The person praying must be a true Muslim.

“A true Muslim must be a true Muslim”—this sentence is not just a religious advice, but rather a real truth at the heart of the Islamic way of life, a fundamental principle, rooted deep in the Quran and Sunnah. Prayer is one of the five pillars of Islam, but to keep this pillar strong requires a heart that is filled with reverence and fear of Allah, and a life in which prayer is not just a formality, but a translation of ideals and character.

A person prays five times a day, but if Islamic principles are absent in his conduct, social and family life, and transactions, then that prayer is nothing more than a mechanical act. Being a true Muslim does not mean just performing the prayer, but spreading the effect of that prayer throughout life. Prayer is a method of remembrance of Allah, humility, surrender, and self-purification. If this prayer does not create humility in a person, does not prevent him from arrogance, lies, deceit, backbiting, and bad behavior, then even if water is sprinkled on the soul, it cannot wet the soul.

Islam is a way of life where conduct, social justice, family responsibilities, economic honesty, and state duties—all are part of faith and worship. Therefore, no one becomes a true Muslim simply by standing in prayer and prostrating before Allah, until his heart feels the greatness of that prostration and it is reflected in his life. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Whoever’s prayer does not prevent him from obscenity and injustice, his prayer will not benefit him.” This hadith shows that a true prayer does not stop at just offering prayer, but rather transforms his prayer into a guide to all aspects of life.

Prayer creates a kind of moral sensitivity in the life of a true Muslim. He does not cheat people, does not take away anyone's rights, does not break promises, or resort to lies. As truth is on his lips, so is purity in his heart. He understands that his prayer represents him not only in the mosque, but also in the market, on the street, at home, and in the office. This is how a worshipper becomes a true Muslim—one who embodies the ideals of Islam in all his aspects.

Allah Almighty has repeatedly said in the Quran, “Establish prayer,” not just “read.” “Establish” means to establish prayer, to implement it in a moral and lifestyle way while maintaining its rules and etiquette. Those who only pray but constantly cheat people in society, follow dishonest paths, commit injustice, or sever ties with relatives—they may be officially Muslims, but not true Muslims.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “On the Day of Judgment, you will see among my Ummah people who have prayed, fasted, and performed Hajj, but their deeds will be of no value, because they have violated the rights of people, were immoral, or used worship as a means of showing off in the pursuit of worldly pleasures.” This warning explains that worship does not only mean bowing down to Allah, but also includes responsibility and good behavior towards His creation—humanity.

Therefore, being a true worshipper means that a person will not only pray regularly, but he will control his ego through prayer, free himself from envy, arrogance, evil desires, and worldly pleasures. He will show kindness to creation through prayer, follow the path of justice, and protest against falsehood. He will never live a double life—on the one hand, praying, and on the other, engaging in usury, bribery, or fraud.

Today, there are many people who call themselves ‘prayer-doers’, but in reality they are dishonest, cruel or irresponsible. Such a stance is a kind of hypocrisy in the language of the Quran. Because hypocrites also prayed, but it was only for show, only for the exertion of the body – not the soul. The Quran says, “Indeed, the hypocrites want to deceive Allah, but Allah deceives them. When they stand up for prayer, they stand up lazily, to be seen by people, and they remember Allah little.” (Surah An-Nisa: 142)

So being a true prayer-doer means being a Muslim whose prayer light illuminates every aspect of his life. His character is sweet, his speech is truthful, his hands are generous, and his mind is humble. He remains steadfast even in the storms of the world, because he knows that his prayer is his refuge, his source of strength, and the center of his identity.

The bottom line is that prayer is the identity card of a Muslim—it keeps him within the Islamic identity. But the responsibility does not end with just praying. Rather, prayer is the beginning of a lifelong worship—this attitude makes a person a true prayer-giver and a true Muslim. And a Muslim is beloved to Allah who does not just pray, but reflects prayer in every pulse of his life.