The moral and ethical development of an individual is a fundamental aspect of Islamic teachings, and regular prayers are emphasized as a means to cultivate self-discipline and control over one’s desires and impulses. Here’s a real understanding of this subject for teaching Muslims:

1. Foundations in Islamic Teachings:

• Submission to Allah: Islam teaches that one’s desires and actions should be aligned with the will of Allah.
• Purpose of Self-Discipline: Regular prayers serve as a means to discipline the self, aligning personal desires with the ethical principles outlined in Islamic teachings.

2. Training the Nafs (Soul/Self):

• Spiritual Growth: Muslims believe that self-discipline leads to spiritual growth and closeness to Allah.
• Striving for Excellence: The process of self-discipline is a continuous striving for excellence in character and conduct.

3. Integration of Worship and Behavior:

• Consistency in Worship: Regular prayers help in maintaining consistency in worship, reinforcing the link between one’s acts of devotion and daily behavior.
• Ethical Conduct: Muslims are encouraged to exhibit ethical conduct in all aspects of life, mirroring the values promoted in prayers.

4. Submission in Action:

• Symbol of Submission: The physical postures in prayer, such as bowing and prostration, symbolize submission to Allah.
• Translating Submission to Daily Life: Muslims are taught to translate the submission experienced in prayer into their daily actions, cultivating a disciplined and controlled approach to life.

5. Control Over Desires and Impulses:

• Physical Control: The practice of stopping daily activities for prayers instills physical control over one’s body and actions.
• Resistance to Impulses: Regular prayers help in resisting impulsive behaviors and desires that may lead to unethical actions.

6. Guidance from Quranic Verses:

• Quranic Teachings on Self-Discipline: Numerous Quranic verses emphasize self-discipline, control over desires, and the importance of moral and ethical conduct.
• Reflection on Quranic Guidance: Muslims are encouraged to reflect on these verses during prayers, internalizing the moral lessons they convey.

7. Seeking Forgiveness and Repentance:

• Built-in Mechanism: Prayers serve as a built-in mechanism for seeking forgiveness and repentance.
• Acknowledging Imperfections: Muslims recognize their imperfections during prayers and seek Allah’s mercy, fostering a humble and self-aware attitude.

8. Mindful Prayer (Khushu):

• Concentration in Prayer: Muslims strive for Khushu (concentration) during prayers, focusing not only on physical postures but also on the inner states of being.
• Application Outside Prayer: Developing mindfulness during prayers helps in applying the same level of awareness to daily actions, promoting ethical behavior.

9. Consistency and Routine:

• Establishing a Routine: The daily routine of prayers instills a sense of consistency in self-discipline.
• Building Habits: Regularity in prayer helps in building habits of ethical conduct and self-control.

10. Reflection and Accountability:

• Daily Self-Reflection: Prayer times offer moments for self-reflection, enabling individuals to assess their actions and intentions.
• Accountability to Allah: Muslims believe in being accountable to Allah for their deeds, motivating them to cultivate self-discipline.

Teaching Muslims About Self-Control through Prayers:

1. Understanding the Spiritual Significance: Teach that self-discipline through prayers is not just a physical exercise but holds spiritual significance, contributing to one’s moral and ethical development.

2. Reflecting on Quranic Teachings: Encourage Muslims to reflect on Quranic verses related to self-discipline and ethical conduct during their prayers, fostering a deeper connection to these teachings.

3. Linking Actions to Intentions: Emphasize the importance of aligning actions with intentions, making sure that one’s behavior outside of prayer reflects the values and principles upheld during worship.

4. Encouraging Mindful Prayer: Teach the concept of Khushu and encourage worshippers to be mindful and present during prayers, translating this mindfulness to their behavior outside the prayer mat.

5. Linking Repentance to Self-Control: Discuss how seeking forgiveness and repentance during prayers is linked to self-control, as it involves acknowledging and rectifying mistakes.

6. Consistency in Worship: Highlight the significance of consistency in worship, as it forms the basis for developing habits of ethical conduct and self-control.

7. Fostering a Sense of Accountability: Emphasize the belief in being accountable to Allah for one’s actions, reinforcing the idea that self-discipline is a personal responsibility and commitment.

8. Practical Application: Provide examples of how self-discipline practiced during prayers can be practically applied to daily life, promoting ethical decision-making.

9. Encouraging Positive Habits: Motivate Muslims to use the routine of prayers as a foundation for cultivating positive habits in various aspects of life, emphasizing self-control over negative impulses.

10. Promoting a Balanced Lifestyle: Remind Muslims that self-discipline is not about suppressing desires but about finding a balance that aligns with Islamic values, promoting a holistic and ethical lifestyle.

In summary, self-discipline and control over desires and impulses are integral aspects of moral and ethical development in Islam. Regular prayers serve as a practical and spiritual tool for Muslims to cultivate self-discipline, align their actions with ethical principles, and continuously strive for excellence in character and conduct.