During the rule of Taghut (Pahlavi regime), in some of the dreadful and horrific prisons of that regime— where people from various backgrounds were held captive, from Muslim prisoners with Islamic thoughts to some other groups with inclinations towards political parties and various ideologies, including the ones with Islamic ideologies, or at least named so—there were prisoners who reportedly said, (I had even heard it firsthand): “Stop repeating ‘Rush to the prayer’ [Hayya 'Alas-Salah"], and instead, call ‘Rush to Jihad'! It is the climate of combat that has brought about a manner of thinking and a perspective that leads you to constantly insist on ritual prayers and call people to rush to the prayer'; rather, you should call them to 'rush to Jihad' and invite people to Jihad.
But experience ascertained how neglecting the ritual everyday prayers negatively affects a human being and humans' Jihad [selfless endeavor]. It impedes Jihad. It deviates the fight from Jihad to a fight for the sake of power and satisfying temptations and desires. What turns a human's struggle and a nation's challenge into Jihad, is paying attention to God—which is safeguarded by performing prayers.
Statements during a meeting with organizers and officials of Prayers Performing organization September 18, 2006
