ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ الْعُلَمَاءُ
” Only those fear Allah, from among His servants, who have knowledge.” (Fatir: 28)

The fear of Allah prevents individuals from engaging in wrongdoing and leads them towards piety. However, prayer should not be performed solely out of fear but also out of love and gratitude for Allah.

٭Should We Pray to Avoid Hellfire?
The fear of Hellfire is a genuine motivator, as stated in the Qur’an:
فَمَن زُحْزِحَ عَنِ النَّارِ وَأُدْخِلَ الْجَنَّةَ فَقَدْ فَازَ(آلعمران:185)
“So, whoever is removed from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has indeed attained success.” (Aal-e-Imran: 185)
However, if one prays merely out of fear, without sincerity, Salah may become a burden rather than a source of peace. Hence, prayer should be embraced with love, gratitude, and a sense of duty.

The Qur’an warns about Hellfire:
وَاتَّقُوا النَّارَ الَّتِي أُعِدَّتْ لِلْكَافِرِينَ(العمران:131)
“And fear the Fire which has been prepared for the disbelievers.” (Aal-e-Imran: 131)
Yet, an exclusive focus on fear is insufficient. Imam Ghazali states: “Fear without hope leads to despair, and hope without fear leads to heedlessness.”

٭Should We Pray to Attain Paradise?
Undoubtedly, seeking Paradise is a noble goal. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“The path to Paradise is through prayer.” (Musnad Ahmad)

However, if Salah is performed solely for the reward of Paradise, it may lack sincerity. The ultimate objective should be Allah’s pleasure, with Paradise as a divine reward.

The Qur’an encourages believers:
وَسَارِعُوا إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا السَّمَاوَاتُ وَالْأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ(العمران:133)
“And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a Paradise as vast as the heavens and the earth, prepared for the righteous.” (Aal-e-Imran: 133)

Nevertheless, the desire for Paradise should be secondary to seeking Allah’s pleasure, rather than just material blessings.

٭Should We Pray as an Expression of Gratitude?
Gratitude holds a high status in Islam. The Qur’an states:
لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ(ابراہیم:7)
“If you are grateful, I will surely increase [My blessings] for you.” (Ibrahim: 7)
Salah is the best way to express gratitude to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would prolong his prostration in Tahajjud prayer, and when Aisha (RA) asked why he exerted himself so much when all his sins were forgiven, he replied:
أَفَلَا أَكُونُ عَبْدًا شَكُورًا؟(صحیح بخاری)
“Should I not be a grateful servant?” (Sahih Bukhari)
Prayer is thus a supreme means of showing gratitude to Allah.
وَاشْكُرُوالِي وَلَاتَكْفُرُونِ۔(البقرہ:152)
“So, remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.” (Al-Baqarah: 152)
According to modern psychology, gratitude enhances mental well-being (Harvard Medical School Study, 2021).

٭Should We Pray Merely to Fulfil an Obligation?
Undoubtedly, Salah is an obligation, as the Qur’an states:
إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ كَانَتْ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ كِتَابًا مَّوْقُوتًا(النساء:103)
“Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers at prescribed times.” (An-Nisa: 103)
Fulfilling obligations is necessary, but that does not mean prayer should be performed merely as a ritual. The ultimate aim is to attain Allah’s pleasure.

The Prophet (PBUH) affirmed:
بُنِيَ الإِسْلَامُ عَلَى خَمْسٍ ۔۔۔۔بخاری
“Islam is built upon five pillars.” (Sahih Bukhari)

The obligation of Salah instils discipline and a sense of accountability before Allah.
Should We Pray Because Allah is Worthy of Worship?

Allah is deserving of all praise. We need prayer; Allah does not need our worship. The Qur’an states:
وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ(الذاریات:56)
“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” (Adh-Dhariyat: 56)
Thus, we should pray because Allah alone is worthy of worship. He is the Supreme Being who deserves our devotion and submission.

Salah is not just an obligation but a means of connecting with Allah, purifying the soul, expressing gratitude, and attaining spiritual peace. It should be performed with sincerity, love, and devotion, seeking the pleasure of Allah rather than merely out of fear or for reward. By understanding the deeper essence of prayer, we can truly appreciate its significance in our lives.

