The sin of not performing the obligatory prayers.

Allah Almighty has made the five daily prayers obligatory.

The sin of not performing the obligatory prayers.

Allah Almighty has made the five daily prayers obligatory. Wherever and in whatever condition one is, one must perform the prayers. If someone is sick or is in a vehicle, his prayers also have their form and method.

There were also rules for prayers in the era of previous prophets. However, there were differences in the method. But after them, people started neglecting the matter of prayers. However, not performing the obligatory prayers is a terrible sin. And its severe consequence is the hell of eternal suffering and hardship.

The Hell that the unbelievers will go to.

Allah Almighty says, ‘After the Prophet and those who were guided, there came a generation who destroyed the prayers and worshipped their desires. So they will witness the punishment of the Hell called ‘Gā'i.’ (Gai' is the name of a cave. This is a very scary cave. This terrible cave is made for those who harm themselves through their own actions. Hell itself seeks relief from the horrors of the cave). But those who repent after that, believe, and do righteous deeds, they will enter Paradise, and they will not be wronged in the least.’

(Surah Maryam, verses: 59-60)

Another verse of the Holy Quran states that on the Day of Resurrection, the people of Hell will be asked, ‘Why did you enter the Fire called Saqar?’ They will say, ‘We were not worshippers, nor did we feed the poor; rather, we were engaged in criticism with those who criticized. We even denied the Day of Recompense. And thus death came to us suddenly.’

(Surah Muddassir, verses 38-47)

Abandoning prayer is like becoming a disbeliever.

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, ‘The difference between a person and disbelief and polytheism is not prayer. Whoever abandons prayer has become a disbeliever (acts like a disbeliever).’

(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 82)

In another Hadith, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, ‘The only difference between us and the disbelievers is prayer. Whoever abandons prayer has become a disbeliever.’

(Tirmidhi, Hadith: 2621)

Prayer is an outward sign of a Muslim. It is the greatest commandment of Islam after faith. And if a Muslim abandons prayer, a major part of Islam is lost from him. So Umar (RA) used to say, ‘The one who abandons prayer is a disbeliever.’

(Bayhaqi, Hadith: 1559, 6291)

Also, the fourth Caliph of Islam, Ali (RA), said, ‘The one who does not pray is a disbeliever.’

(Bayhaqi, Hadith: 6291)

Abdullah bin Mas’ud (RA) said, ‘The one who does not pray is not a Muslim.’

(Bayhaqi, Hadith: 6291)

Each of them has given a strong warning against not praying. They meant that abandoning prayer is the work of disbelievers. A Muslim who does not pray is like a disbeliever.

Leaving the guardianship of Allah and losing everything.

If one intentionally abandons the obligatory prayer, Allah Almighty takes away his guardianship or protection from that person. Mu'adh (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) advised me ten things, one of which is that you should not leave the obligatory prayers intentionally. Because whoever leaves the obligatory prayers intentionally, Allah has no responsibility over him."

(Musnad Ahmad, Hadith: 5/238)

Not praying also causes a lot of harm. Buraidah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever misses the Asr prayer, all his deeds will be in vain.”

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 553, 594)

In a hadith narrated by Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever misses the Asr prayer, his family and wealth will be in great loss.”

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 552)