SALĀH: A GREAT IBĀDAH

Salāh is indeed a great act of worship. It encompasses all the ibādahs of the angels in the seven heavens, with each level of angels engaged in a different form of worship – some in qiyam, some in ruku, and others prostrating. All these ibadahs are consolidated in salāh, and we partake in each level of angelic worship through our salāh.
In the Qur’ān, the term “salāh” always appears in conjunction with the phrase “iqamah (establishment, performing it properly).” This indicates that true believers establish their salāh properly while hypocrites are only mentioned as “performing it.” This implies that while many pray, only a few do so properly. As Hazrat Umar (radhiyallāhu anhu) said, “Many come to the Ka‘bah with their mounts, but few become true hujjāj (pilgrims).” Therefore, Muslims should perform salāh with presence of heart, not heedlessly.
SAYYID BATTĀL GHAZI AND HIS COMPLEX
Sayyid Battāl Ghazi, originally named Abdullah al-Battāl, was from Antakya (Antioch). He was a renowned Islamic hero, known for his bravery and valour as one of the commanders of the Umayyad forces who marched towards Istanbul.
The expedition to Istanbul led by Maslama bin Abdulmalik faced many hardships, especially during the winter in Anatolia when they lacked supplies and reinforcements. Battāl Ghazi displayed great heroism during this challenging expedition and in subsequent battles. His life was spent on the frontiers, participating in numerous battles and striking fear into the Byzantine Empire. He attained shahadah (martyrdom) in a battle against the Byzantines in the year 112 of the hijri calendar (730-731 C.E.). His tomb is located in Seyitgazi, a district named after him, in Eskisehir, Turkiye.
When asked, “What is courage?” Battāl Ghazi replied, “It is a moment of patience.”
Next to the spot where he was martyred in Seyitgazi, a complex including a masjid, madrasah, soup kitchen, and a dervish lodge were built, forming a tribute to his memory.