Hadith Text & Reference

"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'The covenant that stands between us and them is the Salah; whoever abandons it, he has committed disbelief.'"

Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 463

Scholarly Commentary

This profound hadith from The Book of Salah in Sunan an-Nasa'i establishes prayer as the fundamental distinction between believers and disbelievers. The term "covenant" ('ahd) signifies the binding agreement that differentiates the Muslim community from others.

The phrase "whoever abandons it" refers to complete neglect of prayer without valid excuse, not occasional missed prayers due to forgetfulness or sleep. Classical scholars differ on whether this constitutes major kufr (disbelief) that removes one from Islam, or lesser kufr of ingratitude. The majority position holds that abandoning prayer constitutes major kufr when done willfully while acknowledging its obligation.

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal stated: "Whoever abandons prayer has disbelieved, and there is no action more abandoning of it than leaving prayer." This emphasizes prayer's status as the pillar of Islam - when it stands, other deeds stand with it, and when it falls, other deeds fall with it.

Legal Implications

The scholars derived from this hadith that prayer serves as the boundary between faith and disbelief. One who willfully abandons prayer while recognizing its obligation has violated the covenant with Allah.

This ruling applies specifically to one who completely abandons prayer, not one who prays occasionally but misses some prayers. The person must be advised and reminded before any judgment is made concerning their faith status.

Spiritual Significance

Prayer maintains the connection between servant and Lord. Its abandonment severs this divine link. As the Prophet (ﷺ) said in another narration: "The first matter the slave will be accountable for on Day of Judgment is prayer - if it is sound, the rest of deeds will be sound."

This hadith serves as a grave warning to Muslims regarding the paramount importance of maintaining the five daily prayers, which distinguish the believer from the disbeliever in both outward practice and inward conviction.