Why are Prayer (Salat) and Zakat (Charity) Emphasized in the Quran?

In the Holy Quran, Salat (prayer) and Zakat (charity/almsgiving) are repeatedly emphasized as two fundamental and inseparable pillars of faith and righteous deeds. This emphasis is not without reason; rather, each of these two obligations has profound individual and social dimensions that are essential for the health and growth of the Islamic society and the spiritual perfection of humanity. Understanding the inherent philosophy of these two acts of worship guides us to the divine wisdom behind their legislation and demonstrates that Islam is not merely a creedal religion, but a comprehensive system of life that guarantees prosperity in this world and the hereafter. **The Significance of Salat (Prayer):** Salat is the pillar of religion and the spiritual ascension (Mi'raj) of the believer. This daily obligation, more than anything else, is the manifestation of a direct and unmediated connection between the servant and their Lord. Allah has mentioned the importance of establishing prayer in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 45, He says: “وَأَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ ۖ إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ تَنْهَىٰ عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنكَرِ ۗ” which means: “And establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing.” This verse points to one of the most significant effects of prayer: its deterrent role against sins and moral corruption. When a person, throughout the day, finds themselves in the presence of God five times and supplicates to Him, the spirit of piety and God-consciousness is strengthened within them, and the shame of disobedience prevents them from committing sins. Prayer is a continuous exercise for self-building and purification of the soul. Every bowing and prostration, every recitation of Al-Fatiha and a surah, is a reminder of Allah’s infinite power and the servant’s humility before His grandeur. This leads to the reinforcement of humility, the eradication of arrogance and pride, and an increased sense of submission and servitude. Prayer also serves as a source of spiritual tranquility and a refuge against life’s hardships. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 153, we read: “يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاةِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ” which means: “O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” In today's noisy and challenging world, prayer offers believers an opportunity to distance themselves from worldly chaos, connect with their Creator, and seek His aid. This connection provides humans with the strength to endure difficulties and fills their hearts with divine peace and assurance. The feeling of being in the presence of the Almighty fosters a spirit of hope and reliance on God, preventing individuals from falling into despair and hopelessness. Furthermore, congregational prayer (Salat al-Jama'ah) plays a crucial role in fostering unity and solidarity within the Islamic community. When Muslims gather in organized rows, shoulder to shoulder in the mosque, class, racial, and social differences disappear, and everyone stands equal before the One God. This gathering symbolizes brotherhood and equality, strengthening the sense of belonging to a single Ummah (nation) among individuals. Congregational prayer contributes both to the spiritual growth of the individual and enhances social cohesion. Therefore, the emphasis on prayer is vital not only for the individual but also for the foundation of the believing community. This obligation preserves Islamic identity and is a symbol of servitude, keeping the remembrance of God alive in hearts five times a day. It is through consistent and heartfelt prayer that a Muslim truly actualizes their submission to the Creator, seeking guidance, forgiveness, and strength, thereby reinforcing their spiritual core and moral compass in every aspect of life. **The Significance of Zakat (Charity/Almsgiving):** Zakat, like Salat, is an inseparable pillar of Islam and a core component of a monotheistic society. The word “Zakat” literally means growth, increase, blessing, and purification. This naming itself indicates the philosophy behind this divine obligation: Zakat not only purifies wealth but also leads to its blessing and growth, as well as the spiritual growth of the giver. Allah has mentioned the establishment of prayer and the giving of zakat together in numerous verses, such as in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 43: “وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَارْكَعُوا مَعَ الرَّاكِعِينَ” which means: “And establish prayer and give zakat and bow with those who bow.” This pairing indicates the equal importance of these two obligations; one represents the vertical connection with God (prayer) and the other, the horizontal connection with God’s servants (zakat). The primary philosophy of Zakat is to establish social justice and distribute wealth within society. Islam opposes the accumulation of wealth in the hands of a few, and by ordaining Zakat, it provides a means to return a portion of wealth to the economic cycle and assist needy segments of society. Zakat is a divine right placed in the wealth of the rich for the poor and the needy. This obligation reduces class disparities, strengthens empathy and solidarity within society, and prevents the emergence of grudges and envy. When the needy feel that the Islamic community supports them and that the wealthy care for them, social bonds become stronger, and an environment for growth and prosperity is fostered. It ensures that the basic needs of the less fortunate are met, preventing extreme poverty and fostering a balanced economic ecosystem. Furthermore, Zakat plays a crucial role in purifying both wealth and the human heart. Paying Zakat frees a person from the love of worldly possessions and stinginess. Greed and avarice are moral vices that Zakat, by teaching sacrifice and altruism, weakens. One who gives a portion of their wealth in the way of Allah and to help others, in reality, purifies their heart from material attachments and comes closer to the divine presence. In Surah At-Tawbah, verse 103, it states: “خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيهِم بِهَا...” which means: “Take, [O Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase...” This verse explicitly refers to the purifying and growth-inducing role of Zakat. Wealth from which Zakat has been paid becomes lawful and pure, and blessings are placed in it. Moreover, this obligation demonstrates the servant’s gratitude for Allah’s endless blessings. One who pays Zakat acknowledges that all possessions are from God, and they are merely a trustee who must use it in the correct divine path. **The Intertwining of Prayer and Zakat:** The fact that the Holy Quran repeatedly mentions Salat and Zakat together signifies the inseparable bond between these two pillars. Prayer, without Zakat, is like a soul without a body; and Zakat without prayer, is like a body without a soul. Prayer is the connection with the Creator, and Zakat is the connection with creation. One fulfills divine rights, and the other fulfills the rights of people. A society whose members attach importance to prayer and Zakat is a society that is strong both spiritually and morally, and healthy and balanced socially and economically. These two obligations guarantee true faith and righteous action, and every Muslim, to fully realize servitude to Allah, must diligently observe both. In essence, Salat and Zakat complement each other, together painting a comprehensive picture of a true Muslim and an ideal society. The Quranic emphasis on these two, more than anything else, highlights the truth that Islam is a comprehensive religion that considers both the individual’s well-being and the society’s well-being, sacrificing neither for the other, and ultimately securing human prosperity in its various dimensions.