Security Functions of Prayer as Inferred from the Quran and Narrations

Security is a pervasive phenomenon that includes both individual and social domains. The factors responsible for providing security and peace are varied. Prayer is one of the important religious obligations that play a part in this regard. The focal issue or question around which our discussion takes place in this research is: What is the Quranic viewpoint about the functions of prayer in providing peace and tranquility? In this study which relies on data collected from books as well as on verses and traditions pertaining to the effects and consequences of prayer, three main features which signify the security role of prayer have been demonstrated and substantiated i.e. forbidding evil, reviving the spirit of worship and giving peace of mind. Based on a theoretical framework of this research which is a positive Islamic approach to security, the concept of security has been taken into consideration in the individual and social spheres. The functions of prayer have also been studied with the same approach in respect of the affairs of this world and the hereafter. Considering the two different perspectives of the Quran about the functions of prayer, two functions, one being positive and another negative, have been proved. In some verses, the effects emanating from one's paying attention and attaching importance to prayer (positive functions) have been explained whereas in some other verses, the consequences of negligence or abandoning prayers (the negative consequences of heedlessness to prayer) have been elaborated.