If a father has to press the light switch and tell the child, “Look, magic! The light has come on.” The child will be amazed because he does not understand that there is a link between the switch and the light bulb; he is unaware of the hidden wiring in between, whereas the father is fully aware. When it comes to the spiritual part of life, we are all children, whilst Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) has seen the realities and is informing us of the links behind the scenes. Allah Ta‘ala says in the Quraan Majeed, “Command your family to perform salaah and adhere to it yourself. We do not ask provisions from you. We provide sustenance to you. And the ultimate end is for taqwa (Allah fearing and piety).” (Surah Taaha, v132)
As far as sustenance is concerned, Allah Ta‘ala is the One who provides for us. We are not asked to provide for ourselves. Yet, due to one’s work or some other appointment, the salaah is made qadhaa (read after its time) or left out altogether. This is despite the fact that Allah Ta‘ala informs us that sustenance will come via salaah and not the other way around. If we perform our salaah on time and correctly, Allah Ta‘ala will grant us sustenance with barakah (blessings) and ‘aafiyah (ease). He will grant such lawful and wholesome sustenance that will be productive. It will bring joy, happiness, and serenity, and our needs will be fulfilled with respect.