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Do I Prioritize Salah Like I Prioritize Everything Else?

In the hustle of daily life—work deadlines, school assignments, meetings, social media, and personal goals—we often organize our day around what’s most urgent or important. But one important question demands honest reflection: Do I prioritize Salah the way I prioritize everything else?

We Plan Our Day Around the Dunya—But Do We Plan for the Akhirah?

We set alarms for meetings, rush to appointments, never miss our favorite TV shows or social events. But when it comes to Salah—the divine appointment with our Creator—how often do we:

Delay it until the very last minute?
Miss it due to distractions?
Feel burdened instead of honored?

Salah is not just a ritual—it is the pillar of our deen, the first thing we’ll be asked about on the Day of Judgment, and our direct link with Allah ﷻ.

“Indeed the first deed by which a servant will be called to account on the Day of Resurrection is his Salat. If it is complete, he is successful and saved, but if it is defective, he has failed and lost.

Jami` at-Tirmidhi 413

Salah Is the Compass of a Believer’s Life

Ask yourself: Would I delay an important job interview or meeting with a CEO? Then how can we delay or disregard the meeting with the Lord of the Worlds?

When you organize your day around Salah, everything else falls into place with barakah (blessing). But when Salah becomes secondary, life slowly begins to feel disorganized and empty.

Practical Ways to Prioritize Salah in a Busy Life

1. Plan Your Entire Day Around Salah

Salah is a divine appointment—so let it be the first entry in your planner. Block out time for it before you add work meetings, classes, or errands.

Instead of asking, “Can I fit Salah into my day?” ask,
“How can I fit my day around Salah?”

This shift in mindset transforms chaos into barakah. Just as we schedule meals or meetings with care, we must schedule Salah with even more love and seriousness.

2. Set Alarms With a Heart Intent

Yes, alarms are helpful—but what makes them powerful is niyyah (intention). Set them not just as reminders, but as your response to Allah’s call.

“Meeting with the Most Merciful”
“Pause for Peace”
“Time to Recharge the Soul

3. Understand the Weight of Salah

We often delay Salah because we underestimate its gravity. Remind your soul regularly:

Salah is fardh (obligatory), not optional.
It’s the first question on the Day of Judgment.
It’s what distinguishes a true believer from one who merely claims faith.

Jabir reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, between a man and idolatry and unbelief is abandoning the prayer.”

Source: Sahih Muslim 82

When you truly grasp its importance, it becomes non-negotiable.

4. Create a Calm & Dedicated Prayer Space

Your environment affects your focus. Designate a clean, quiet spot for Salah:

Keep it tidy, with a prayer mat and Quran.
Light a soft scent or use natural light to create calm.
Teach your heart: this place is sacred, so the act is sacred too.

This helps build emotional and spiritual presence in Salah—not just physical attendance.

5. Stay Close to Those Who Love Salah

Our company shapes our priorities. If you’re around people who rush toward prayer, you’ll likely do the same.

Join congregational prayers or local masjid groups.
Share reminders about Salah in your friend circles.
Observe the Salah habits of pious people—it’s contagious.
Choose friends who remind you of Salah, not distract you from it.

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah(s.a.w) said:

“A man is upon the religion of his friend, so let one of you look at whom he befriends.”

Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2378

A Heart That Delays Salah Has Delayed Allah

Let that sink in: when we delay Salah for entertainment or chores, we are effectively saying, “This matters more to me right now than standing before Allah.”

We’d never delay a paycheck, so why delay the source of our true rizq and peace?

Salah Is Not a Burden—It’s a Blessing

Salah is not something to squeeze into your day—it is the purpose of your day. The Prophet ﷺ found peace in it, saying:

“O Bilal, give the call to prayer; bring us comfort through it.”

Sunan Abi Dawud 4985

So the real question is:

Do I treat Salah like a task to complete or a gift to cherish?
What would my day look like if Salah came first?

May Allah make us of those who establish Salah with love and consistency, and may it be the coolness of our eyes and the light of our hearts. Ameen.