In view of religious teachings, praying is an obligation and the faithful must be into praying. Neglecting this would mean Istikbar (being arrogant) before God. The Holy Quran says: “our Lord has said: ‘Call on Me and I will answer you. Those who are too arrogant to worship Me shall enter hell utterly abject.’” Surah Ghafir, verse 60)
This is what Iblis (Satan) did and so was punished: “… except Iblis, he became too proud, for he was one of the unbelievers.” (Surah Sad, verse 74)
The Quran, therefore, underlines that man should pray all the time and for everything. Seeking help via praying and fasting is a path God has emphasized in various verses of the Holy Book so that man can reach his goals.
Praying is talking to God, the creator of the universe and certain manners should be observed when praying, just like when one wants to talk with a person of authority.
Ikhlas (purity of intension) and expression of faith are among the important things when praying.
Ikhlas
There is no doubt that Ikhlas, meaning pure intension for doing things for God without any trace of Shirk (polytheism) is among the fundamental principles of Tawheed (monotheism).
In many verses of the Quran this has been mentioned as being among the manners of praying: “… (then) they cry unto Allah, making their faith pure for Him only.” (Surah Yunus, verse 22)
Expression of Faith
Anyone who ask something from God is a faithful but expressing one’s faith is also desirable. In some verses of the Holy Book this has been mentioned as one of the manners of praying. They include verse 16 of Surah Al Imran: “Those are they who say: ‘Lord, we believe in You, forgive us our sins and save us from the punishment of the Fire…”.