The Prophetic Biography – The Obligation of Prayer The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Then I was called: ‘Come nearer, O Muhammad.’ So I drew near, and my Lord spoke to me directly, without any intermediary.” The Prophet did not describe the exact details of that conversation. However, its essence is that God made the daily prayers obligatory upon him. According to an authentic narration, God initially prescribed fifty prayers upon him and his community every day and night. The Meeting with Moses As the Prophet descended to the sixth heaven, where Moses (peace be upon him) was, Moses asked him: “What has your Lord made obligatory upon you and your people?” He replied: “Fifty prayers each day and night.” Moses said: “Your people will not be able to bear that. I have tested the Children of Israel before you. Return to your Lord and ask Him to reduce it.” The Reduction of the Prayers The Prophet returned to his Lord and asked for a reduction. God reduced the number by ten. The Prophet went back to Moses and informed him. Moses again said: “Your people will not be able to bear it. Return and ask for more reduction.” This continued—each time ten prayers were reduced—until only ten remained. Then the Prophet returned again and asked for further easing, and five more were reduced. The Final Number At that point, the Prophet, out of deep respect and humility, understood that God intended the number to remain at five. When he returned to Moses, he said: “Five remain.” Moses said: “Your people will not be able to bear it. Return again.” But the Prophet replied: “I feel shy before my Lord. I have asked Him repeatedly. I am content with what my Lord has prescribed.” The Divine Declaration Then a call came directly from God—without any intermediary: “My command has been established, and I have made it lighter for My servants. They are five in number, but equal in reward to fifty.” The Significance of Prayer The importance of prayer is shown by the fact that it was made obligatory in the heavens. Although Muslims perform five daily prayers, they receive the reward of fifty prayers, just as originally prescribed. God says: “My word does not change, and I am never unjust to My servants.” The Descent from the Heavens After the obligation of prayer, the Prophet began to descend: * In the seventh heaven was Abraham * In the sixth was Moses * Then Aaron joined from the fifth * Then other prophets joined from each level Each prophet and groups of angels accompanied him as he descended. Return to Jerusalem The Prophet returned to the rock in Jerusalem. By then, he had already met the prophets through the introduction of Gabriel. Gabriel then called for prayer—although the specific prayer times had not yet been set. The prophets prayed two units of prayer together behind the Prophet, as an act of gratitude to God, with him leading them. This moment marked one of the greatest gifts given to humanity— a direct connection between a human being and his Lord, established above the heavens.