Prayer is a fundamental pillar of Islam and a sign of a believer. It is not just a name for a few movements but a means of direct connection between a servant and his Lord. Unfortunately, the trend of neglecting prayer is rapidly increasing in our society today, especially the younger generation is moving away from prayer. This situation is not only dangerous from a religious point of view but is also causing social and moral decay.



Diagnosis of the problem and its causes!!



The biggest reason for the increase in those who do not pray is the lack of religious awareness. Many people are not aware of the obligation of prayer and its importance. Another important reason is laziness and negligence, as it is said about the hypocrites in the Holy Quran:


وَإِذَا قَامُوا إِلَى الصَّلَاةِ قَامُوا كُسَالَى


(Surah An-Nisa: 142)


Translation: And when they stand up for prayer, they stand up lazily.


The third reason is the deterioration of the environment. The lack of prayer in homes, parental negligence, and excessive engagement in mobile phones and social media are keeping the youth away from the mosque.



Religious and worldly effects of neglecting prayer!!



The religious effects of abandoning prayer are very serious. The benefits of prayer are clearly stated in the Holy Quran:


إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ تَنْهَىٰ عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنكَرِ,


(Surah Al-Ankabut: 45)


Translation: Indeed, prayer prevents immorality and wrongdoing.


When prayer is missed, a person becomes involved in sins. From a worldly point of view, a person who neglects prayer becomes a victim of restlessness, mental anxiety, and moral decline. Lies, deceit, and immorality increase in society because prayer creates a sense of accountability to Allah in a person.



Practical solutions and suggestions (the most important part)!!



The solution to this problem should start from homes first. Parents should themselves become committed to prayer and teach their children prayer with love and gentleness. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:


"مُرُوا أَوْلَادَكُمْ بِالصَّلَاةِ وَهُمْ أَبْنَاءُ سَبْعِ سِنِينَ"


(Abu Dawood)


Translation: Command your children to pray when they are seven years old.


To connect the youth with the mosque, reformative gatherings, lessons of the Quran, and moral training programs should be organized in mosques.


Teachers should encourage the practical adoption of prayer in schools and madrassas.


The Imams should adopt a style of wisdom, gentleness, and hope instead of just scolding in sermons.



Strong arguments from the Quran and Hadith!!



There is also a stern warning in the Holy Quran about the importance of prayer: فَوَيْلٌ لِّلْمُصَلِّينَ ( ٤ ) الَّذِينَ هُمْ عَن صَلَاتِهِمْ سَاهُونَ


(Surah Al-Ma'un: 4-5)


Translation: So woe to those who pray, [But] who are heedless of their prayer.


The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:


"الْعَهْدُ الَّذِي بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَهُمُ الصَّلَاةُ، فَمَنْ تَرَكَهَا فَقَدْ كَفَرَ"


(Tirmidhi)


Translation: The covenant between us and them is prayer, and whoever abandons it has disbelieved.


Hazrat Umar (RA) used to say:


"لَا حَظَّ فِي الْإِسْلَامِ لِمَنْ تَرَكَ الصَّلَاةَ"


He who abandons prayer has no share in Islam.


Conclusion!!


In conclusion, the increasing trend of neglecting prayer is a serious religious and social problem, the solution of which is possible not only with words but with practical efforts. If parents, teachers, Imams, and youth all understand the importance of prayer and act upon it, then the society can be illuminated again with the light of religion.


May Allah Almighty make us committed to prayer and make us a source of guidance for others as well, Amen, O Lord of the Worlds.