٭Is Prayer a Means of Cosmic Wisdom and Spiritual Growth?
Worship is part of the cosmic wisdom designed for human refinement and completion. Therefore, Allah alone is worthy of worship.

Can a Prayer Offered Without Understanding Be Considered a Conversation with Allah?
This is a crucial question that requires deep contemplation. If a worshipper does not understand what they are reciting in prayer, can it truly be considered a conversation with Allah? The Quran states:
يَاأَيُّهَاالَّذِينَ آمَنُوالَاتَقْرَبُواالصَّلَاةَ وَأَنتُمْ سُكَارَىٰ حَتَّىٰ تَعْلَمُوامَاتَقُولُونَ(النساء:43)
“O you who have believed, do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you understand what you are saying.” (An-Nisa: 43)

This verse highlights the necessity of comprehension in prayer. Thus, we must strive to understand the words and meanings of our prayers so that they become a genuine dialogue with Allah. How can one engage in meaningful conversation with their Creator without knowing what they are saying, what declarations they are making, or what commitments they are undertaking?

Just as we carefully articulate our words when submitting a request in an office or institution, ensuring our plea is understood, should we not approach prayer with the same level of awareness and intention? While understanding Arabic is preferable, sincerity and devotion remain the key elements. As the Hadith states:
إِنَّمَا الْأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ(صحیح بخاری)
“Actions are judged by intentions.” (Sahih Bukhari)
However, learning the meanings of the prayers enhances their effectiveness. Modern research suggests that much like meditation, prayer fosters deep focus, even if the words are not fully understood (Journal of Social Psychology, 2020).

٭Why Does Prayer Not Always Prevent Sin?
The Quran declares:
إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ تَنْهَىٰ عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنكَرِ(العنکبوت:45)
“Indeed, prayer prevents immorality and wrongdoing.” (Al-Ankabut: 45)
قال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم:(لا تقبل صلاة من لم ينهه عن منكر)-(ابن ماجه)
Yet, some who pray regularly still engage in sinful acts. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated:
“A prayer that does not deter one from sin is not accepted.” (Ibn Majah)
The key factor here is presence of heart in prayer. If prayer becomes merely a ritual, its transformative impact diminishes. Imam Ibn Qayyim stated:
“الصلاة تغسل الخطايا كما يغسل الماء التراب”
“Prayer washes away sins just as water cleanses dirt.”

However, if prayer is meant to prevent wrongdoing, why do some worshippers still sin?

According to a 2022 study published in the Journal of Religious Psychology, mechanical prayer (prayer without understanding) does not activate the brain’s moral decision-making centres, whereas meditative prayer (prayer with focus) does. Research further indicates that incorporating prayer into daily life, much like meditation, helps control addiction, dishonesty, and aggression.

٭The Role of Prayer in Social Harmony
Prayer plays a vital role in fostering social unity. Five daily congregational prayers bring Muslims together, strengthening communal bonds. Praying in congregation nurtures brotherhood and unity among believers.

A 2019 study by the University of Pennsylvania revealed that prayer reduces stress. Similarly, the Journal of Ethics (2020) found that congregational prayer improves ethical decision-making. A Social Science Research Network report highlighted how prayer enhances social solidarity.
Prayer as a Source of Mental Stability and Discipline.

Engaging in prayer with mindfulness fosters inner peace and stability. The act of prayer shifts focuses towards Allah, reducing anxiety and stress. Prayer cultivates self-discipline, punctuality, and a sense of responsibility, all of which contribute to moral and personal development.
Scientific evidence supports the Quranic assertion that prayer prevents wrongdoing. According to a 2020 Journal of Ethics survey, young individuals who regularly perform prayer are 35% less likely to make unethical choices. Additionally, a 2021 study in Turkey found that the physical movements of prayer, such as prostration, calm the nervous system, reducing anger intensity by 50%.

Prayer is not just a ritualistic obligation but a profound spiritual discipline. When performed with understanding and sincerity, it transforms the believer, instills moral discipline, and fosters social unity. It is a powerful tool for both personal and communal well-being, aligning human nature with divine wisdom.

