SHAFAQNA -Why is Salaat so important in Islam? It is narrated from Imam Ridha/Reza (AS) who said: The Salaat takes any pious person close to Allah (SWT) [1]. In another narration, Imam Ridha (AS) said: The first deed which is checked and accounted for the human being is Salaat; if it is correct and accepted, the rest of the prayers will be accepted; otherwise they are rejected [2].
[1] Wasa’elul Shia, Vol. 4, Page 43, Hadith 4469.
[2] Mostadrakul Wasa’el, Vol. 3, Page 25, Hadith 4.