The consequences of not praying

Prayer (Salat or Namaz) is the second pillar and the backbone of a Muslim’s life, with its abandonment leading to a severance of the relationship with God. The article outlines the severe spiritual and worldly consequences for those who neglect prayer, citing both the Qur’an and Hadith. Warnings from the Qur’an state that those who neglect prayer will soon face punishment, and in the Hereafter, the lack of prayer is explicitly mentioned by the residents of Hell as the reason for their suffering (Surah Maryam, 59; Surah Al-Muddaththir, 42-43). Worldly consequences include hardship of the heart, loss of peace, and a decrease in sustenance (Rizq). The theological views of Islamic jurists (Fuqaha) vary: Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal considered willful abandonment of prayer an act of disbelief (Kufr), while Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Shafi’i, and Imam Maliki viewed it as a major sin, but not a complete denial of faith. The article concludes with a message of hope, reminding readers that the door of repentance is always open, and returning to regular prayer will lead to forgiveness, peace in this world, and salvation in the Hereafter.

Source: Based on reporting from Prothom Alo