٭The Multifaceted Benefits of Prayer
The various postures of prayer, such as bowing (Raku) and prostration (Sujood), also serve as a form of physical exercise. These movements enhance bodily flexibility and improve blood circulation. A study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy (2020) found that the prostration posture in prayer helps alleviate knee and back pain, particularly benefiting elderly individuals suffering from joint issues. Remarkably, prayer exhibits similarities with modern physiotherapy.

A 2022 study conducted in Dubai revealed that individuals who perform prayer regularly have 15% more stable blood pressure levels compared to non-practitioners. Additionally, prayer fosters social equality, as people stand shoulder to shoulder without class distinctions, symbolising justice and unity.
For students, regular prayer enhances concentration and improves time management, leading to better academic performance. Furthermore, prayer instils values of earning a lawful livelihood and seeking blessings in sustenance. It promotes honesty and integrity in economic activities.

When family members pray together, it strengthens mutual love and relationships. Children, observing prayer at home, receive moral and religious training. On a societal level, prayer discourages immoral behaviours and promotes ethical values, contributing to the eradication of social evils.

The collective nature of prayer, such as congregational and Friday prayers, strengthens social cohesion. According to a report from the American Social Health Journal (2023), regular mosque-goers, particularly the elderly and the youth, experience 40% lower levels of loneliness. Similarly, a European study in 2022 found that prayer gatherings facilitated interfaith dialogue and enhanced cross-cultural relationships between Muslim and non-Muslim communities.

Prayer also provides mental stability during crises. A Journal of Global Health survey conducted in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic found that Muslims who prayed at home experienced 20% lower rates of depression, while those who attended congregational prayers with safety precautions showed a remarkable 59% reduction in depressive symptoms. This suggests that prayer serves as a powerful coping mechanism during times of uncertainty.

A 2023 study in Pakistan highlighted that economically disadvantaged individuals who pray regularly demonstrate greater mental resilience despite financial hardships. Thus, prayer acts as a spiritual ladder, drawing one closer to the Divine. Through prayer, individuals seek forgiveness for their mistakes and attain inner peace.

These findings underscore the significance of prayer, proving that it is not merely an act of worship but a holistic practice with profound social, psychological, physical, and spiritual benefits.

Even global institutions recognise the importance of prayer. A 2023 report from the World Health Organization recommended incorporating spiritual practices such as prayer into mental health programs. Similarly, UNESCO suggested integrating the ethical teachings of prayer into educational curricula to foster tolerance and empathy among young people.

Prayer is an act of devotion, obligation, love, gratitude, and connection with God. It should not be performed merely out of fear or desire for reward but with sincerity and love, so it can bring true transformation in our character and lives. Understanding the meanings of prayer enhances its impact, making it a real conversation with the Divine.

As the second pillar of Islam, prayer extends beyond spiritual devotion, profoundly influencing social and psychological well-being. Studies in social sciences and Islamic teachings confirm that when Allah gifted the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with prayer during the miraculous journey of Mi’raj, it was a priceless gift for humanity.

The primary purpose of obligatory prayer is to strengthen the bond with the Creator, refine one’s character, and contribute to societal reform. It maintains a balance between fear and hope, gratitude and duty. While understanding its words enhances the experience, true success lies in sincerity and mindfulness.

Modern research further supports the benefits of prayer in reducing stress and promoting positive emotions. A report by the Journal of Religion and Health (2020) indicated that prayer postures (such as bowing and prostration) and recitations improve cognitive focus. Regular prayer reduces attention deficit problems by 30%. Similarly, the Journal of Psychological Research (2021) found that prayer lowers levels of stress hormones, decreasing the risks of depression and anxiety by 25%.

Therefore, prayer should not be limited to a mere ritual but should be utilised as a tool for mental training by teaching the meanings behind its words, enhancing its ethical impact. At a societal level, congregational prayers should be used as a means to promote social harmony.
Given the scientific and social evidence, it is evident that prayer is not just a religious duty but a comprehensive solution for physical, psychological, and social well-being. It is a divine blessing—a gift from the Creator to His creation—whose benefits are now being recognised even by global research institutions.