What is the middle prayer mentioned in the Holy Qur’an?

Some take it to mean one particular prayer of the day. It is more convincing that it means any prayer that falls in the middle of work or leisure. Whoever leaves everything at that moment and prays with full attention is especially dear to Allah.

The first verse above calls on believers to guard all their prayers, and the middle prayer in particular. Scholars have explained this in different ways. Many think of one specific prayer of the day.

Another explanation looks not at the clock but at the person. Middle prayers are those whose time falls right in the middle of what we are busy with. We may be concentrating on our work, absorbed in business or a hobby, or gripped by an exciting match. At such moments it is easy to forget everything else. That is exactly when the risk of missing a prayer is greatest.

On this view the time of day does not matter. Such a prayer may come in the morning, at midday or in the evening. What counts is whether it pulls us away from something we would rather carry on with.

Whoever gets up at that moment, leaves everything aside and prays with full attention shows what truly matters to them. The second verse above praises people whom neither merchandise nor trade diverts from the remembrance of Allah. Such a person is especially dear to Allah.

The other prayers often fall at quieter times and are easier to offer. For that very reason the prayer that costs us effort deserves special care. Whoever guards it guards the others as well.