Praying SALAH, Yet SINNING – Is It Fair? | Korean Lady to Dr. Zakir

Summary

The discussion revolves around questions about Islamic practices and beliefs, particularly the importance of prayer (Salah), good deeds, and faith in God. The speaker explains that while doing good deeds is important, Islamic teachings emphasize the significance of believing in God and following religious practices like prayer. The conversation also addresses why some Muslims do not always embody Islamic principles despite identifying as Muslims. The speaker argues that praying and following religious obligations, even imperfectly, is more important than just performing good deeds without faith.

Takeaways

• 😀 Some people may be good and truthful but if they lack faith or do not thank God, they may not enter paradise.
• 🙏 The act of prayer in Islam, specifically the act of prostration, is meant to humble both the body and the mind.
• ❓ A student asks why it’s not enough to just do good deeds without following specific religious practices like prayer.
• 📖 The speaker emphasizes that no verse in the Quran teaches anything against humanity; the faults are with individual Muslims who do not follow Islamic teachings correctly.
• 🏫 The analogy of a school is used to explain how Islam, like a school, produces both good and bad students, but the school (Islam) cannot be blamed for bad behavior.
• 📜 The Quran outlines four key criteria for entering paradise: faith, righteous deeds, advising others to truth, and patience.
• 🙌 It’s stated that thanking the Creator is more important than merely helping others, as God is the ultimate giver of life and blessings.
• 🛐 The reason for praying in a specific way is explained: it’s a command from God, and God knows best how humans should pray.
• 🤲 Fasting is seen as a practice to teach self-restraint, piety, and unity, with the specific month of Ramadan prescribed for this.
• 🕌 Not offering Salah (prayer) is considered a major sin, and even if someone tells lies but prays, they are still seen as superior to someone who doesn't pray but tells the truth.

Q & A

Why is it not enough for a Muslim to do good deeds without offering Salah?

While doing good deeds is important, Islam emphasizes the importance of thanking and worshiping God in the prescribed manner. Salah is a core pillar of Islam, and it is a way of expressing gratitude to the Creator. According to the speaker, merely doing good deeds without acknowledging and thanking God properly is insufficient for entering paradise.

Why do some Muslims do bad things even though they follow the teachings of Islam?

The speaker explains that while Islam does not teach anything harmful to humanity, individuals may fail to follow those teachings. Just as some students may fail in school despite attending it, some Muslims may do bad things even though Islam encourages good behavior.

Why must prayers be performed in a specific way, such as Salah, instead of a personal form of worship?

According to the speaker, the Creator has prescribed the way we should pray because He knows best how we should worship Him. Praying in the manner outlined in Islam, such as Salah, is a way of showing submission and humility to God. Performing Salah also benefits the individual by humbling the mind through physical actions like prostration.

What is the significance of prostration (Sujud) in Salah?

Prostration in Salah is a physical act of submission, where the highest part of the body (the forehead) is placed on the lowest ground, symbolizing humility before God. The speaker notes that this act helps to humble both the body and the mind, aligning with psychological principles of controlling the mind through physical actions.

Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan, and why is fasting a collective act?

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is prescribed as a means to develop self-restraint, God-consciousness, and humility. The speaker emphasizes that fasting collectively in the same month fosters unity among Muslims, and the prescribed duration ensures a consistent, shared spiritual experience.

What are the four criteria mentioned in Surah Al-Asr for entering paradise?

The four criteria mentioned in Surah Al-Asr (Chapter 103, verses 1-3) are: having faith in God, performing righteous deeds, calling others to truth, and being patient in adversity. The speaker emphasizes that all four are necessary for a person to enter paradise.

Why is believing in and thanking the Creator considered more important than doing good deeds toward others?

The speaker explains that while doing good deeds toward others is important, failing to thank the Creator, who has given life and everything, is a greater sin. Gratitude toward the Creator is considered the highest priority, as not thanking Him is seen as an even bigger wrong than harming fellow humans.

What is the difference between a person who offers Salah but commits sins and a person who does good deeds but does not offer Salah?

The speaker clarifies that a person who offers Salah but commits minor sins (e.g., lying) is considered better than someone who does good deeds but does not offer Salah. This is because Salah is a fundamental pillar of Islam, and neglecting it is a major sin. A person who offers Salah is more likely to improve over time.

What role does Salah play in preventing bad behavior?

Salah is seen as a means to restrain individuals from engaging in shameful or unjust actions. The Quran (Surah Ankabut 29:45) mentions that performing Salah helps a person refrain from wrong deeds, and the speaker reinforces this by saying that a person who performs Salah correctly will gradually avoid sinful behavior.

Why is following the Sunnah of the Prophet important in Islam, especially regarding practices like fasting?

The Sunnah, or practices of the Prophet Muhammad, serves as a guide for Muslims on how to live their lives. The speaker emphasizes that following the Sunnah is important because the Prophet was the final messenger who provided practical examples of how to follow God's commandments, including fasting during Ramadan.