Husband Doesn't Pray: What to Do ?

Husband Doesn't Pray: What to Do ?

Question
Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. My husband doesn't pray. Every time I talk to him about prayer, he tells me that as long as he doesn't drink or commit adultery, then he's a good Muslim. I keep telling him about the importance of prayer, but he doesn't seem to misunderstand the broader picture.Can you help me with some arguments ? Jazakum Allahu Khayran. ( Question By : Mona - United States )

Answer
Wa `alaykum as-salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Dear sister in Islam, thank you for your question, which reflects your concern about Islam and its teachings. Also, we appreciate the confidence you have in us and implore Almighty Allah to bless your efforts in pursuit of knowledge.

There is no doubt that neglecting prayers out of laziness is one of the most heinous sins in Islam. Indeed, salah is the second pillar of Islam after the two Testifications of Faith (testifying that there is no true god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah). Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Islam is built upon five pillars: testifying that there is no true god except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, performing salah, paying the zakah, making the pilgrimage (Hajj) to the Sacred House, and fasting the month of Ramadan" (Reported by Al-Bukhari).

So, you are advised, dear sister, to do your best to help your husband come back to the right path and understand the essence and importance of Prayer. Try to do that in a wise and kind way seeking the help of the imam of a nearby Islamic center, friends, or influential family members.

In his response to your question, Sheikh Muhammad Nur Abdullah, former president of ISNA (the Islamic Society of North America) and member of the Fiqh Council of North America, stated,

Salah is the second pillar of Islam. It is the distinction between Islam and disbelief. It is reported that "the first thing a person will be asked about on the Day of Judgment is whether he or she fulfiled his or her duty toward salah; if it is good, the rest of his or her deeds would be good; but if it is bad, the rest of his or her deeds would be bad." And the Qur'an, when addressing believers, frequently repeats the command to "establish Prayers."

You should tell your husband that Allah has commanded us to perform certain obligations and refrain from certain prohibitions. We must, therefore, fulfill our obligations and abstain from forbidden acts. Adultery (zina ) and drinking alcohol are forbidden acts; the Prayer is on the top of the obligatory acts.

Keep trying and be gentle in your approach. May Allah guide him to the right path.