Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura

Friday Sermon

30 January 2026 / 11 Syaaban 1447H

Prayer – The Key to Success and Inner Peace

Zumratal mukminin rahimakumullah,

Have taqwa and be mindful of Allah s.w.t. Fulfil the rights of Allah upon us by carrying out His commands and staying away from His prohibitions. May Allah s.w.t. grant us blessings and success in this world and the Hereafter. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.

Dear brothers,

As Muslims, why are we commanded to pray five times a day? Taking into account the time we allocate for each prayer, does it not seem to affect our productivity?

Perhaps, such thoughts may have crossed the minds of some individuals. In today’s society, which places great importance on excellence and achievement, time is indeed a valuable resource. However, for a Muslim, our prayer should never be seen as an obstacle to success. On the contrary, prayer strengthens the soul and becomes a driving force for individual excellence and success in every aspect of life.

What is the basis for this claim? Let us reflect upon the guidance of Allah s.w.t. in the first two verses of Surah al-Mukminun. Allah says:

Which means: “Successful indeed are the believers. Those who are humbly intent during their prayer.”

Whereas Rasulullah s.a.w. also said that which means: “Indeed, the first deed for which a servant will be brought to account on the Day of Judgment is his prayer. If his prayer is sound, he will have succeeded and prospered. But if it is corrupted, he will have failed and suffered loss.” (Reported by al-Tirmizi)

Blessed congregation,

Indeed, our prayer is the pillar of faith. Yet, it should never be reduced to a mere routine, performed half-heartedly, simply to meet a religious obligation. We must know that prayer is a priority that brings immense benefit to humanity.

Here, the sermon intends to share two key messages regarding prayer for our mutual guidance.

First: Prayer is the key to success, not a hindrance to it.

Prayer reminds us that true success is not measured solely by material standards.

Yes, as Muslims, we are encouraged to manage our worldly lives – to earn a livelihood, support our families, and build a meaningful and comfortable life. Yet, in life, challenges are inevitable. Just as hardship is a test, ease is also a test.

It is here that prayer serves as a direct channel connecting a servant to his Lord. Allah is the One we rely upon in all matters. When we are afflicted with hardship, we seek His help. When we are granted ease, we continue to seek His guidance and protection through our prayers.

Second: Prayer nurtures inner peace and tranquillity.

Dear brothers, much of what we do in daily life is driven by external demands. A student, for example, studies diligently because circumstances require knowledge, and achievement is measured through examinations. Prayer, however, is different. It is an act largely driven by personal choice and conviction, not external compulsion, and it is offered to Allah solely for His evaluation.

Here lies a powerful assurance that Allah s.w.t. sees and values every effort we make, regardless of whether the people around us notice or otherwise. For a Muslim, prayer brings a form of inner peace that is unlikely to be attained from other sources.

Blessed congregants,

Perhaps, this tranquillity from prayer was what the Prophet s.a.w. referred to when he instructed Sayyidina Bilal r.a. by saying: “O Bilal, call the iqamah; bring us comfort through it," meaning, through prayer. (Reported by Abu Daud)

May Allah s.w.t. make us among His servants who are steadfast in guarding our prayers, and through them, may He grant us success in this world and the Hereafter. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘alamin.

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