There are other Muslims who perform their prayer correctly...

There are other Muslims who perform their prayer correctly, but their prayer has no spirituality. There are people who have performed prayer for their whole lives, but have not reached any spiritual position. Perhaps, most of us are included in this category.

It is perhaps for the same reason that after ordering prayer, God Almighty has ordered Taqwa, that is to be careful of negligence, waywardness, laziness, intoxication, idle sport, and the adherence to anyone other than God, the Prophet, and his household. What is this prayer, which has been so emphasized by God? We should know that the greatest factor which prevents indecency and evil is prayer that too accompanied by Taqwa.

In this relation, God says: “Surely prayer keeps (one) away from indecency and evil.” [^2] Indecency has been defined as something whose ugliness in behavior and speech is evident. Evil (denied deeds) is an act considered ugly by sound reason or considered ugly by religion when sound reason cannot pass a judgment on it. Even if there was no benefit for prayer other than what we said, it would suffice. Prayer has been recommended to all prophets including Jesus, John, Abraham (AS) and others.

Above all, the prophets themselves ask the Lord of the universe to make them keep up prayer. Prophet Abraham (AS) asks God: “My Lord! Make me keep up prayer and from my offspring (too)...” [^3] To keep up prayer is one of the features of believers, benefactors, the pious and men of understanding.

There are numerous verses in the Holy Quran, which refer to the same subject: “Those who believe in the unseen and keep up prayer” [^4] Elsewhere, the Holy Quran says: “These are verses of the Book of Wisdom, guidance and a mercy for the doers of goodness, those who keep up prayer...” [^5] The Holy prophet (SAW) has been reported as saying: “The best of deeds to God the most High and Exalted is prayer, benevolence, and Jihad.”[^6] Imam Ali (AS) has been reported as saying: “I advise you to keep to prayer and be careful of it.

Surely, that is the best act and it is the pillar of your religion.”[^7] There are many benefits in prayer about which a separate book can be written. Prayer is the best way to talk with God. That is why Imam Ali (AS).