When one ponders and reflects upon the nature of the universe...

When one ponders and reflects upon the nature of the universe, and all the diverse and intricate matters that keep life in harmony, one would automatically conclude the existence of a mightier power—God.

The Quran states: Truly, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the succession of night and day, there are signs for all who are endowed with insight, and who remember Allah standing and sitting and lying on their sides, and contemplate creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying]: “Our Lord, You have not created this without meaning and purpose, limitless are You in Your subtle Glory!” (3:191) When a Muslim prays, he or she is acknowledging the grandeur of God.

Prayer is a serene and uninterrupted time of communicating and building a relationship with one's Creator. The recitation of the Islamic prayers encompasses a complete mental and spiritual concentration. It is a commitment not to leave the prayers aside.

Those believers who establish prayers and show their devotion through them have mastered one of the foremost qualities of reverence toward God: Successful are the believers—those who offer their prayers with humility and submissiveness…and those who guard their five compulsory prayers. These are indeed the inheritors who shall inherit Paradise and abide forever therein. (23:1, 23:9-11) Prayers render moments of reflection and are a reminder of one's actions throughout the day.

Prayers have significant benefits upon an individual, such as discouraging bad actions or seeking forgiveness. The Quran states, “Truly, prayer restrains from evil and shameful deeds” (29:45). Prayers keep one's perspective of life's ultimate meaning and goal.

Imam Ali said, “If a prayerful person knew to what extent he was surrounded by God's mercy, he would never raise his head from prostration.” [^1] The need to worship is as strong as the need to eat, and just as the person who lacks proper food will eat anything to put an end to his or her hunger, the person who does not find proper spiritual nutrition will be led to unlawful worshipping such as the worship of animals, fire, stars, art, materialism, or anything else that has no power to aid nor harm anyone.

Whether people have a structured religion or not, everyone worships something. In society, whenever people meet others who they perceive to be of a high rank, such as celebrities, politicians, doctors, and scholars they show considerable respect for them, sometimes, at the expense of their own dignity.