5 Levels of Prayer Performers and Their Rewards: Which Level Are We On?

In Islamic thought, the performance of obligatory prayers, known as Sholat, is categorized into five distinct levels, as outlined by scholar Ibnu al-Qayyim in his work "Al-Wabil al-Shayyib Min Al-Kalim al-Thayyib." These levels reflect varying degrees of devotion and adherence to the spiritual and practical aspects of prayer.

The first and lowest level is described as "the self-oppressor who falls short." This individual neglects their prayer by diminishing its essential components: reducing the quality of their ablution (wudu), failing to observe prayer times diligently, ignoring the prescribed boundaries and rules of prayer, and not completing its fundamental pillars properly.

The second level is for those who diligently maintain the prayer's timings, fulfill its outward requirements, and perform ablution correctly. However, they struggle with internal distractions, allowing their minds to wander with intrusive thoughts and وسوسة (whispers or distractions), thus losing focus during their supplication.