Islam-The Religion of Ease-”The Ease Granted To Those Who Pray”

              Five times prayer in a day is a duty Muslims are obliged to perform at certain times, which Allah has determined, throughout their lives without neglecting it. Those who do not carry out their religious duties, usually defer prayer till their old age. Yet, prayer is extremely easy to perform, as with all the other acts of worship.

              It should be noted that whatever Allah has decreed as obligatory it is the responsibility of each individual to carry it out as his obligation to Allah. In return for this, he may hope for Allah’s approval, mercy, and Heaven. Allah’s making the obligatory forms of worship easy is an indicator of His mercy and compassion.

             Those who do not, in spite of this, abide by Allah’s commands will not be able to say they didn’t have enough strength, or that it was hard for them to pray, as an excuse. (Except those mentioned by Allah in the Qur’an as not having any responsibilities).

             For example, to perform ablutions has been made very straightforward. In fact, in case a person cannot find any water to wash himself with, Allah has given tayammum — the substitution of sand, stone, or snow for water—as an alternative, and tayammum can be easily done in any type of situation.

For those who cannot find water, Allah informs us in one of His verses how to perform tayammum:

       … If you are in a state of major impurity, then purify yourselves. But if you are ill or on a journey, or have come from the lavatory, or have touched women, and cannot find any water, then do tayammum with pure sand, and wipe your faces and your hands with it. Allah does not want to make things difficult for you, but He does want to purify you and to perfect His blessing upon you so that hopefully you will be thankful. (Surat al-Ma’ida: 6)

              As Allah tells us in His verse, He does not want to make things demanding for people. Allah has simplified all the things stated in the Qur’an.

             The acts of worship Allah has commanded are extremely easy for those who have faith. Allah, in His mercy and compassion, has commanded the easiest and most wonderful forms of worship and lifestyle and has given the good news of His approval, mercy and Heaven to those who abide by these.

Shortening Prayer In Times Of War
             In the Qur’an, forms of respite have been laid down for certain periods. For example, at the time of the Prophet Muhammad (saas), when believers were in dire conflict with the deniers, Allah was lenient towards the believers in the carrying out of their worship at that time. It has been laid down that, in times of war believers may shorten their prayers when it is imperative:

             When you are travelling in the land, there is nothing wrong in your shortening your prayer if you fear that those who do not believe may harass you. The unbelievers are your inveterate cut enemies. (Surat an-Nisa’: 101)

            As can be understood from this verse, every one of Allah’s decrees and commands is full of benefits and wisdom for each and every one of the believers. Allah does not want hardship for His subjects. Allah is the believers’ real friend and sole protector.

source : xenia