Is It a Sin to Deliberately Abandon Prayer?


Introduction

Prayer (ṣalāh) is one of the fundamental pillars of Islam. It is an obligatory act of worship that strengthens a Muslim’s connection with Allah. However, what happens when someone intentionally abandons prayer? Is it considered a major sin, and what are the consequences? This article will explore the Islamic ruling on deliberately neglecting prayer based on the Quran, Hadith, and scholarly opinions.

The Importance of Prayer in Islam

Prayer is the second pillar of Islam, following the testimony of faith (Shahada). The Quran and Hadith emphasize its significance repeatedly:

  1. A Command from Allah

    • Allah says in the Quran:

      “Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times.” (Surah An-Nisa: 103)

    This verse establishes prayer as an obligatory duty for all Muslims at specific times.

  2. The First Act to Be Judged on the Day of Judgment

    • The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

      “The first thing a person will be questioned about on the Day of Judgment is prayer. If it is sound, the rest of his deeds will be sound. If it is lacking, the rest of his deeds will be lacking.” (Tirmidhi 413)

    This highlights the importance of prayer in determining a person's fate in the Hereafter.

Rulings on Deliberately Abandoning Prayer

Islamic scholars agree that abandoning prayer is a grave sin, but they differ on whether it constitutes disbelief (kufr) that takes a person out of Islam.

1. The View That Abandoning Prayer Is Major Kufr

Some scholars, including Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, hold that abandoning prayer is an act of disbelief (kufr akbar). They base their argument on the Hadith:

  • The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

    “The covenant that distinguishes between us and them is prayer; whoever abandons it has committed disbelief.” (Tirmidhi 2621, Nasai 463)

  • Another narration states:

    “Between a man and disbelief and polytheism is the abandonment of prayer.” (Muslim 82)

According to this interpretation, anyone who intentionally neglects prayer is considered outside the fold of Islam.

2. The View That Abandoning Prayer Is a Major Sin but Not Kufr

Other scholars, including Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik, and Imam Ash-Shafi’i, consider abandoning prayer a major sin but not an act of disbelief that removes someone from Islam. They argue:

  • The Quran does not explicitly declare someone a disbeliever for missing prayer.
  • A person who acknowledges the obligation of prayer but neglects it out of laziness is still a Muslim, though committing a grave sin.

Consequences of Deliberately Abandoning Prayer

  1. Spiritual Consequences

    • Loss of connection with Allah
    • Hardening of the heart and lack of inner peace
    • Increased inclination toward sin

  2. Worldly Consequences

    • Absence of barakah (blessings) in life
    • A feeling of emptiness and purposelessness
    • Possible negative influence on family and children

  3. Punishment in the Hereafter

    • Allah warns in the Quran:

      “[The people in Hell will be asked:] ‘What led you into Hell?’ They will say, ‘We were not of those who prayed.’” (Surah Al-Muddaththir: 42-43)

    • The Prophet (ﷺ) also mentioned:

      “Whoever guards his prayers, it will be a light, proof, and salvation for him on the Day of Judgment. But whoever does not, he will be with Pharaoh, Haman, Qarun, and Ubayy ibn Khalaf.” (Ahmad 6576)

How to Return to Prayer After Neglecting It

If someone has abandoned prayer, they should immediately repent and resume their prayers with sincerity. Steps to return:

  1. Make sincere repentance (Tawbah) – Ask Allah for forgiveness with a genuine heart.
  2. Re-establish the habit – Start by praying on time and increasing devotion.
  3. Seek support – Surround yourself with practicing Muslims to stay motivated.
  4. Learn about the rewards of prayer – This strengthens faith and commitment.

Conclusion

Deliberately abandoning prayer is a serious offense in Islam. While scholars differ on whether it constitutes disbelief, they unanimously agree that it is one of the gravest sins a Muslim can commit. The consequences are severe, both in this life and the Hereafter. Therefore, every Muslim must strive to maintain their prayers consistently, as it is the key to success in both worlds.

May Allah guide us all to remain steadfast in our prayers and grant us His mercy. Ameen.

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