Hadith Text

"Between disbelief and faith is abandoning the Salat." (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2618)

The Book on Faith - Jami' at-Tirmidhi

This profound narration from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) establishes the critical position of the obligatory prayer (Salat) in Islamic faith. The scholars have explained that this hadith demonstrates the grave danger of neglecting the prescribed prayers.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam at-Tirmidhi classified this hadith as hasan sahih (good and authentic). The scholars explain that abandoning Salat constitutes a barrier that separates one from the complete state of faith. While there is scholarly difference regarding whether it constitutes major disbelief (kufr akbar) or minor disbelief (kufr asghar), all agree it is among the gravest of sins.

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) stated: "The abandonment of prayer is of two types: abandoning it completely while denying its obligation - this is disbelief by consensus of the Muslims, and abandoning it due to laziness while affirming its obligation - concerning this there is the famous difference among the Salaf."

The prayer serves as the pillar of Islam, and its regular performance distinguishes the Muslim from the non-Muslim. This hadith emphasizes that faith is not merely a matter of belief in the heart, but must manifest through consistent action, with the five daily prayers being the most fundamental expression of this faith.