Question

What is the status of this narration?

إن أهم أمركم عندي الصلاة فمن حفظها وحافظ عليها حفظ دينه ومن ضيعها فهو لما سواها أضيع

Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhu) wrote to his governors, “The most important of all affairs according to me is Salah. Whoever protects it and is punctual with regards to offering it, his Din will be protected and safeguarded. And whoever destroys it/is not punctual then he will be far more negligent with regards to other deeds”

Answer

This is an authentic narration recorded by Imam Malik (rahimahullah).

(Muwatta Imam Malik, Hadith: 6)

The Hadith in question goes on to mention the timings of the five Salah. See more on the authenticity here.

(Also see: Musannaf ‘Abdur Razzaq, Hadith: 2039)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar