Table of Contents
Introduction
This is the fourteenth part of a series of articles discussing prayer in Islam, how it should be performed correctly, how the righteous predecessors prayed, and how ALLAH elevates those who walk to prayer. You can click here to read the entire series, ALLAH willing.
The Rewards of Walking to Prayer
After performing ablution, you begin your walk to prayer. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) said:
“…and proceeds towards the mosque with the purpose of performing Salat in congregation, he does not take a step without being raised a degree (in rank) for it and having a sin remitted for it, till he enters the mosque…“1
Each step erases a sin and raises a degree. Imagine how many degrees a servant can be elevated before reaching the mosque. If there are 100 steps between him and the mosque, that equals 100 degrees. While we might consider these degrees small, the distance between each is like that between the heavens and the earth. These degrees are not from any worldly institution or tied to prestige, but are with ALLAH. Therefore, we should not take them lightly.
How Walking to Prayer Erases Sins
The Prophet (Peace be upon Him) said:
“Shall I not tell you something by which ALLAH effaces the sins and elevates the ranks (in Jannah)? … Performing the Wudu’ properly in spite of difficult circumstances, walking with more paces to the mosque, and waiting for the next Salat (prayer) after a observing Salat; and that is Ar-Ribat (steadfastness), and that is Ar-Ribat (steadfastness)“2
This is the true form of striving.
As the servant walks to prayer, his sins are being erased. Upon entering the mosque, he says:
“In the Name of ALLAH, and peace be upon the Messenger of ALLAH. O ALLAH, forgive me my sins and open to me the gates of YOUR mercy“3
Consider the depth of feelings and spirituality that should be awakened in the heart of the servant. If we truly reflect on each step and each stage of this journey, we will enter prayer with hearts prepared, knowing the doors of mercy are opened and sins are forgiven. By focusing on the meaning of walking to prayer, we elevate our spiritual connection.
Preparing the Heart for Prayer
Imagine a fan cooling a room—when you press the off button, it doesn’t stop immediately; it takes a moment to slow down.In the same way, the fan of worldly life spins in our hearts, and it requires time to wind down. Walking to prayer helps us make that transition from worldly concerns to spiritual devotion.
By the time the call to prayer (muezzin) is made, the doors of mercy have been opened, the keys to our spiritual locks have been found, sins have been forgiven, and the barriers to success and mercy have been lifted by ALLAH’s grace. This preparation allows us to enter into the presence of ALLAH. All of this is facilitated by the simple act of walking to prayer.
Being Eager to Walk to Prayer
We often overlook something important: when a believer goes out for prayer and hears the Adhan (call to prayer). While it’s ideal to be in the mosque before the Adhan, and that is certainly better, the goal is to develop the habit of arriving before the call. Why? Because we don’t want to wait for ALLAH to call us; we want to come to HIM willingly.
If it’s difficult due to a busy schedule, try doing this for some prayers, if not all. For instance, arrive early for Fajr, or for Isha after work, or on Fridays. Whenever possible, as much as you can. This is a way of showing respect and politeness to ALLAH, even if only sometimes. It’s like saying, “O LORD, I come early. I am not waiting for a call from YOU, O LORD”.
As Ibn al-Jawzi recounted:
“I once met an elderly walking to prayer. I encountered him at the door of the mosque and asked him, ‘Has the Adhan been called? He replied, ‘Should I wait for HIM to call me before I come to HIM?'”
Ibn al-Jawzi then reflected,
“It was in that moment I realized I had been a poor servant“
While it may be difficult at times, we should strive to show politeness to ALLAH Almighty, even if only occasionally. We want to hasten, as mentioned in the Qur’an:
“…and I hastened to YOU, my LORD, that YOU be pleased“4
(Suraat Taaha, 20:84)
When love fills the heart for its beloved, delaying the meeting becomes unbearable.
Sources:
- Dr. Ahmed ElAraby. فاهم 36 | سلسلة تذوق العبادات – (1) الصلاة | مع د. أحمد العربي. YouTube Video.
