It is undeniable that prayer in Islam is a very important aspect as it is the first pillar of Islam. It was made obligatory upon all the prophets and for all of their people, be them old and young, women and men. Allah SWT spoke directly to Musa (a.s.), He said,

"And I have chosen you, so listen to that which is inspired to you. Verily, I am Allah! There is none worthy of worship but I, so worship Me and offer prayer perfectly for My remembrance." [Taaha: 13-14]

The prayers were made obligatory upon the Prophet Muhammad SAW during his ascension to heaven. Once a man asked the Prophet SAW about the most virtuous deed and he stated that it is the prayer. The man asked again and again and for the first three times, the Prophet SAW again answered, "The prayer," then on the fourth time he stated, "Jihaad in the way of Allah." [This is form a Hadeeth recorded by Ahmad and Ibn Hibban.

The important aspects in one's relationship to Allah are one's faith (imaan), God-consciousness (taqwa), sincerity and worship of Allah (`'ibaadah). All these are demonstrated and put into practice by performing the prayer . So, the rest of the deeds will be sound and proper, if the prayers are also sound and proper as the Prophet SAW himself stated.

The prayer should be performed properly with true remembrance of Allah SWT and turning to Him for forgiveness as it will have a lasting effect on the person. Our heart will be filled with the remembrance of Allah SWT and we will be fearful as well as hopeful of Allah SWT.

In the Qur'an, it described the effect of properly performed prayers upon humans:

"Verily, man was created impatient, irritable when evil touches him and niggardly when good touches him. Except for those devoted to prayer those who remain constant in their prayers…" [Al-Maa'rij: 19-23].