Is Salah (Prayer) a debt?

Dear Brother / Sister,

Here are the statements of the Qur'an on the issue:

- "Who is he that will loan to Allah a beautiful loan, which Allah will double unto his credit and multiply many times?" (al-Baqara, 2/245)

- "If ye (but) establish regular prayers, practise regular charity, believe in My Messengers honour and assist them, and loan to Allah a beautiful loan, verily I will wipe out from you your evils and admit you to Gardens with rivers flowing beneath." (al-Maeda, 5/12)

- "Who is he that will loan to Allah a beautiful Loan? For (Allah) will increase it manifold to his credit and he will have (besides) a liberal reward." (al-Hadid, 57/11)

- "For those who give in Charity, men and women, and loan to Allah a Beautiful Loan, it shall be increased manifold (to their credit) and they shall have (besides) a liberal reward." (al-Hadid, 57/18)

- "If ye loan to Allah a beautiful loan He will double it to your (credit), and He will grant you Forgiveness: for Allah is most Ready to appreciate (service) Most Forbearing―" (at-Taghabun, 64/17)

One of the meanings of prayer is shukr (giving thanks to Allah). Shukr is not a debt for the benefactions of the future but for the previous ones.

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