Negligence in Salah

According to Hazrat Abdullah Bin Mas'ud (Radiyallaahu Anhu), the verse 59 of Surah 19 (Surah Mariam), refers to those who do not perform their Salah on time. Either they do it very late or they postpone a Salah in the time of another, which is called performing Qaza Salah. According to this verse, Allah Ta'ala says:

"Thus, after them (the pious predecessors), another generation succeeded who neglected Salah and pursued their passions. Thus, very soon they will meet (ghayy)." (V59 / S19)

According to Hazrat Abdullah Bin Mas'ud (Radiyallaahu Anhu) 'ghayy' is a very deep valley in hell that is filled with the pus of the Jahannami.

Thus, it is very serious if a person does not perform Salah on time. To neglect Salah and not to perform it at all should be even more serious. Thus, one must perform Salah and one must perform it on time. One must not be lazy.

According to the Hadith, to perform Salah at the prescribed time has been described as the best action.

Salah is such an important and essential pillar in Deen that in the Qur'aan-e-Karim it (the Salah) was named Imaan. This gives the impression as if Imaan cannot exist without Salah. In verse 31 of Surah 30, Allah Ta'ala said: 

"...And establish Salah and do not be among the Mushrikeen (polytheists)."

According to this verse, not performing Salah is the way of a Mushrik. Thus, it is very bad and reprehensible that a Muslim does not perform Salah. There are very severe punishments for them.

[English version of "Negligence dans namaz" – Al Jamiat – Vol.6 No.1]