Table of Contents
Introduction
This is the seventh part in a series of articles that discuss the prayer in Islam, its correct form, and how it should be performed correctly. It explores the importance of maintaining prayer during war and explains why prayer should not be abandoned even in the midst of conflict. You can click here to read the full series, ALLAH willing.
Maintaining Prayer During War
What about prayer during war? War is a monumental ordeal. We see these days our brothers and sisters in Gaza—may ALLAH relieve them from their suffering, grant them a mighty and supported victory, and give us glad tidings of a near victory in which Islam and Muslims are honored, and the polytheists and disbelievers are disgraced and humiliated.
War means scattered limbs, people who have died, and not knowing where one might be in a moment. It means fatigue, hardship, tension, and awaiting death. The situation is very difficult.
Despite all of this, ALLAH Almighty commanded the Muslims who are at war to perform the Prayer of Fear (Salat al-Khawf). Prayer in Islam is not abandoned in such circumstances. The prayers must be performed, but they are performed as the Prayer of Fear. How is that?
When the time for prayer comes, it is not to be neglected. It must be performed even if blood is spilling around them. It must be performed even if limbs are flying before their eyes. It must be performed while they are awaiting death. They must pray while awaiting death, while fearing for their lives and souls. Prayer should not be abandoned for any reason.
A person should not leave their fundamental relationship with ALLAH, not even for a brief moment.
ALLAH Almighty commands the Prophet (Peace be upon Him) and His companions to perform the Prayer of Fear.
Muhammad Iqbal described this situation, saying:
“We are those who, when called to their prayers,
While war pours red blood upon the earth,
Turned their faces towards the Kaaba and proclaimed ALLAH’s greatness,
In the hearing of the Holy Spirit, who magnified it“1
During war, life is hard, fires are blazing, and battles are ongoing. Despite all of this, prayer during war cannot be abandoned.
Establishing Prayer After War
When people have prayed and the prayer is concluded, ALLAH Almighty says:
“…But when you become secure, re-establish [regular] prayer…“2
(Suraat ‘An-Nissaa’, 4:103)
After the end of war, when people feel safe, and the atmosphere becomes peaceful, the first thing that must be done is to establish prayer, as affirmed by HIS saying:
“…But when you become secure, re-establish [regular] prayer. Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times“3
(Suraat ‘An-Nissaa’, 4:103)
Thus, prayer during war is the greatest and most significant act.
Conclusion
Therefore, even during the most difficult times, such as war, prayer remains a fundamental duty that should not be abandoned. It is the essence of our relationship with ALLAH, and abandoning prayer during war is not acceptable under any circumstances.
Sources:
- Dr. Ahmed ElAraby. فاهم 36 | سلسلة تذوق العبادات – (1) الصلاة | مع د. أحمد العربي. YouTube Video.
- Original Poem ↩︎
- Saheeh International translation ↩︎
- Saheeh International translation ↩︎
