Hadith #5798

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Prayer is the fortress of the all-Merciful and the instrument for expelling Satan.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word (salah) "صَلاةُ" refers to the obligatory prayers that Muslims perform five times a day. It is a comprehensive act of worship that includes physical postures, recitation of specific verses, and supplications. The word (hisn) "حِصْنُ" means a fortress or a stronghold, symbolizing a place of protection and refuge. (Rahman) "رَحْمَنِ" refers to Allah, the Most Merciful, who encompasses all His creation with His boundless mercy. Lastly, (midhara) "مِدْحَرَةُ" means an instrument or a means of expelling or driving away.

To understand the significance of prayer as a fortress, we can turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:45), Allah says,

And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah].

This verse highlights the role of prayer as a source of strength and protection for believers. It serves as a shield against the trials and tribulations of life, providing solace and support to those who turn to it with sincerity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:45), Allah states,

Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing.

This verse emphasizes the transformative power of prayer in purifying the soul and restraining one's desires. It acts as a fortress that safeguards believers from falling into sinful behavior and keeps them on the path of righteousness.

The second part of the Hadith highlights prayer as an instrument for expelling Satan. In Surah Al-Hijr (15:39), Satan declares,

By Your might, I will surely mislead them all except, among them, Your chosen servants.

This verse indicates that Satan's primary objective is to lead humanity astray from the path of righteousness. However, through prayer, believers can seek refuge in Allah's protection and repel the whispers and temptations of Satan.

Moreover, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:1-2), Allah describes the qualities of successful believers, stating,

Certainly will the believers have succeeded: They who are during their prayer humbly submissive.

This verse emphasizes the importance of humility and attentiveness in prayer. By immersing ourselves in prayer, we detach from worldly distractions and strengthen our connection with Allah, making it easier to resist the influence of Satan.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the profound significance of prayer in our lives. It serves as a fortress, providing protection and strength in the face of adversity. Through prayer, we seek refuge in the boundless mercy of Allah and find solace in His presence. Additionally, prayer acts as a powerful tool for expelling Satan, enabling us to resist his temptations and remain steadfast on the path of righteousness.

Let us reflect on the motivation behind this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and understanding of the Quran. He recognized the transformative power of prayer and its ability to fortify the believer's relationship with Allah. By highlighting the significance of prayer, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aimed to guide and inspire Muslims to prioritize their connection with Allah through the act of prayer.

The consequences of neglecting prayer are severe. Without the fortress of prayer, believers become vulnerable to the influence of Satan and the temptations of the world. They may lose sight of their purpose and deviate from the path of righteousness. Therefore, it is essential for Muslims to establish a strong and consistent prayer routine, seeking Allah's protection and guidance.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the significance of prayer as a fortress of protection and a means to expel Satan. Through prayer, we find strength, solace, and guidance in the boundless mercy of Allah. It is a powerful tool that enables us to resist temptations, purify our souls, and remain steadfast on the path of righteousness. May Allah grant us the ability to establish a strong connection with Him through the act of prayer and protect us from the whispers of Satan.