In Islam, worship (ʿibāda) and ethics (akhlāq) are inseparable: prayer (ṣalāh), zakat (zakāt), fasting (ṣawm), and pilgrimage (ḥajj) express the servant's devotion to Allah, while honesty, compassion, and upholding the rights of kin reflect this devotion in dealings with people. This page is an introductory guide that addresses both together.
Prayer (Ṣalāh)
The five daily prayers were made obligatory on the Night of Ascension (Miʿrāj); the next morning, Jibril (Gabriel, peace be upon him) descended and personally demonstrated the prayer times. For this historical account: The Institution of the Five Daily Prayers. For a step-by-step description of how the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) performed the prayers: How the Prophet Performed the Five Daily Prayers.
Regarding the importance of prayer, the Messenger of God (peace be upon him) said:
"Allah has made the five daily prayers obligatory. Whoever performs their ablution well, prays them at their proper times, and completes their bowings and humility, has Allah's promise of forgiveness."
Source: The State of Those Who Perform the Five Daily Prayers with Care. On the gravity of abandoning prayer: Abandoning Prayer; on the virtue of congregational prayer: The Importance of the Night and Dawn Congregational Prayers.
Zakat (Zakāt)
Zakat (zakāt) is one of the five pillars of Islam and is mentioned alongside prayer in the Qur'an in more than eighty places: "Establish prayer and give zakat." (al-Baqarah 2:43). For the meaning and virtue of zakat: Zakat: The Foundation of Faith, the Root of Financial Justice; for the history and wisdom of its obligation: The Obligation of Zakat: Its Meaning and Wisdoms.
Fasting and Pilgrimage
The fast of Ramadan and the pilgrimage for those able are the other two major acts of worship in Islam. On the reward for providing iftar to one who is fasting: Providing Iftar to the Fasting; for a guide to making the most of Ramadan: Acts of Worship in Ramadan. For a detailed account of the Prophet's pilgrimage: The Pilgrimage of the Messenger of God (Sunan Abū Dāwūd).
Moderation in Worship
The Messenger of God (peace be upon him) called a Companion who wished to exhaust himself in excessive worship to balance, emphasizing the rights of one's body, family, and guests. For this principle: Balanced Worship.
Noble Character (Akhlāq)
The fruit of worship is noble character. When a Companion asked, "Tell me of a deed that will admit me to Paradise," the Messenger of God (peace be upon him) combined worship and ethics in a single sentence:
"Worship Allah and do not associate anything with Him. Perform the prayer, give zakat, and maintain the ties of kinship."
Source: The Path to Paradise. On kindness to parents: The Teaching of Respect for Elders; on holding the nafs (the lower self) to account: Master Your Nafs.
Related Articles
- The Institution of the Five Daily Prayers
- Zakat: The Foundation of Faith
- Acts of Worship in Ramadan
- The Path to Paradise: Worship, Prayer, Zakat, Kinship
- Supplications for Ablution and Its Importance
- Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn: Hadiths on Ethics and Worship
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