The 7th Prayer Workshop organized by the Prophet’s Lovers Foundation (Peygamber Sevdalıları Vakfı) concluded in Gaziantep with the announcement of a final declaration emphasizing the spiritual, moral, and social centrality of prayer (salah) in Muslim life.

Held at the Şahinbey Congress and Art Center’s Şahveli Hall, the two-day event brought together scholars, writers, and educators for discussions on the transformative role of prayer in shaping individual character and building a moral society. The workshop began with recitation from the Holy Qur’an, followed by keynote speeches and scholarly presentations delivered across two sessions.

At the closing ceremony, the foundation released the final declaration, summarizing the core conclusions and recommendations derived from Qur’anic teachings and Prophetic traditions.

The declaration opened by reaffirming that salah lies at the very center of the Qur’anic vision of human life. It described prayer as “a dynamic remembrance of Allah (dhikr) that purifies the heart, restores inner peace, and awakens moral consciousness.” Citing verses from the Qur’an (Ra’d 28; Muddathir 42–43; Maryam 59), the statement emphasized that neglecting prayer leads to “spiritual alienation, worldliness, and moral decay — the first step toward social disintegration.”

Participants underlined that prayer, when performed with awareness and humility, is not a mechanical act but a moral shield, protecting individuals from vice, arrogance, and spiritual heedlessness. Quoting from the Qur’an (Ankabut 45), the declaration noted: “Prayer restrains from indecency and wrongdoing.”

“True prayer,” the statement read, “is a transformative practice that strengthens the will, refines the conscience, and awakens the believer’s sense of responsibility before God and society.”

Against Formalism and Hypocrisy: The Call for Conscious Worship

The declaration warned against reducing prayer to mere ritual or external form, recalling the Qur’anic critique of those who “pray only to be seen” (Ma’un 4–5). It stated that a prayer devoid of sincerity, compassion, and moral substance becomes a hollow ritual.

The participants called for renewed emphasis on spiritual sincerity (ikhlas) and moral responsibility (‘akhlaq) in Islamic education, especially in sermons, schools, and family life.

Prayer as a Discipline of Time and Character

The declaration also highlighted the educational and ethical value of observing prayer on time, citing Qur’anic verses (Nisa 103; Ma’arij 23) which describe the prescribed times of prayer as lessons in discipline, constancy, and accountability.

By structuring daily life around the five prayer times, the believer learns self-control, punctuality, and perseverance — qualities that build not only a strong individual but also an orderly and principled society.

Reviving the Prophetic Spirit of Prayer

The workshop underscored that prayer is the believer’s direct link to Allah — a moment of surrender that teaches humility, patience, and reliance on the Divine. Through the acts of standing (qiyam), bowing (ruku’), and prostration (sujood), the individual affirms his or her servitude and liberation from worldly arrogance.

This inner transformation, the declaration stated, “produces believers who are upright, independent, and courageous — individuals who submit only to Allah and not to worldly pressures or material idols.”

Prayer and Youth: Building a New Generation of Moral Strength

One of the workshop’s most powerful themes was the role of prayer in shaping youth identity. Participants emphasized the importance of introducing prayer as a source of strength, focus, and motivation rather than as a restriction.

The declaration proposed the public introduction of “Prayerful Youth Role Models” — young people who balance faith with success in education, science, art, and sports. Highlighting their examples would show that “prayer is not an obstacle to achievement, but a source of divine blessing and inner stability.”

Additionally, the foundation urged the expansion of “Mosque-Friendly Youth Programs”, designed to make mosques centers of belonging, mentorship, and inspiration. These initiatives, it said, should portray the mosque as a “refuge of peace amid the chaos of modern life.”

The Family: The First School of Prayer

The declaration devoted special attention to the family as the cornerstone of prayer education. It stressed that the home is where a child first learns about prayer — not through instruction alone, but through observation and imitation.

Parents, it said, must model prayer with joy and serenity, allowing children to see “the peace, beauty, and blessing that descend upon a praying household.”

Among its detailed recommendations were:

Encouraging families to pray together, especially during Maghrib and Isha, to establish a “Family Prayer Carpet Tradition.”

Teaching parents to present prayer not as a duty or punishment, but as “a gift, a shared spiritual experience, and a source of family happiness.”

Creating child-friendly educational materials — stories, games, and illustrated guides — to nurture love for prayer.

Promoting seminars and guides under the theme “Families Who Live with Prayer,” encouraging every household to become a “mini-mosque” filled with remembrance and tranquility.

Night Prayer and the Cultivation of Sincerity

The declaration paid special tribute to the Night Prayer (Tahajjud), calling it the most sincere form of devotion after the obligatory prayers. Quoting the Prophet’s example — “whose feet swelled from standing in prayer” — it urged Muslims to revive this practice as a means of spiritual renewal, self-discipline, and intimate connection with Allah.

The Role of Media and Modern Education

Acknowledging the challenges of modern distractions, the participants urged Muslim media outlets, educators, and civil organizations to use modern tools — social media, short films, visual storytelling — to convey the beauty and wisdom of prayer.

They also called for the integration of prayer into school curricula, not only as religious knowledge but as a formative practice shaping personality, discipline, and moral responsibility.

A Vision for the Future

The Lovers of the Prophet Foundation concluded the event by reaffirming its mission to strengthen prayer consciousness across Türkiye through continued research, publications, youth activities, and educational campaigns.

“To revive prayer,” the final statement declared, “is to revive the human heart and rebuild the moral architecture of society. A nation that stands in prayer stands with dignity before its Creator and compassion before humanity.” (ILKHA)