Selma Cook 

Prayer in Islam, is worship of Allah the Almighty, Praising and Thanking Him, acknowledging His Sovereignty and committing oneself to obey and remember Him at all times. It is the central part of a way of life, which is based on submission to the Owner of all.

The Muslim must seek to remember Allah at all times. He must be mindful that everything he is, everything he does, everything he knows and understands, is due to the Mercy of Allah. In acknowledging this, he remembers the fact that death lies in wait and he does not know when he will depart from this worldly life.

Five times a day, he stands in prayer. Focusing all his thoughts on the Creator. He praises, thanks and acknowledges the Greatness of Allah and seeks His forgiveness. His sins pass before his consciousness and render him humble before the Majesty of the One who owns all things, including the Day of Judgement. He stands, conscious that Allah Sees Him at all times and that in prostration he is the closest to His Maker.

The Muslim realizes that the Angel of death could be behind him at any time, that Jannah (Paradise) lies on his right and the fire of hell is on his left. The truth of his actions and their consequences are unknown to him and as he prayers, his heart is moved by sincere intent to strive harder, work more, study more, forgive more and share more.

He comes out of the state of prayer, feeling renewed; more determined to use what remains of his time in the most beneficial way. An angry shout or unkind word, stops on the same lips that recite the Qu'ran and remembers Allah. Hands reaching forth in greed and hate, retreat to find better solutions. Hasty careless words, dismal thoughts and attitudes disappear beneath the light that shrouds the mind of the one who prays because of their love and fear of Allah.
 
 Basics of Islam