Sahih Muslim 82 b
It is narrated on the authority of Abu Zubair that he heard Jabir b. ‘Abdullah saying. I heard the Messenger of Allah (may peace and blessings be upon him) observing this: Between man and polytheism and unbelief is the abandonment of salat.
- According to Islamic beliefs, performing Salah (prayer) is one of the most important obligations for Muslims. It is considered as the foundation of the Islamic faith, and it is the first thing that a person will be held accountable for on the Day of Judgment. Salah is not just a physical act of worship, but it is also a spiritual act that connects a person with Allah. Abandoning Salah is seen as a serious offense in Islam, as it is a direct disobedience to Allah’s commandments. It is believed that when a person stops performing Salah, it can lead to a weakening of their faith, and it may even lead them towards committing other sins. Therefore, the hadith emphasizes the importance of performing Salah regularly and not abandoning it, as it serves as a clear demarcation between faith and disbelief. It reminds Muslims that neglecting this fundamental pillar of Islam can lead one towards the path of polytheism and unbelief.
