40 Rewards for Those Who Pray in Islam – In This Life and the Hereafter
Introduction
Prayer in Islam stands as the greatest act of worship — the very pillar of the religion and the comfort of the believers’ eyes. In both this world and the Hereafter, it carries immense rewards and profound benefits: nurturing the soul, elevating the self, and protecting individuals and societies from corruption. The Qur’an and authentic Prophetic traditions emphasize the greatness of a servant’s connection with his Lord through prayer and the immense reward it brings.
In this article, we will explore forty fruits and rewards of prayer, each supported by evidence from the Qur’an and Sunnah of the Messenger ﷺ. These rewards will be divided into categories: worldly, spiritual, in the grave, and in the Hereafter — to highlight prayer’s deep impact on a Muslim’s life and its role in elevating the ranks of the righteous.
Worldly Rewards of Prayer
1. Peace of heart and happiness of the soul.
Allah says: “Those who believe and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah. Indeed, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Qur’an 13:28).
Prayer, as the highest form of remembrance, nurtures inner tranquility, removes anxiety and grief, and fills the heart with serenity. Even modern psychology has affirmed that ablution and mindful prayer reduce stress and provide spiritual energy, cleansing the heart and calming the mind.
2. Healing for mind and body.
Scientific studies show that the five daily prayers, with their physical movements, serve as a holistic exercise for the body, stimulating digestion and improving blood circulation. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whenever something distressed him, he would turn to prayer.” (Abu Dawud). Prayer thus becomes a remedy for sorrow and grief, offering both psychological relief and physical vitality.
3. Erasing sins and elevating ranks.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “There is no Muslim who performs ablution and does it well, then prays two rak‘ahs with humility and concentration, except that Paradise will be guaranteed for him.” (Muslim). Prayer wipes away sins between one prayer and the next, provided major sins are avoided, and raises the believer in degrees of nearness to Allah.
4. Strengthening body and society.
The movements of prayer — bowing, prostration, standing — strengthen the body and regulate blood flow. Beyond physical benefits, prayer builds social cohesion. Congregational prayer erases social differences: rich and poor, ruler and ruled, all stand shoulder to shoulder, uniting hearts and strengthening the bonds of brotherhood.
5. Protection from immorality and wrongdoing.
Allah says: “Establish prayer. Indeed, prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds.” (Qur’an 29:45). Regular prayer sharpens the conscience and serves as a shield against sin. The Prophet ﷺ warned that neglecting prayer leads one toward disbelief, showing its central role in preserving moral integrity.
Spiritual Rewards of Prayer
6. The best deed after faith.
When asked which deed is most beloved to Allah, the Prophet ﷺ replied: “Prayer at its proper time.” (Bukhari & Muslim). Observing prayer punctually is a sign of Allah’s pleasure and the believer’s closeness to Him.
7. Light for the heart, face, and soul.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Prayer is light.” (Muslim). Scholars explained that this light shines in the heart, on the face, and extends even to the grave and the Day of Resurrection. True prayer fills the soul with illumination and dignity.
8. The closest state to the Lord.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “The closest a servant comes to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so increase in supplication.” (Muslim). In sujood, the believer is at his most humble and intimate state before his Creator.
9. Expiation of sins.
Prayer erases minor sins between prayers. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The five daily prayers, Friday to Friday, and Ramadan to Ramadan are expiation for what is between them, so long as one avoids major sins.” (Muslim).
10. Elevation of ranks.
Praying in congregation brings special reward. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Prayer in congregation is twenty-seven times more virtuous than prayer alone.” (Bukhari & Muslim). Thus, prayer is a ladder that lifts the believer to higher ranks among the righteous.
Rewards of Prayer in the Grave
11. Light in the grave.
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen رحمه الله said: “Prayer is light in the heart, the face, the grave, and on the Day of Resurrection.” It accompanies the believer after death, illuminating his resting place.
12. Expansion and comfort of the grave.
From Allah’s mercy, the graves of those who prayed are expanded and filled with light and peace. Prayer becomes a source of comfort when worldly life has ended.
13. Purification after death.
As ablution prepared the believer for prayer in life, prayer itself prepares the believer for the ultimate meeting with Allah. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The first matter that the servant will be brought to account for on the Day of Judgment is the prayer. If it is sound, then all his deeds will be sound.” (Tirmidhi).
14. Protection and intercession.
The angels supplicate for those who remain in their place of prayer. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The angels continue to pray for one of you as long as he remains in the place where he prayed, saying: ‘O Allah, forgive him, O Allah, have mercy on him.’” (Bukhari & Muslim).
Rewards of Prayer in the Hereafter
15. Security on the Day of Judgment.
Those who prayed sincerely will be gathered under Allah’s shade, free of fear and regret, enjoying safety when others are overwhelmed.
16. Companionship with the Prophet ﷺ in Paradise.
Prayer elevates one’s rank, bringing the servant close to the Prophet ﷺ and the righteous in Jannah.
17. Homes and provision in Paradise.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever goes to the mosque morning and evening, Allah will prepare for him an honorable place in Paradise every time he goes.” (Bukhari & Muslim).
18. Reward equal to Hajj and ‘Umrah.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever goes to the mosque for the purpose of learning or teaching good, he will have a reward like that of a complete Hajj.” (Tabarani). Prayer done with sincerity holds a similar immense reward.
19. Entrance into Al-Firdaws.
The highest gardens of Paradise are promised to those who establish prayer. Allah says: “Those who are constant in their prayers… they will be in gardens, honored.” (Qur’an 70:23–35).
Conclusion and Call to Action
Maintaining the five daily prayers is the strongest rope of piety, guiding believers from the fleeting delights of this world to the eternal bliss of the Hereafter. As Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله said: “Prayer is the delight of the eyes and the life of the hearts. Through it comes life, nourishment, healing, and light.”
So let us preserve our prayers with sincerity and humility, seeking their blessings in this life and their eternal rewards in the next.
And if you desire to deepen your knowledge of the sciences of Sharia and the Arabic language that perfects your worship, Quranst Institute warmly invites you to join its distinguished programs. The institute offers authentic, profound, and contemporary education under the guidance of qualified scholars. Take this opportunity to strengthen your understanding and let prayer be the pillar that lights your path to Al-Firdaws al-A‘la.
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