The five daily prayers

In the lively city of Mogadisho, there was a curious young boy named Geedi. He loved playing with his friends but noticed that his parents paused their activities five times each day to perform special prayers. Intrigued, Geedi asked his father, "Why do we pray at these times every day?"

His father smiled and replied, "Geedi, these are our five daily prayers, a beautiful gift from Allah to help us stay connected to Him and remember His blessings."

"Can you tell me more about them?" Geedi asked eagerly.

"Of course," his father said. "Let's explore each prayer together."

1. Fajr (Dawn Prayer):

"The first prayer is Fajr," his father began. "We perform it before the sun rises, when the sky is still dark, and the world is quiet."

Geedi's eyes widened. "Waking up before sunrise sounds like an adventure!"

His father chuckled. "It is! Allah says in the Quran: 'وَقُرْآنَ الْفَجْرِ ۖ إِنَّ قُرْآنَ الْفَجْرِ كَانَ مَشْهُودًا' (سورة الإسراء: 78), which means, '...and the dawn recitation. Indeed, the dawn recitation is ever witnessed.' This reminds us that starting our day with Fajr fills it with blessings."

2. Dhuhr (Noon Prayer):

"Next is Dhuhr," his father continued. "We pray it after the sun passes its highest point in the sky, when the day is at its hottest."

Geedi nodded. "So, it's like taking a peaceful break in the middle of the day."

"Exactly," his father agreed. "It's a moment to pause and remember Allah's guidance."

3. Asr (Afternoon Prayer):

"Then comes Asr," his father said. "We perform it in the late afternoon, as the sun starts to descend."

Geedi thought for a moment. "Is it to help us stay mindful of Allah as the day begins to end?"

"Yes," his father replied. "The Quran mentions: 'حَافِظُوا عَلَى الصَّلَوَاتِ وَالصَّلَاةِ الْوُسْطَىٰ...' (سورة البقرة: 238), meaning, 'Maintain with care the [obligatory] prayers and [in particular] the middle prayer...' Many scholars believe this refers to Asr, highlighting its importance."

4. Maghrib (Sunset Prayer):

"Maghrib is prayed just after the sun sets, when the sky is painted with beautiful colors," his father explained.

Geedi smiled. "I love watching the sunset! Praying at that time must feel special."

"It is," his father agreed. "It's a time to thank Allah for the day's blessings."

5. Isha (Night Prayer):

"The final prayer is Isha," his father said. "We perform it when the night has fully set in, and the stars are twinkling above."

Geedi looked up at the sky. "Praying under the stars sounds wonderful."

"It truly is," his father replied. "The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'أَحَبُّ الأَعْمَالِ إِلَى اللَّهِ تَعَالَى الصَّلاَةُ عَلَى وَقْتِهَا...' which means, 'The most beloved of deeds to Allah is the prayer at its proper time...' (Sahih Muslim)."

Geedi felt excited. "I want to start praying all five prayers! They seem like special moments to connect with Allah."

His father hugged him. "I'm proud of you, Geedi. Remember, each prayer is a chance to refresh our hearts and minds, just like taking a bath cleanses our bodies."

From that day on, Geedi looked forward to each prayer, eager to strengthen his bond with Allah and embrace the peace and joy that came with these special moments.