Question
How our Salah is related to Haya? People pray 5 times a day & still have no Haya why is that?
Answer
Prayer is the spiritual exercise that develops the soul and cultivates character. It is supposed to be the constant reminder of who we are, what we are supposed to be doing and to whom we are answerable. This reminder is a self-check and a way to build on what is good. When it comes to (Haya) decorum, prayer’s purpose is to enhance our awareness of our behavior in every aspect of our lives. The two sides, spiritual and material, are co-dependent and can nourish each other or diminish any good in either. Thus, prayer works to train both to work with one another to attain piety.
The question of why people do the things they do is impossible to answer. No one knows the minds of others, much less know their lives to understand fully why they do what they do. However, and it is unfortunate, many people simply go through the motions of prayer. For some it becomes a mechanical, empty of its spiritual element. Instead of every movement having meaning and understanding that with every motion is devotion the act of prayer simply an avenue to satisfy an obligation. The thing with propriety is that it can take time to develop. Some people maybe at a stage that even if they are praying they have not quite found their moral center. So it could be that you are catching that person at a point where a variety of aspects of their character has not yet caught up with their training (i.e. prayer). Another important point to keep in mind is that from our perspective we have to be careful not to fall into the trap of being judgmental. In addition to all its flaws, we have to remember that our perception of proper behavior might be amplified beyond what is reasonable. There are some people that are more conservative than others; the religion does not require it but people place their perception of right and wrong on equal footing with religion, without realizing it. From there the trouble starts because they see themselves at a different level and others below them. This is the danger of being judgmental.
One should do their best to avoid judging people and instead pray for the best for their fellow human beings. The point is not a pity prayer but a genuine prayer that all good come to them. If that can be done, it should help us focus more on ourselves and the goodness of others and not target whatever negative we perceive. No one knows who is struggling, so why should we jump to any conclusions? Besides, what of our shortcomings? All in all, if we keep in perspective our relationship with God it should help us develop ourselves without being overly concerned with others’ religious levels. In fact, it might be refreshing.
Consider the following verses for a deeper understanding of prayer. The first, establishing the essence for the condition of prayer. The second, the effects on those who are sincere in their prayers.
…They who are during their prayer humbly submissive… -Al Mu’minoon 23:2
…Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do. -Al ‘Ankaboot 29:45
May God guide us all and aid us in our respective struggles.
I hope this helps.
God knows best.