Everything was enjoined upon the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم on this Earth, Jibreel used to come and inspire everything to the Prophet such as the Qur’an, zakah, fasting, hajj etc. all the duties were all ordained upon him on this Earth except for the prayer.
When Allah wanted to enjoin the prayer upon the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم he called upon him, then he went up to the heavens and Allah enjoined 50 prayers specially upon him.
When Allah enjoined it upon the Prophet, on his way down, in the sixth heaven he met Musa (peace be upon him), Musa asked him what he received from his Lord, the Prophet said 50 prayers have been enjoined upon me and my Ummah I. E to perform the prayer everyday this many times.
Musa replied, I know the people better than you because I dealt with Bani Isra'eel, and I know the people because I had the hardest time and experience with them. Your ummah will have difficulty with this, your followers will not be able to put up with this. I had difficulty with Bani Isra'eel with this - your people won't be able to do such an obligation, it will be hard on them. So return to your Lord and request for a reduction in the prayer.
The Prophet went back, and then he returned to Musa, this happened around 5 times, it would get reduced from 50 to 40, to 30, to 20, then 10, then 5. Between Allah and Musa the Prophet went back and forth and got them reduced from 50 to 5.
Allah said, they are 5, I have decreed that and my decree of the obligation cannot change but I shall reward each single prayer, though they are 5, I shall reward you like the reward of 50 prayers!
This is a summary showing the importance of the salaah! The prayer will not be dropped on any person except the insane one, there is no excuse for it, it doesn't matter what you do, where you are - you must offer the prayer!
May Allah bless you all.
- Shaykh Musa Jibril حفظه الله
