Prayer Develops Unity

Offering prayer in congregation in the mosque is a clear evidence of uniting the hearts. It is obvious in gathering the people to perform the same action, in the same place behind the same Imam (leader of prayer). Therefore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) guided us to keep our rows straight during the congregational prayer as it is essential for a perfect and correct prayer. The Prophet (peace be upon him) also warned us against differing in rows because it leads to disaccord.

It was narrated that Al-Bara ibn `Azib said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to go between the rows from one side to another, patting our shoulders and chests and saying: ‘Do not make your rows ragged or your hearts will be filled with enmity toward one another.’ And he used to say: ‘Allah and His angels send Salah upon the front rows.”‘ (An-Nasa’i)

In another hadith, Nu`man ibn Bashir (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Straighten your rows (during prayer) or Allah would create dissension amongst you”. (Al-Bukhari)

Prayer nurtures within us the ideology of being united. It teaches us the importance of being united. Allah Almighty brings us together united in five times a day. Also, Allah brings us together united one day during the week on the day of Jumu`ah (Friday). Almighty Allah also brings us together united twice during the year, and this is during the days of `Eid.

We all stand during prayer in a straight line behind the Imam, facing the Qiblah, irrespective of color, irrespective of race, irrespective of financial standing or material well-being.

Enjoy watching this short talk with Sheikh Sajid Umar to realize how prayer develops unity among the individuals of the Muslim society.